St. Vincent students form living Advent wreath

Intermountain Catholic

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St. Vincent de Paul students become the Advent Wreath as kindergarten teacher Mary Williams places the third Advent candle on their heads.
Courtesy photo/St. Vincent de Paul School

SALT LAKE CITY — St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School students celebrated Advent in unique fashion. Each Monday during the season, kindergarteners led the student prayer service with a special Advent celebration.

Four kindergarten students were selected to be a "Human Advent Wreath," which was created by Amy Johnson, kindergarten aide. All grades gathered around the kindergarteners for the prayer service, singing "Stay Awake." The kindergarteners praised God for the symbolism of the evergreen crown and spoke about how it prepares people for Christ’s coming. "The evergreen is a symbol of eternal life. The candles are a symbol of Christ, the Light of the World," they spoke in unison.

Mrs. Williams, the kindergarten teacher, then placed a felt candle on the students’ heads. Every Monday in December, felt candles were added. The wreath was made up of three purple candles for expectations, and one pink for joy.

Students recited the following:

First candle: "As we light the first candle, fill us with your grace and prepare our hearts to welcome him with joy."

Second Candle: "As we light the second candle, open our hearts to serve you with joy."

Third Candle: "As we light the third candle, we rejoice that you are near. Fill us with wisdom to see your face in all those we meet."

Due to the Christmas holiday, the fourth candle was asked to be remembered on the when the students were out of school. Advent symbols help teach the intangibles of the season.