SETON #03 - Advent - St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
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SETON November/December Advent 2021 #03 CRAFTS PRAYERS MOVIES & MUSIC ALL ABOUT YEAR OF THE Advent EUCHARIST! Edition
CONTENTS 09 Make a Christmas card with us! Seton, Third Volume Thank you for reading our E-zine once again. This year we are celebrating the Eucharist. Coloring page Low stress Advent to-do Seton Staff’s favorite 05 List Christmas movies. What is the Eucharist? About the Eucharist, from the 10 Catholic Church to pg. 4 The Year of the Eucharist About the year of the Eucharist pg. 6-7 Movie Recommendations Why we celebrate the By the Seton Staff year of the Eucharist, pg. 14 and when did we start? Who was the real Santa? 12 06 Christmas Music Playlist by our Seton young ones! pg. 14 Answer Key Know the answers to all the jokes Spotify Christmas playlist provided in the corner of the pages Why is it important to with answer key to all the pg. 15 give on Christmas, and jokes from the corner of 15 traditions around the each spread. 08 14 Advent Prayers world. And citations pg. 16 WHAT DO YOU CALL AN OBNOXIOUS REINDEER?
The Eucharist, also called holy communion, the sacrament, or the Lord’s sup- WHAT IS THE EUCHARIST? per, is a kind of religious ritual in many Christian churches. It started when Jesus Christ told his followers to eat bread (His body) and drink wine (His blood) in memory of him, at the Last Supper. In the Roman Catholic Church According to the Roman Catholic Church, the Eucharist is the true presence of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. During a Mass, through the act of transub- stantiation, the bread and wine offered change, and are no longer bread and wine. They become the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. The bread and wine do not change appearance, but they are the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, which Catholics in good standing (not in the state of mortal sin) come and receive Christ—they consume Him. This follows what was said by Christ “Eat my Body and Drink my Blood” (John ch.6). Most Protestant denomina- tions believe that this was meant as a symbol, while the Catholic Church bases its beliefs on the tradition handed down through the church. First century St. Ignatius of Antioch, disciple of the beloved disci- ple John, in speaking of “the heretics plaguing the church” in their day, wrote: “They abstain from the Eucharist because they do not confess that the Eucharist is the flesh of our Savior Jesus Christ” (Smyrnaeans, 7). From the second century, St. Justin Martyr wrote: “This food we call Eucharist, which no one is allowed to share except the one who believes that our teaching is true, and who has been washed with the washing that is for the remission of sins, and unto regeneration, and so lives as Christ has handed down. For we do not receive these as common bread and com- mon drink; but just as Jesus Christ our Savior, having been made flesh by the word of God, had both flesh and blood for our salvation, so likewise we have learned that the food over which thanks has been given by the prayer of the word which comes from him, and by which our blood and flesh are nourished through a change, is the Flesh and Blood of the same incarnate Jesus” (The First Apology). In other Churches In most Protestant churches, not including Lutheranism, the sacrament of com- munion involves eating small wafers or Matzos and drinking wine or grape juice, and not believing that it is the actual body and blood of Jesus, but as a very important symbolic observance, and fulfillment of what Christ commanded. Some churches offer it daily, some weekly, some monthly, and some a few times a year. Unlike the Catholic teaching, Lutherans teach that the bread and wine is Jesus’ body and blood, but is bread and wine also (consubstantiation). In the Latter Day Saints or “Mormon” Church, followers eat small pieces of bread and drink water. They believe that this is a symbol of the body and blood of Jesus, and they call it the Sacrament. They also believe that it helps them to make the promises of baptism all over again. WHAT DID THE STAMP SAY TO THE CHRISTMAS CARD?
