December 4, 2008 - So here it is, halfway through the first week of Advent and I’m already behind. Although I’ve managed to do a few extra things that I had planned, an extra Mass this week, making it to weekly rosary, I’m behind in my Advent reading and reflection. After a wonderful spiritual retreat a few weekends ago, I came back with a renewed sense of commitment to more scripture reading and reflection, and the commitment to more daily quiet time to read and pray. As life goes, the days got busy again, there is always more to read on the internet and preparing for the holidays is in full swing, both at work and at home. So, here’s to catching up in my “blue book” and having a more meaningful Advent season. Now, where is my Advent wreath packed…
 
On my mind…yesterday I attended the annual Central City Ministry School (CCMT) Christmas luncheon, which for me is always the unofficial start of the Christmas season. The CCMT school is comprised of two campuses, one at Rosary Cathedral School in the historic Old West End near downtown Toledo, and Queen of Apostles School, also near downtown but in the Old South End. Some would call these inner city schools, some call the urban schools, and to me they are always a joy to visit. These are not the kids of the wealthy suburbs, these are often children of poverty, hunger, and these are not brand new shiny schools with the latest technology.  The students of these schools are diverse; many of them are in our schools as part of the school voucher program, meaning they made the choice to leave a failing public or charter school to take advantage of a quality Catholic education. CCMT is largely supported by donations from very generous benefactors in our community, and when you are in these schools and see these kids, you understand why.  When I first attended the luncheon there were about 25 people, yesterday there were 90 people. A big thank you to anyone who supports this program.

A young man in New Jersey was killed last Friday at a Wal-mart, when customers rushed the doors at 5 am to get to the bargains. The man was trampled, and many stepped on or over him, and continued to shop, some were even angry that they were asked to leave the store when the young man was found. Black Friday takes on a whole new meaning in a circumstance like this, doesn’t it?  How senseless.

Every year my Mom and I talk about how we seem to miss many of the Christmas season events so this year, I’ve made it a point to get tickets to an annual production of The Nutcracker. For several years when I was young Mom took me to see The Nutcracker at the Rivoli Theater in downtown Toledo. I’ve also become a fan of the Masterworks Chorale Christmas Program at Epworth United Methodist Church, so we plan to go to that. “Heralding the Holidays” begins this weekend at the Toledo Botanical Gardens and it’s always so pretty so see the luminaries along the paths on Friday night. And speaking of lights, the zoo’s annual Lights before Christmas is not too missed. Last year I didn’t even put up a Christmas tree, time seemed to really get away—this year there will be a tree, or maybe even two. There’s Advent Lessons and Carols and other Christmas Concerts to be heard, so be sure to take some time for these kinds of things amongst all the other Christmas plans.

This Sunday I will gather with friends and wrap gifts for a family in need. We abandoned the idea of getting gifts for one another a few years ago and instead we use that money to buy gifts that we wrap and deliver to the family.  It’s always great to get together, wrap the gifts and enjoy a meal with my friends; they are a constant source of support, laughter and love in my life.

Here’s to a wonderful Advent season (as someone said this week, often a “forgotten season”, but a great time to prepare for the birth of Jesus.