Cardinal Joseph Bernardin Catholic School Students Embrace the Spirit

The anticipation of Christmas was in the air, particularly for Cardinal Joseph Bernardin Catholic School in Orland Hills. Throughout this Advent Season, the students have been joyfully engaged in a wide range of activities that reflect the season’s true meaning. From heartfelt spiritual preparations to acts of charity and festive celebrations, they embody the spirit of Advent to prepare for the birth of Jesus Christ.

Cardinal Joseph Bernardin Catholic School has served the area for nearly 25 years. During that time, students and families have looked forward to the school's Advent and Christmas traditions.

Celebrating our Faith

First and foremost, we celebrate our Catholic Faith. Our students are learning that Christmas is not just about receiving but giving and growing in faith. They are preparing their hearts and minds to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, embodying the virtues of kindness, generosity, and love.

• The entire school celebrated the Feast Day of St. Nicholas on December 6th. The students were surprised to find that St. Nicholas had visited their classrooms and left a small treat.
• Everyone gathered at Mass for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. We were also able to recognize our Cardinals with Character for November. These students were awarded for representing the theme of Academics with a focus on Thankfulness and Gratitude.

• In the first week of Advent, the First Graders lit the candle on the Advent Wreath and decided on a kind deed that they would do for Jesus. They continued with 12 Days of Christmas Kindness, as each child colored an ornament when they completed a good deed.

• Seventh Graders were also preparing their hearts for Advent. They created their own version of an Advent Calendar. Instead of candy or a treat, they identified acts of service or kindness that they performed for their class, families or community.

• Kindergarteners created Nativity scenes and had them blessed to be used for years to come.

Supporting Local Communities

Students and families generously supported area organizations with donations for the Holiday Season.

• Partnered with the Orland Police Department in their annual Toy Drive. Several carloads of toys were donated to area children

• In honor of Jesus’ Birthday, the Student Council collected donations and put birthday bags together for My Joyful Heart. The gifts were blessed at a special Advent-Christmas Mass

• Members of the NJHS shopped, wrapped and delivered Christmas gifts to the Orland Township Holiday Giving Program

• Sixth Graders made snowmen from socks and rice and created holiday cards for the children at Lurie’s Children's Hospital. These fun activities were perfectly aligned with the month’s Virtue Lesson of Compassion

Festive Decorations, Performances and Fun

Our teachers and staff take decorating for Christmas to the next level! Every door, bulletin board and wall was beautifully decorated for the Holiday. Special thank you our Performing Arts, Concert Band and Creative Arts instructors for their creativity and extra hours of practice.

• The entire school created ornaments for the Orland Park Township Christmas tree located in Ravinia Park (14750 S. Ravinia). If you haven’t already seen it, come check out this Cardinal-themed tree. Since we had so many ornaments, we were able to decorate Christmas trees throughout the school building and the library.

• The Third Grade Brownie Troop attended the Brookfield Zoo Trim-a-Tree event. They created ornaments and decorated two trees

• Third Graders also became authors. They all worked together to publish a class book. “Twas the Night Santa Got Stuck in My Chimney.” Each student added a part of the story to get Santa unstuck and save Christmas.

• Our families loved to see our students jam at our first-ever Rock Band and Choir concert. The music continued with more Christmas favorites performed by the Beginner and Senior Concert Band.

• Sixth Graders went on a field trip to the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry to see the Christmas Around the World exhibit

• All students were able to shop at the Santa’s Secret Workshop. It is always uplifting to see the children carefully choosing gifts for family members, friends and sometimes, themselves. The best part is that the older students come to help the younger students shop.
• There was even time to have some fun at the Family Christmas Bingo Night. Thanks to our FSA (Family and Student Association) for hosting.
• Kindergarteners celebrated the fun of the season with their 8th Grade Buddies. The eighth graders traced their kindergartener friend to make giant gingerbread people.
• First Graders painted poinsettias based on the book, “The Legend of the Poinsettia” by Tomie dePaola

As we celebrate the holiday season, we are grateful for all these preparations that fill our hearts with the warmth of Jesus' love. Special thank you to all of the teachers, staff, students and families who made this Christmas Season so special.

Cardinal Joseph Bernardin Catholic School is proud to be a regional Catholic school serving families and students from our four founding Parishes St. Elizabeth Seton in Orland Hills, St. Julie Billiart in Tinley Park, St. Francis of Assisi in Orland Park and St. Stephen Deacon & Martyr Catholic Church in Tinley Park.

As we enter our 25th Anniversary year, we are so grateful for the families that travel from 21 area zip codes to attend our Twice Recognized National Blue Ribbon School for Academic Excellence.
For more information about Cardinal Joseph Bernardin Catholic School please visit our website at www.cjbschool.org To schedule a private tour or for Enrollment and Admission information please contact, Cynthia Devlin at 708-403-6525 ext. 127 or cdevlin@cjbschool.org

Please join us for our Open House on January 26, 2025 from 11am-1pm

9250 West 167th Street Orland Hills, IL 60487

For details, please see https://cjbschool.org/openhous...