THE YEAR OF THE EUCHARIST The Year of the Euchrist is the name of the liturgical year. This year it is celebrated from Corpus Cristi 2021- to Corpus Christ 2022. On June 10, 2004, Pope John Paul II announced the dedication of an entire year to the Blessed Sacrament and invited the entire Church to reflect upon the Eucharist. Pope John Paul II made several suggestions to the Church in order to help the faithful benefit from the Year of the Eucharist. He called on Catholics to understand the Eucharist as “an urgent summons to testimony and evan- gelization,” providing the necessary strength to carry out the “charge” given at the end of each Mass to spread the Gospel. John Paul II also asked for a commitment to a “culture of the Eucharist,” i.e. a commitment to providing witness to God’s real presence in the world. Another reflection offered by Pope John Paul II is that of the meaning of the word Eucharist: Thanksgiving. John Paul II said, “In Jesus, in his sacrifice, in his unconditional ‘yes’ to the will of the Father, is contained the ‘yes’, the ‘thank you’ and the ‘amen’ of all humanity.” He asked for a commitment to giving thanks to God, which he called a “’Eucharistic’ attitude.” WHAT DO SNOWMEN EAT FOR BREAKFAST?
THE IMPORTANCE OF GIVING One of the main reasons we have the cus- All over the world, families and friends tom of giving and receiving at Christmas, give presents to each other. Although is to remind us of the presents given to Santa Clause (also known as St Nicholas, Jesus by the Wise Men (Frankincense, or Father Christmas) is the most popular Gold, and Myrrh). gift bringer around the world, Spain and Latin American countries believe that it However, Christmas itself is really about a is the Wise Men who bring children gifts, big present that God gave the world about as parts of Germany believe in Christkind, 2000 years ago- Jesus! One of the most Italy believe in an old lady called Befana. famous Bible verses, John 3:16, says: ‘God loved the world so much, that he gave his In the next page, you can give by writing a one and only son, so that whoever believes note to anyone who may be lonely, some- in him may not be lost but have eternal life.’ one you are thinking about, someone far away, close by, or even Santa Clause! DEAR SINCERELY, WHAT KIND OF PHOTOS DO ELVES TAKE?
Fr. Paul: My favorite movie is Die Hard. I like to watch it with family or friends because there are so many memorable lines! Brendan Walls: Love Actually, Because it reminds us that love knows no distance Michelle Nguyen: I would have to say I have 2 that come to mind: The or boundaries, what the protagonist did in Love Actually is what Jesus does for us. Christmas Story A favorite that came to be as my husband is heard with such laughter every year! We are encouraged to watch it as a family; with all of the numerous funny parts in the movie in no time we are all laughing! The Christmas Shoes A favorite that touched my heart the first time I watched. The music, the love of family, the raw emotions in which you feel Liam Benton: I’d have to say that my favorite Christmas movie is “A for this little girl as she does her best to give her mom all that she can Christmas story”. I think every child can identify with Ralphie as he wants so desperately to get the one gift he shouldn’t have, but must also suffer through the not so great pink nightmare gifts that every kid gets. It paints the picture of nostalgia that taps into my own childhood nostalgia, which includes watching this hilarious movie with my parents as a child and now my children as a parent. It brings up memories of Griffin Connors: My movie is “Christmas Vacation”. laughs with those I love and allows me to make new memories and tra- It’s a classic funny Christmas movie that my family loves. ditions with my kids. As I get older I can certainly identify more with We watch it every Christmas Eve. We’ve even memorized the overprotective mother and dad who works hard to get his kids what lines from watching it so much. they want. There are so many memorable lines and moments that bring a smile to my face, it’s truly a Christmas classic! Emily Gretz: Our family of now four adults, often watches Elf which is always a good laugh. We also love to watch The Music Man – not a Christmas movie, but one that is a family favorite that we’ve shared since our kids were little. Susan Iacaruso: It’s a Wonderful Life. Love how his whole attitude in life changes. Mitzy Deras: Home Alone- I can’t have a Christmas where we don’t watch the movie as a family. The creativity, and shenanigans it took to protect the house (please do not try at home!) and the cute cheesy lesson makes for a great Christmas classic. WHAT DOES THE GINGERBREAD MAN PUT ON HIS BED?
