ST. ANNE’S BOOK CLUB CELEBRATES 10 YEARS
St. Anne’s Book Club recently celebrated its 10-year anniversary with a special luncheon at Finbars Italian Kitchen in Seal Beach. Members enjoyed a delicious meal, great conversation and discussion of their latest read, The Scent of Lemons, by Anne Licata-Solaas, who is also a member of the club.
Since its start 10 years ago, the vibrant community of readers has read a total of 83 books. Members have shared friendship, thoughtful discussions and a love of literature that only grows stronger.
Over the years, the club has featured several memorable events, including a reading and discussion of A Prescription for Faith with its author, local physician Dr. Jose Caceres. The club has also enjoyed Christmas-themed reads, such as: Silent Night: The Story of the WWI Christmas Truce (Stanley Weintraub), Mystery of the Magi (Fr. Dwight Longenecker), Joy to the World (Scott Hahn), Advent of the Heart (Fr. Alfred Delp, SJ), The Purpose of Christmas (Rick Warren), and Stories Behind the Best-Loved Songs of Christmas (Ace Collins).
For more information about St. Anne’s Book Club or to inquire about joining, contact Karen Chelling at (562) 252-5673.
JSERRA INAUGURAL CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING
JSerra Catholic High School welcomed students, families and the local community to its Inaugural Christmas Tree Lighting and newly renovated Quad Reveal on Dec. 4.
THE JSERRA CHOIR PERFORMS DURING THE SCHOOL’S INAUGURAL CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING HELD ON DEC. 4. PHOTO COURTESY OF JSERRA CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
The celebration included a special performance by the JSerra Choir, hot chocolate, festive treats, Christmas hall decoration voting and a countdown to the first official tree lighting. The event also marked the grand reveal of JSerra’s revitalized quad — now a central hub for student life and community building.
A WALK THROUGH BETHLEHEM
St. Francis of Assisi School’s First Annual “A Walk Through Bethlehem” took place on Dec. 9. This interactive Advent journey, organized by the Catholic Identity Team, provided families with a meaningful and prayerful way to reflect on the gift of Christ’s birth.
ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI SCHOOL’S FIRST ANNUAL “A WALK THROUGH BETHLEHEM” TOOK PLACE ON DEC. 9, FEATURING STUDENT FAMILIES TAKING ON THE ROLE OF THE HOLY FAMILY. PHOTO COURTESY OF RAEANNA ASHTON
The event drew a strong response from the community, with families joining for the journey to Bethlehem with Mary and Joseph. Families participated in the journey, encountering various scenes culminating in the wondrous night when our Savior, Jesus Christ, was born. The campus was successfully transformed into Bethlehem, thanks to the construction of incredible structures by parent volunteers. The evening featured dedicated participation from Holy Families (The Evelo and The Kearney Families), student actors and numerous day-of volunteers, whose joy helped bring the story to life. The evening concluded with a fellowship, featuring hot cocoa and cookies served in the Seamus Center.