All girls, grades 1-12, Catholic, independent school with a co-ed early childhood program

Faith SR

ADVENT & CHRISTMAS JOY 

Beginning the Church's liturgical year, Advent (from, "ad-venire" in Latin or "to come to") is the season encompassing the four Sundays and weekdays leading up to the celebration of Christmas. The Advent season is a time of preparation that directs our hearts and minds to Christ’s second coming at the end of time and also to the anniversary of Jesus’ birth on Christmas.

Student artwork featured on this year's Christmas card by Charlotte Smith '28.

Advent Prayer

All School

Chapel

Our Chapel is open & available for personal prayer for students and employees, as well as classroom visits to our Advent Wreath and Nativity.

Hanging of the Greens Prayer at Home

We invite families to use this Hanging of the Greens Prayer Service as they begin decorating to call to mind the rich, spiritual symbolism of our Christmas decorations. Feel welcome to adapt the program to your family!

Advent Prayer Service for Parents

Join us on Thursday, December 4 at 8:00 a.m. in the Chapel for "A Hanging of the Greens Prayer Service.”  

Christmas Lessons and Carols

Sunday, December 14, 4:00–5:30 p.m. Prelude begins shortly before the program. Reception will follow. Please join us for this enchanting service that weaves together scripture readings that tell the story of the birth of Christ, accompanied by uplifting musical interludes and congregational singing. Let the melodies and messages guide you through the journey of hope, peace, joy, and love as the community comes together to usher in the spirit of Christmas. Featuring student musicians from each division, faculty, staff, and adult members of our community.

Feast of St. Nicholas (Observed on December 6) and Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe (December 12)

We find special and simple ways to acknowledge these holy days in the life of our Church.

Lower School

Students will lead and participate in Advent prayer in the Chapel during Advent on Monday, December 1. Some of the Grade 2 Gators will celebrate the Sacrament of First Reconciliation on Friday, December 5.

Middle School

There will be a student prayer service at assembly on Monday, December 1. Students will have daily Advent prayer during Assembly, Advisory, and Grade Level meetings.

Upper School

Advent Wreath lighting and prayer will be held during morning assemblies. First Friday Mass will be celebrated on December 5 at 9:30 a.m. All are welcome to join if your schedule allows.

Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception

Monday, December 8 is the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception—a special day in the Catholic Church, especially in the United States. Masses will be celebrated at the following times and locations:

  • Lower School Mass at 8:30 a.m. in Chapel
  • Middle & Upper School Mass 9:15 a.m. in Gym 3
  • Grade 6 Mass at 7:30 a.m. in Chapel, prior to field trip departure to Echo Hill
  • Non-divisional faculty and staff are invited to join Mass in Gym 3.

Generous Hearts at Advent

One of the most profound ways to prepare our hearts during Advent is through the Spirit of generosity. Just as Mary gave her "yes" to God, and as the Magi brought gifts to honor the Christ Child, we are invited to give generously to others. Generosity prepares our hearts by drawing us closer to the heart of Christ, who came not to be served, but to serve. As we give of ourselves, we participate in the mission of making God's love visible in the world, transforming both the giver and the receiver.

This Advent, let our generosity be a pathway to deeper joy and connection. As we prepare for the celebration of Christmas, may our acts of kindness and service help us to encounter the Christ Child, who comes to us most closely in the poor, the vulnerable, and the forgotten. In giving, we make room in our hearts for the One who gave everything for us.

In this busy season, we can cultivate generosity by:

  • Acts of Service: Volunteer at a partner organization, participate in our Generous Hearts Week at Advent, Actively participate in our Social Action Day (December 3), or simply offer help to someone in need.
  • Gifts of Presence: Spend time with those who may feel lonely or isolated, showing them the warmth of Christ’s love.
  • Participate in the SRPA Advent Community Day of Service: Saturday, December 13, 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. at InterFaith Works in Rockville, MD. InterFaith Works is a charity that provides emergency shelter, supportive housing, essential needs and employment programs to residents of Montgomery County. See the SignUpGenius for details on how to volunteer. Please note there is a 20-person limit so please sign up one person per slot. Thank you to the SR community for supporting these critical activities in partnership with InterFaith Works. For more information, please contact SRPA Community Service Committee Chairs, Shannon McDonough and Nicki Wells.
  • Kindness in Everyday Moments: Share kind words, listen deeply, and create space for others to feel valued and heard.