THE TRUTH ABOUT SANTA CLAUS Saint Nicholas, the candy cane is meant to reflect the bishop's Bishop of Myra crozier (shepherd's staff) which Nicholas carried. In the middle ages the figure of The real story of 'Santa' Nicholas was often accompanied by a devil- goes back to a fourth like character to symbolise the choice between century Christian saint good and evil. Like Nicholas, people were named Nicholas. inspired to offer little gifts and acts of kindness Nicholas was Bishop of to each other in secret, seeking nothing in Myra. He had a great heart for the poor and return. The practice of giving Christmas courageously pursued justice. One story tells baskets to those in need is also a St Nicholas how Nicholas heard that three innocent men custom. had been handed over to some soldiers to be executed. He ran to the site, grabbed the From St Nick to the American 'Santa' executioner's sword and freed the men. Another story tells how, when Myra was in the In nineteenth century New York a number of grip of famine, Nicholas convinced sailors on popular writers and artists began depicting St route to Egypt to share their wheat cargoes Nicholas as an elfin Dutch figure who smoked FROM THE CHILDREN’S CHOIR: FROM MIDDLE SCHOOL MEET UP: with the people. Not only were the people fed, a clay pipe and brought gifts down the but the wheat cargoes were miraculously chimney. However it took a 1930s Coca Cola RUDOLPH THE RED NOSE REINDEER - ELLIE IT’S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE replenished. Nicholas was not the shy, retiring advertising gimmick to give the American MICHELLE, KAITLIN, HAN CHRISTMAS BY MICHAEL BUBLE type. When confronted by the notorious heretic Santa image the mass appeal we are so Arius, Nicholas slapped him in the face! familiar with today. For 35 years Coca Cola Offended by this breach of decorum the was sold using the life-size, plump, jolly, FROSTY THE SNOWMAN - NAM ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS YOU BY emperor threw Nicholas into prison. It is said red-suited, cherry-faced, white-bearded, Santa MARIAH CAREY that in prison Nicholas was visited by Jesus and figure. He appeared in magazines, posters JINGLE BELLS ROCK - RACHEL, MOLLY, the Virgin Mary who brought him the Book of and shops all over the country encouraging DANIEL, EVIE DOMINICK THE DONKEY BY LOU MONTE the Gospels and his bishop's stole. Many icons Americans to enjoy Coke to quench 'a thirst for in the Eastern Church depict this scene. all seasons'. Santa was now an icon of contemporary commercial culture! JINGLE BELLS - CECILIA, WILLIAM, FIONA GOD REST YE MERRY GENTLEMEN BY From the Bishop to 'St Nick' PENTATONIX So there you have it. 'Santa Claus' as we know CAROL OF THE BELLS - JACK Over the centuries, as 'Nicholas' stories and him evolved from a fourth century Bishop, a THE CHRISTMAS SONG BY NAT KING COLE devotions spread, the saint's image became courageous man of faith and a friend of the WE WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS - JOHN more gentle and benign. He was portrayed as poor. Today the original saint is increasingly attracting attention from people in search of CHRISTMAS TIME IS HERE BY VINCE a compassionate friend to children, Leaving fruits, nuts, cookies and sweets in shoes and the spiritual dimension of the festive season. ROCKING AROUND THE CHRISTMAS TREE - GUARALDI TRIO stockings on the eve of St Nicholas' Feast Day KARA which is December 6th. In fact, the shape of Source: St Nicholas Centre: www. stnicholascenter.org This is a delightful website for rediscovering the 'Real' Santa Claus, including Nicholas stories, prayers, recipes FELIZ NAVIDAD - ALEX 1) RUDE-OLPH and children's activities. Worth a visit this Christmas! 2) STICK WITH ME AND WE’LL GO PLACES! 3) FROSTED FLAKES By Teresa Pirola, Catholic Parish of Our Lady of Dolours, Chatswood, NSW, Australia. Used by permission. WE THREE KINGS - JESSE 4) ELF-IES Copyright © 2005 St. Nicholas Center, may be printed for non-profit use. For all other uses, please contact 5) COOKIE SHEETS info@stnicholascenter.org. 6) FLEECE NAVIDAD! MEMORIES - SAVANNA 7) THE SNOW BANK WHERE DOES SANTA KEEP HIS MONEY?
