Preparing for Christmas the Scranton Way

While there has always been a great deal of preparation attached to Christmastime, in today’s world, it can often seem like the difficulty level has been ratcheted up from “medium” to “expert.” Between work, gifts, food, travel, and all the 10,000 other things vying for our attention this holiday season, how can busy Scranton alumni ever find the time to prepare for the coming of Christ in their hearts? Luckily, The University of Scranton has created a variety of ways to help alumni stay connected to the things that truly matter this holiday season.

The Advent Daily Devotional

During this season of Advent, The Jesuit Center, in partnership with University Advancement, has created The Advent Daily Devotional, a series of email reflections and prayers based on the Church’s readings of the day. Spearheaded by the Rev. Patrick D. Rogers, S.J., executive director of the Jesuit Center, the series features contributions from all corners of the University community, including students, alumni, parents, friends, faculty and staff. The inaugural message, written by Rogers, deals with the same theme of feeling too busy we alluded to in the introductory paragraph, asking for “the grace to slow down and accept the outstretched hands of God that seek to catch me and mold me in His divine image.” To subscribe to the Advent Daily Devotional, visit its registration page.

A New Podcast

In recent years, America has begun a love affair with the medium of podcasting, a sort of on-demand version of radio consumed primarily on mobile phones that lets the listener download content to control precisely when he or she chooses to “tune in.” University Advancement kicked off its new University-themed podcast, “Scranton Shorts,” Saturday with an interview with Rogers discussing what it was like to grow up in a house of 11 children, his love of music, his calling to the Society of Jesus and his vision for the Jesuit Center. On Sunday, UA released an episode where Rogers discussed the First Sunday of Advent, the Gospel readings chosen for that day, the history behind the Advent Wreath, and how St. Nicholas changed the way we celebrate Advent and Christmas, and UA will continue to release episodes discussing the season of Advent with Rogers each Sunday of Advent until Christmas. To download an episode or subscribe to the podcast, search for “Scranton Shorts” in the Apple Podcasting app or visit the iTunes store or the podcast’s homepage.

Checking In With Your Royal Family

The University’s Christmas celebrations have already begun and there is still time to check in with your Royal family for a healthy dose of holiday cheer. On Dec. 6, The Scranton Club of South Central PA will gather at the Association of Independent Colleges & Universities at 6 p.m. to celebrate the Christmas season. The Alumni Society will hold a Christmas Reception Dec. 7 at Le Meridien Philadelphia at 6:30 p.m., Dec. 8 at The Army and Navy Club in Washington, D.C., at 6:30 p.m., Dec. 14 at Baltusrol Golf Club in Springfield Township, New Jersey, at 6:30 p.m., and Dec. 15 at Harmonie Club in New York City at 6:30 p.m. Rogers will be on hand in Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., New Jersey and New York to wish attendees a hearty “Merry Christmas.” In addition to these gatherings, the University will hold a Long Island Brunch with Santa at Colonial Springs Golf Club in Farmingdale, NY, Dec. 9 at 11 a.m., and The Scranton Club of Lehigh Valley will gather at the home of Ted Wolff '74 in Schnecksville for a Christmas party the same day at the same time. For more information or to register for these events, visit scranton.edu/christmasparties.

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