Generous Hearts Week at Advent

Christmas Joy

While our spiritual focus remains on cultivating quiet moments for reflection and preparing our hearts for the coming of Christ on Christmas, we do also make time for festive celebrations. Cultivating joy in our lives, along with hope, love, and peace is an important element of the Season of Advent.

SRPA

Christmas Decorating Day

Thursday, December 4, 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Help transform Hamilton House, the Mater Center, and the divisions into a beautiful holiday wonderland. Stay for an hour or all morning long! We will begin with a Hanging of the Greens Prayer Service in the Chapel, immediately followed by the decorating of the School. Volunteers are needed, please sign up here. To join the committee, please email Ashley Allen, Christmas Decorating Chair.

Prosecco and Poinsettias

SRPA Christmas Night Out for Moms, December 11, 7:00-9:00 p.m., Large Parlor. Festive Attire Encouraged. Join Stone Ridge moms for a little bubbly and good cheer to toast the holidays and the New Year!  This is a wonderful opportunity to share some fellowship with other SR moms. Please RSVP by Monday, December 8. Questions? Contact Lisa Monroe, SRPA President.

Lower School, Middle School, and Upper School Lunchtime Celebrations

Celebrations will take place on Thursday, December 18.

All School

Breakfast with Santa

Saturday, December 6 from 9:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. in the Mater Center. $30 per family (Includes family photo with Santa and a treat.) This event is currently full. If you would like to be added to the waitlist, please contact Michael Anne Cullen '95, Director of Alumnae Relations & Chief Elf, 301-657-4322 ext. 1608

Feast Wishes

Friday, December 19: Feast Wishes is a celebration organized by the students, primarily the senior class, for the faculty and staff and enjoyed by the entire K–12 student body. The event includes prayer and musical performances and is a way to usher us into Christmas break on the last day before it begins. Class of 2025 is also invited to attend.

  • December 18: All School Rehearsal in Gym 3 at 1:00 p.m.

  • December 19: Gym 3 at 9:45 a.m.

    • Senior Picture: Hamilton House

    • Upper School students accessorize their dress uniform with the following colored sweaters:

      • Fourth Academic: White Sweaters with red tights

      • Third Academic: Green, preferably Hunter Green

      • Second Academic: Red

      • First Academic: Yellow

Christmas Mass

We will be celebrating Mass in the Stone Ridge Chapel at 8:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve, Wednesday, December 24, 2025. RSVP 

Lower School

  • Feast of St. Nicholas will be celebrated on Friday, December 5.
  • The Lower School Christmas Concert will be on Wednesday, December 17 at 8:15 a.m. in the Cokie Boggs Roberts '60 Theater
  • Pajama Day will be celebrated on Thursday, December 18.

Middle School

  • Middle School Holiday Show (Grades 6–8) will be on Friday, December 12 at 8:15 a.m. in the Cokie Boggs Roberts '60 Theater

Middle School Student Council Sponsored Events:  

  • Thursday, December 4: Advisory Door Decorating
  • Friday, December 5: Feast of St. Nicholas—treats in shoes during Period 1
  • Monday, December 15 to Friday, December 19: Advent Angels & Christmas Spirit Week
  • Friday, December 19: Advisory Breakfast and Advent Angel Gift Exchange

Upper School

Core Group Sponsored Events:

  • December 1–19: Attitudes of Gratitude Calendar (Good Hall, Dyer Academic Building, and Advisories)
  • December 1–17: Advent Christmas Calendar with activities and prizes during morning assembly and US lunch
  • December 5: Feast of St. Nicholas—treats in shoes during 4th block