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COMMUNITYby Wanda Scheuermann |
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During the Advent-Christmas season,
images of peaceful moments visiting family, of quiet
conversations over hot cider, of laughter and song come to
mind. Often the reality of this season is hectic buying,
little time to relax, mounting stress and frustration. How
can we help to create a community atmosphere that will
lessen the stress, not add to it?
Look at how your parish staff builds community. Gather regularly during this season. Take time to pray and share before going off to "do your own thing." Challenge each other to unify the season's activities so that the events will not further burden families. Offer a joint Christmas program for the Catholic school and parish catechetical program. With a little coordinating, it could be done with minimal effort. Assign different parts to each group with a joint closing. All the families could come together for the celebration. Plan one event during the Christmas season. Often we spend our energies on the Advent preparation and fail to enjoy this season when it comes. A simple pot-luck could create welcome and fellowship more in keeping with the message of Christmas. |
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