How We Holiday at OLG

As we head into the holiday season, we remember that this is an important time of reflection, giving thanks, and sharing our blessings as we celebrate and anticipate the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Throughout the Thanksgiving and Advent season, students participate in prayer services, reconciliation, and a variety of the ways to prepare their hearts for the birth of Jesus. 

  • Band Concert - December 9

  • MS Choir Concert - December 9

  • K-2 Concert - December 11

  • Tree Lot Closes - December 13

  • 3-5 Concert - December 15

  • Day of Mercy - December 16-17

  • Preschool Concert - December 18

  • Teacher/Staff Appreciation Lunch - December 18

  • Student Christmas Mass and Lunch - December 19

  • Jubilate Kids Choir (Gr 3-4) Sing at Mass December 24

  • Nativity Play (Gr K-2) before Mass on December 24

  • Christmas Masses (click here for dates and times)

  • Plus the time-honored traditions listed below

Thanksgiving Baskets

Baskets, created by each classroom, are donated to families in need at the Basilica of St. Mary. Each student will be assigned a food item, to help create a complete Thanksgiving meal. The full basket helps a less fortunate local family have a Happy Thanksgiving.

Sponsor-A-Family

This year Sponsor-A-Family will benefit Ascension Catholic Academy, an organization of four Catholic grade schools in Minneapolis and St. Paul. Every classroom will adopt a family and fulfill their wish list. Students can help their parents shop and then bring in the items for parent volunteers to collect. 

Santa's Secret Shop (December 8-12)

The most merry and bright pop-up shop yule ever experience! Our community comes together to completely transform a dedicated space at OLG into a Winter Wonderland filled with gifts at varying price points. You will have the opportunity to help your student(s) make their list, send along some shopping money, and have them shop for the whole family. Shopping will happen during the school day, December 9-13 for K - 8 Grades. And preschool parents will have an opportunity to shop with your preschooler from 8:00 - 11:00 AM on December 12!  

This heartwarming experience is one of the kids' favorite of the year and brings with it so many memories and treasures. It takes a village to raise this up, so not only will there be ample volunteer opportunities, but it truly is an incredibly bonding experience for our OLG community. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to our sister school, JPII. Please talk to your kids about why their shopping matters more at Santa's Secret Shop and who it benefits! 

School Teacher/Staff Christmas Gift

PSO is again organizing a Christmas Gift Collection for ALL OLG teachers and staff. We are encouraging you to consider this voluntary option in lieu of an individual gift, as it means that all of our OLG staff members are remembered and appreciated. Family names and amounts will not be listed in the cards, but you can send a card to your child's teacher to let them know you participated. Thank you for sharing your generosity and joy with the entire OLG School. Please donate any monetary amount to the school-wide gift by 11:30 PM Wednesday, December 11.