ADVENT 2024

 Welcome back to the OLQHS RELIGIOUS INTERACTIVE SITE.

Every Advent, Christmas, Lent & Easter, we come together to walk the journey of the seasons as a school community. We invite you and your family to join us on our journey as we discover a deeper meaning of the Liturgical Seasons.

During Advent, we will be building a JESSE TREE. 

Every day, this site will post a Jesse Tree Symbol that goes with a story from Scripture. There will also be a short commentary about the symbol and scripture. The Liturgical Readings for the Day will be notated, along with any special Feast Days or traditions. We invite you to use the links at the right of the page to navigate to sites, where you can access the Readings for the Day and other information.

We hope that you and your family have a FAITH-FILLED Advent Season.

WHAT IS A JESSE TREE?

The Jesse Tree

"O Root of Jesse, standing as a sign for all people, standing before the silence of kings, to whom the gentiles offer their prayers.  Come and deliver us."

The Jesse Tree helps us to remember that Advent is a time of waiting for the coming of the Savior.  It is a symbol of life and growth and is expressed through the ancestry of an individual.  The image is not unusual to us since we also speak about our family tree or our roots.

Jesse, whom the tree is named after, was the father of King David.  The tree reminds us of all the people who waited for the coming of the Savior.  We decorate the tree with symbols that remind us of some of the people who waited for the coming of the Savior--the patriarchs and matriarchs (our fathers and mothers in faith), the prophets, and the parents of the Lord.

If you would like to have your own Jesse Tree for your family in your home, please refer to links posted on the sidebar for assistance.

Mardi Gras 2024

The postings for ADVENT & CHRISTMAS are now concluded. 

Visit us again beginning on ASH

WEDNESDAY (Feb 14) as we journey through LENT & then the EASTER SEASON!

We live in an area of the world that celebrates Mardi Gras. 

The season of Mardi Gras has many connections with the Catholic Church.

• First of all, the season starts on Epiphany, or "King's Day," when the 3 kings brought the gifts of gold, frankincense and mur to the Christ Child.
• It is a time when the 3 liturgical seasons of Christmas (gold), Ordinary Time (green) and Lent (purple) come together.
• The "baby" in the king cake represents the Baby Jesus.
• The circular formation of the cake represents a crown.
• Also, it is a time of celebration before the season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday.
• Masks equalized the classes and made a level playing field.
• The torches of the flambeau represented the Light in the Darkness.

Here are some ways your family can celebrate a Catholic Mardi Gras: Catholic Mardi Gras Ideas

Baptism of the Lord 2024

Today, we celebrate the Baptism of Our Lord.

~In ancient times, the Christmas Season lasted from Christmas (Dec. 25 to Candlemas (Feb. 2) Today, the Church views the season to last until The Feast of the Baptism of our Lord. ~

Readings for the Day:
Isaiah 42:1-4. 6-7
Psalm 29
Mark 1:7-11

Alternate First Readings:

Isaiah :1-11

Acts 10:34-38

1 John 5:1-9

Feast of the Epiphany (celebrated) 2024

  Today we celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany.

Reading for the Day:
Isaiah 60:1-6
Psalm 72

Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6
Matthew 2:1-12

Second Saturday of the Christmas Season 2024

Today is the optional memorial of St. Andre Bessette.

It is also the traditional day for the Feast of the Epiphany.
Today is the 13th Day of the Christmas Season.

Readings for the Day:
1 John 5:5-13
Psalm 47
Matthew 1:7-11

Second Friday of the Season of Christmas 2024

 Today is also the Memorial of St. John Neumann.

"On the twelfth day of Christmas...
my true love gave to me....
twelve drummers drumming...."

Symbolism: The twelve drummers drumming symbolize the twelve beliefs stated in the Apostle's Creed.

Scripture: "Now they were persevering in the doctrine of the Apostles, and in the communion of the breaking of the bread, and in the prayers. And fear developed in every soul. Also, many miracles and signs were accomplished by the Apostles in Jerusalem. And there was a great awe in everyone. And then all who believed were together, and they held all things in common."
Acts of the Apostles 2:42-44

Readings of the Day:
1 John 3:11-21
Psalm 100
John 1:43-51

Second Thursday of the Christmas Season 2024

 Today is also the Feast of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton.

"On the eleventh day of Christmas.....
my true love gave to me.....
eleven pipers piping..."

Symbolism: The "eleven pipers piping" is symbolic of the eleven faithful disciples.

Scripture: "Now the eleven disciples went on to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had appointed them. And, seeing him, they worshipped him, but certain ones doubted. And Jesus, drawing near, spoke to them, saying: “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go forth and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have ever commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, even to the consummation of the age.”
Matthew 28:16-20

Readings for the Day:
1 John 3:7-10
Psalm 98
John 1:35-42