Christmas season at La Salle

Staff member Brian Devine wraps presents with junior Erin Dunn.

Milwaukie, Ore. - The Christmas season brought many opportunities for the 618 students at La Salle Prep in Clackamas County to reflect on the true meaning of the holiday, to prepare for Christ’s coming and to share their good fortune with others.

Throughout December 2009, La Salle students and staff participated in an annual Christmas drive and donated money to fifteen local Lot Whitcomb families who requested assistance during this financially challenging year.

More than 60 spirited students went shopping for the gifts on the family’s wish lists. On Sunday, December 13, 2009, members of the Lasallian Ministry class partnered with La Salle’s student council for a gift wrapping party to prepare all the purchased gifts. This year, La Salle’s Christmas drive raised over $3,500 for these families ensuring a joyous Christmas for many neighborhood children.

La Salle students were also offered several opportunities to prayerfully observe the Advent season. During the first week of Advent, the Lasallian Ministry class hosted the first student-led Advent Prayer Service in the school’s chapel. More than 50 students arrived before school began to join in prayer.

The next week, the La Salle Prep community celebrated the Mass of the Immaculate Conception at Christ the King Church. Celebrant Father Tom Doyle from the University of Portland invited those gathered to consider how the experience of immigrants today connects to the life of Mary.

Finally, on the day before Christmas Break, our students attended chapel services during religion classes. This Advent service focused on the Gift of Giving and allowed everyone to consider the intangible gifts they have to share with loved ones during the holidays. From the classroom to the cafeteria to the Brother Thomas Chapel, La Salle students found the joy in the true Christmas spirit of giving.

Founded in 1966 and sponsored by the Brothers of the Christian Schools, La Salle is a co-educational Catholic high school community, emphasizing rigorous college-preparatory curriculum and dedicated to a safe and loving environment. Students are challenged to fulfill their spiritual, academic and social potential in order to meet the demands of an ever-changing society. La Salle is especially committed to providing increased opportunities for economically marginalized youth.

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