Everest Academy Lemont Blog

Happy Advent!  As we begin the Advent season, we begin a season of preparation. The lights and decorations, gifts and carols spur the Christmas preparations, but the most important preparation is that of our hearts. This Advent the students are making sure their hearts are ready to receive Baby Jesus by living the month’s virtue of vigilance.

 The word vigilance means a close and alert watchfulness. Soldiers keep watch so as to be on the alert and prepared for the Enemy.  As Catholics, we want to be alert to get rid of the “enemy” of sin and watchful and ready for when Christ comes with His grace into our lives.

The students will be practicing vigilance in 2 ways through the school campaign: 1) Making visits to Jesus in the Eucharist – once they make a visit, they can put a piece of hay into Jesus’ manger so they prepare a warm, soft bed for Him. 2) An Advent Program (picture below): each student will come up with 3 things that they want to work on in the areas of prayer, sacrifice and charity.


May God bless you and know that you are all in our prayers this Advent!

Living Vigilance Means ...Ways to practice vigilance:

V= Visit the Chapel and ask Jesus for help as you prepare for his birthday
 I = Improve your grades during December by spending extra time on your assignments
G = Give a toy for the toy drive to help a child in need this Christmas season
 I = Invite a new friend to sit with you at lunch and discuss how you are preparing for Christmas
L = Listen to your Mom and Dad without arguing
A = Ask your mom or teacher how you can helpwith a special task 
N = Notice the beautiful world around you and give thanks to God 
C = Celebrate Jesus’ birthday by giving him a special gift of sacrifice near   Christmas
E = Eat dinner with your family and tell each person one reason you love them

Teresa Maziarz Formation Instructor                                             Molly Maher Dean of Students