Meadow Hill

Prayers for peace and for justice

By Louise Haight
Posted 12/2/21

 Here we are at the start of another Christmas season, which means to Christians that we are at the beginning of Advent, November 28, and to slow down and prepare to receive the Savior that God …

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Meadow Hill

Prayers for peace and for justice

Posted

 
Here we are at the start of another Christmas season, which means to Christians that we are at the beginning of Advent, November 28, and to slow down and prepare to receive the Savior that God has already given us.  This Advent, let us open our hearts for peace.  Let our prayer for Christ’s coming be a longing for wars to end; for troops to return to their families.  But let it also be a longing for justice, that things set awry will be made right.
             
Happy Hanukkah to Jewish friends who have been celebrating the miracle of The Festival of Lights that began at sundown, November 28, commemorating the rededication, of the Temple in Jerusalem ending on December 6.  The miracle of Hanukkah is that a single day’s worth of sacramental oil kept the restored lamp of eternal light burning for eight days,   and it is this glorious season the Jews give their gratitude to the good Lord for all His blessings.  May the glow of the Hanukkah candles on the menorah warm your hearts, as a blessing is said each night the candles are lighted, and may the love and security of precious family, as you together share the timeless stories and solemn traditions with special fried foods, spinning the dreidel, enjoying chocolate gold coins called gelt, and singing songs that remind the family of the events commemorated.
 

Boys and Girls at Miss Cindy’s Neighborhood Nursery School enjoyed learning about our Native Americans and how friendly and helpful they were to the Pilgrims who sailed on a small ship, the Mayflower, from their homes in England to America, wanting a better life or freedom of religion.  Sailing across the Atlantic Ocean was dangerous.  In 1621, the Pilgrims settled on the Wampanoag homeland at Patuxet, which English explorers had renamed Plymouth.  The friendly Native Americans taught them how to grow food and hunt, and build homes.  The Pilgrims prayed to God giving thanks for homes and food and safety in a new land.  The Native Americans gave thanks to their God, who made the trees grow, the corn grow and all kinds of fruits.  On our greatest feast, Thanksgiving, we remember our Native Americans and Pilgrims, who perhaps sang the hymn they had brought to the New World, “Praise God from whom all blessings flow, Praise Him all creatures here below…”    
 
Catholic Daughters of the Americas, Court Patricia 195 hosted its annual Baby Shower for the St. Vincent De Paul Society Baby Outreach Program at their November 10 meeting, and needless to say this baby shower is one of the most successful and heart-warming gatherings of women that open wide their own treasure chest of cherished memories with sweet little bundles of joy.  All the dear and practical baby necessities to properly take care of newborns has become outrageously expensive, and the need is greater than ever, and it is most difficult to keep up with the overwhelming demand.

The dear ladies took into consideration the very cold season that startled us with frigid temperatures and early ice, but their warm hearts worked overtime to purchase the warmest outer wear for winter, sweater sets, blankets, outfits, onesies, diaper bags and diapers, formula, baby wipes, bibs, towels, and swaddling blankets, and all personal care items.  Dedicated to motherhood, whether a married woman, single or religious, the CDA and St. Vincent De Paul Society are ever thankful to those women who chose the path to a culture of life, instead of aborting a child during a challenging pregnancy.  Protect God’s most precious little ones, and He will protect you.  God bless mothers everywhere! 

Newburgh Free Library Town Branch in the Newburgh Mall has some entertaining programs for the month of December that promises fun for everyone.

Polar Express Kids Yoga: Saturday, Dec. 4, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.   Kids, ages 4 to 10 years old can join us for a celebration of the classic seasonal tale, “The Polar Express,” including listening to the book followed by yoga and activities based on the story.  Registration is required.  Contact Bonnie at (845) 563-3612.

Tuesday At Two Book Discussion: Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2 to 3:30 p.m.  Join librarian, Patty Sussmann, at the Town Branch for a book discussion of, “Once Upon a Wardrobe by Patti Callahan.” Digital copies are available through Hoopla as an e-book or e-audiobook.  Print & CD audiobook copies are available through the library catalog.  Call 845-563-3600, if you need help placing holds.

Tail Waggin’ Tutors: Tuesday, Dec. 7 and Dec. 14, 6:15 to 7:15 p.m.  Join us with your child for some calm reading time with a Certified Therapy Dog!  If your child needs practice time reading aloud or just a few minutes of time with a non-judgemental Therapy Dog, this program is for you.  One family at a time will be able to read with our pup... join us!

Sprouts & Shoots Storytime: Wednesdays, Dec. 8, Dec. 15, and Dec. 22, 1to 2:30 p.m.  Join us for a fun storytime with books, songs, rhymes and an activity!  This program is open to all children ages, 2-5 years, with Caregiver participation, come grow with us! NO program on December 29th. Masks are required.
Shake, Rattle & Read: Tuesday, Dec. 14, 1 to 1:30 p.m.   Join Ms. Carol at our Town Branch for a music and movement program featuring books, songs, and lots of fun.  Ages 1 - 5 with caregiver.

May you always have an angel at your side.