Does Advent sometimes feel rushed and overwhelming as you prepare for the holidays? 

If you’re longing to slow down and refocus on the true meaning of the season, we invite you to join us for a 

special time of reflection at our Advent Retreat. Together, we will listen to Dr. Brant Pitre share The Jewish Roots of Mary and The Jewish Roots of Christmas.

Week One: Jesus & the Jewish Roots of Mary

Option 1: Wednesday, Dec. 10th from 9:45-11:15 am 

Option 2: Thursday, Dec. 11th from 6:00 - 7:30 pm

Why do Catholics say that Mary was sinless? And how can they believe that Mary was assumed into heaven? Why do Catholics give Mary so much honor? Is the Catholic veneration of Mary really “idolatry”? In this eye-opening presentation, Dr. Pitre sheds light on the Old Testament's portrayal of Mary, the mother of Jesus.

Week Two: The Jewish Roots of Christmas

Option 1: Wednesday, Dec. 17th from 9:45-11:15 am 

Option 2: Thursday, Dec. 18th from 6:00 - 7:30 pm

What is the true meaning of Christmas? Why is the birth of a Jewish boy in Bethlehem the center of human history? And why is the feast of Christmas so beloved, not just among Christians, but even among unbelievers? Dr. Pitre answers these and other questions by drawing on the Bible and ancient tradition to shed light on the lesser-known Jewish roots of this beloved holiday.

Don’t worry, these sessions require no prep work or homework. Simply come as you are and be refreshed!  

All sessions will be in the hall here at Queen of Apostles. There is a small fee of $5 (before December 3rd, $10 after) to cover the cost of handouts. To register, please contact the parish office. 

Our Knights of Columbus Council No. 3562 invites children in grades 1-4 to participate in their annual Christmas Poster Contest!

The theme of the contest is: “The True Meaning of Christmas”.  There are four levels of competition so that children are competing with young people of their own grade level.  Winners will be selected from each of the grades 1-4.  There are no fees for any child entering the contest.

Posters can be returned to our parish office or at your faith formation classes here at Queen of Apostles by Sunday, December 8th.  If you have any questions, please contact our parish office.  

Rules and Regulations 

Eligibility:  

Contest is open to all students in grades 1 through 4 who are in private or public schools or are home schooled.  Judging will take place in four separate categories.  First, second and third place winners will be selected in grades 1, 2, 3, and 4.  

Size of Poster: 

The poster may NOT EXCEED 12” x 18" - standard construction paper or tag board is suggested instead of poster board. 

Media: 

1. Crayons   
2. Colored Pencils 
3. Watercolors  
4. Magic Marker  
5. Colored Pens 
6. Pen and Ink

Notes:

1. All ideas in posters should be original 
2. No "paste-ons" or pastels accepted  
3. No traced letters or pictures 

Judging of Posters:

Judges are to use the following criteria: 

Expression of True Christmas Theme: 20 Points

Originality: 30 Points

Artistic Quality: 50 Points

Total: 100 Points

“The True Meaning of Christmas” results in numerous scenes of the Holy Family in the stable.  While this may compromise originality, a manger scene of high artistic quality will certainly catch the eye of many judges.  Past winning entries have focused on the Baby Jesus, the Madonna and Child, or the Magi on their journey to Bethlehem.  Others emphasized family gatherings, a country church on Christmas Eve, Peace on Earth or incorporated Christmas carols.   It is not necessary to include the words of the theme on the posters!   It is suggested that entrants try to avoid use of materialistic images of Christmas and concentrate on the religious aspects of this very joyous day.

Identification: 

All posters MUST have a completed identification label attached in the upper left-hand corner on the back of poster.  (Click the button below for sample labels to print.)  All winners will be notified by December 12, 2025.  Winners will receive a certificate and a small gift card or small cash award.

Note:

The label should be completely filled out and must be attached on the BACK UPPER LEFT HAND CORNER of each poster.  No other writing should be on the pack of the poster.

Date: Sunday, December 14th

Time: After the 8:00 & 10:30 am Masses

Join us for our Christian Women Cookie Walk! Come enjoy a festive selection of homemade cookies and build your own cookie box—perfect for gifting, sharing, or treating yourself.

Cost: $8 per pound

Payment: Cash or check only, please

Let us do the baking for you—just stop by, fill a box, and enjoy the sweetness of the season!