Students from St. Francis in Roy process in for a Nativity play.
Students from St. Francis in Roy process in for a Nativity play.
ROY — Each Advent season the student council of St. Francis School in Roy sponsors a schoolwide food drive. Goals are set with a schoolwide reward and a reward for the classroom that collects the most non-perishable food. This year, 1,986 pounds was collected and donated to both St. Vincent DePaul in Forest Grove at St. Anthony’s and the Sonrise Food Pantry in Banks.  

“This year’s food drive has been very successful and fun,” one student wrote. “Even if the goal was raised each year, the whole school has always been able to get above the goal, helping many people.”  

Another student noted, “We all get together and help less fortunate kids.”  

Along with the work of mercy in feeding the hungry, students and staff began each Advent day with prayer around the Jesse Tree, remembering the prophets from the Old Testament who foretold Jesus’ coming.

This year Advent culminated with a Christmas program titled  “Heavenly Peace, an Advent/Christmas Vesper Service.” Former music teacher, Daniel Dangca, organized and prepared students for the program, which won praise. Parents, relatives and parishioners gathered in the church to begin vespers with prayer and song.  

Each grade processed in, singing a verse of “O Come, O Come Emmanuel.” The remainder of the evening was filled with prayer, readings and song. The service concluded with the Nativity scene by the kindergarteners, first and second graders while everyone sang, “Silent Night.”

The new year begins with a welcome for Kelliann Wright, new music teacher and parish music director.