ADVENT PRAYER FIRST WEEK THIRD WEEK ALL-POWERFUL GOD, INCREASE LORD GOD, MAY WE, YOUR PEOPLE, OUR STRENGTH OF WILL FOR DOING WHO LOOK FORWARD TO THE BIRTH- GOOD THAT CHRIST MAY FIND AN DAY OF CHRIST EXPERIENCE THE JOY EAGER WELCOME AT HIS COMING OF SALVATION AND CELEBRATE THAT AND CALL US TO HIS SIDE IN THE FEAST WITH LOVE AND THANKSGIV- KINGDOM OF HEAVEN, WHERE HE ING. WE ASK THIS THROUGH CHRIST LIVES AND REIGNS WITH YOU AND OUR LORD. AMEN. THE HOLY SPIRIT ONE GOD, FOREVER AND EVER. AMEN. FOURTH WEEK SECOND WEEK ALL-POWERFUL GOD, YOUR ETERNAL GOD OF POWER AND MERCY OPEN WORD TOOK FLESH ON OUR EARTH OUR HEARTS IN WELCOME. REMOVE WHEN THE VIRGIN MARY PLACED THE THINGS THAT HINDER US FROM HER LIFE AT THE SERVICE OF YOUR RECEIVING CHRIST WITH JOY SO PLAN. LIFT OUR MINDS IN WATCHFUL THAT WE MAY SHARE HIS WISDOM HOPE TO HEAR THE VOICE WHICH AND BECOME ONE WITH HIM WHEN ANNOUNCES HIS GLORY AND OPEN HE COMES IN GLORY, FOR HE LIVES OUR MINDS TO RECEIVE THE SPIRIT AND REIGNS WITH YOU AND THE WHO PREPARES US FOR HIS COMING. HOLY SPIRIT, ONE GOD, FOREVER WE ASK THIS THROUGH CHRIST OUR AND EVER. AMEN. LORD. AMEN. “EUCHARIST FACTS FOR KIDS.” EUCHARIST FACTS FOR KIDS, KIDDIE ENCYCLOPEDIA , 16 JULY 2021, KIDS.KIDDLE.CO/EUCHARIST. “YEAR OF THE EUCHARIST.” WIKIPEDIA, WIKIMEDIA FOUNDATION, 4 JAN. 2021, EN.WIKIPEDIA.ORG/WIKI/YEAR_OF_THE_EUCHARIST. COOPER, JAMES. “THE HISTORY OF CHRISTMAS PRESENTS ON WHYCHRISTMAS?COM.” WHY CHRISTMAS, 2020, WWW.WHYCHRIST- MAS.COM/CUSTOMS/PRESENTS.SHTML. ANN, KALEY. “24 SUPER LOW-PREP ADVENT ACTIVITIES FOR A FUN (AND LOW STRESS) DECEMBER.” MODERN PARENTS MESSY KIDS, MODERN PARENTS MESSY KIDS, 29AD, MODERNPARENTSMESSYKIDS. COM/24-SUPER-LOW-PREP-ADVENT-ACTIVITIES-FUN-LOW-STRESS- DECEMBER/. PIROLA, TERESA. “TRUTH ABOUT SANTA-ONE PAGE.” ST. NICHOLAS CENTER, CATHOLIC PARISH OF OUR LADY OF DOLOURS,
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