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 are seemingly caroling 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, this is especially true, as we spend the entire
Advent/Christmas season sharing that feeling with not just the BGA
family, but the surrounding community as well.
On
the evening of Friday, December 16th, twenty-two Bishop Ahr students
along with Principal Sister Donna Marie, Campus Minister Sister Cynthia,
associate principal, Harry Ziegler, Chaplain Father Keith Cervine,
eight faculty/staff members, and alumni travelled to Our Lady of Lourdes
Care Center in Lodi, NJ. Residing at the Care Center are the infirm
Felician Sisters. These sisters are considered Ahr Adopted Sisters! Each
month members of the BGA Christian Social Action 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
their room. The cards are written by every BGA Religion class and many
families. A dinner of pizza, chicken soup (Chef Martin always makes this
favorite for the students who love it) and ice cream topped with
whipped cream was enjoyed by all. The dinner was provided for all to
enjoy by the BGA community.
Adding to the
excitement of this year’s visit, was the presence of the sisters from
the Central Convent who eat their meals at the Care Center. 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 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 – Sisters, students, and
faculty. 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!