BGAHS Family Shares Christmas Spirit at Care Center
Posted on 12/18/2017
Once again, that time of year is upon us: the time when people shop for others, place gifts under the tree, go to "Ugly Sweater" parties, and have a Christmas tune on their lips wherever they go. Most importantly, however, it is a time when families get together and the spirit of Christmas takes its place in each of us. At Bishop Ahr High School, this is especially true, as we spend the entire Advent/Christmas season sharing that feeling with not just the BGAHS family, but with the surrounding community as a whole.

On Monday, December 18, 28 BGAHS students along with Principal Sister Donna Marie, Campus Minister Sister Cynthia, Associate Principal Harry Ziegler, Chaplain Father Keith Cervine, and eight faculty/staff members and alumni travelled to Immaculate Conception Convent in Lodi, NJ. The sisters who are a part of the Care Center are considered Ahr Adopted Sisters! Each month members of the Christian Social Action Club (CSAC) write cards to the Sisters and it has become a tradition that we make a personal visit to them for Christmas. The group always brings a gift bag of Christmas cards for each sister and presents each one with a poinsettia flower for her room. The cards are written by every Religion class and many families as well. A dinner of pizza, chicken soup (Chef Martin always makes this favorite for the students who love it) and ice cream was enjoyed by all.

Adding to the excitement of this year's visit, was the presence of all of the sisters from Immaculate Conception Convent. Having so many sisters present for the singing of carols and acting out the "12 Days of Christmas" added to the joy of the evening. Each table of students, sisters, and teachers created and acted out their specific day of Christmas! Everyone had a smile on their face and sounds of laughter could be heard throughout the room.

The best part of this traditional visit is spending time visiting with the sisters. It was a special night for all of us and although we brought gifts for the sisters, the gifts of the heart that the sisters at Our Lady of Lourdes Care Center gave to each of us can never be measured with money. These "special gifts" of presence, sharing, praying, laughing, and singing will forever be a part of AHR Christmas memories and heart!

Our visit with the Sisters was the Best Christmas Gift that we could give and receive!