Week 1: Advent

The season of Advent begins this week and continues through the four Sundays of Advent and ends at Christmas Eve. The first week of Advent focuses on the return of the Lord and the following weeks focus more specifically on the anticipation of the birth of Jesus. Rather than simply commemorating an historical event, Advent is a time of preparing our hearts to ‘receive’ Jesus into the world each year. Advent is traditionally marked by the colour of violet – the same colour as used in Lent. In recent years, some parishes have moved to a more blue/mauve colour for Advent to try to distinguish it from the season of Lent.

Weekend Gospel Reflection - John 18:33-37

First Sunday of Advent (Year C)

Be ready for the second coming.

The readings of the First Sunday of Advent set the stages for our reflections on the entire season. They contain a number of promises, all pointing to peace and fulfilment. Each reading depicts a dimension of suffering that was often brought on by the people themselves. The promises are assurances that the end of their suffering was in sight. The promises reveal a loving and provident, a merciful and forgiving God. These are promises full of hope.

The coming of the Lord is clearly a time of expectation, not of fear and trembling. Although the earlier tradition about the Day of the Lord included punishment of the wicked, the focus here is on redemption. The time of expectation may be preceded by apocalyptic signs in the heavens and dismay on earth, but this cosmic shift will bring fulfilment, not destruction. The love and providence, the mercy and forgiveness of God will be made manifest.

What is expected of those who receive the promise? An Advent way of life exhorts us to ‘wait in joyful hope for the coming of our Saviour Jesus Christ’. This way of life is both simple and profound. It does not necessarily require unusual behaviour on our part, but it calls us to live the usual unusually well. It affects the everyday events of life; it directs the way we interact with people; it informs the attitudes that colour our judgments and motivations. It is as ordinary as the birth of a child; it is as extraordinary as the revelation of God.

Adapted from Diane Bergant CSA

Sacrament of Reconciliation

This week we celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation with our Year 4 children. On Wednesday and Thursday the children will through this sacrament, meet God, showing their desire to be reunited with God and the community, expressing sorrow for mistakes and to receive God’s love and forgiveness through the Absolution of the priest. Please keep these children and their families in your prayers.

St Vincent de Paul Christmas Hampers 

This week your child came home with a ticket for an item for the Christmas hamper that each class is creating. When your child brings their donation into school, we ask that they also bring back their Christmas Hamper Ticket so we can make sure each hamper has all the required items. The hampers will be presented to our local St Vincent de Paul chapter at the end of Week 9 so we would appreciate ALL donations to be returned to school no later than Monday 9th December.

We deeply appreciate the generosity and kindness that our school community consistently shows. Your support makes a significant difference and helps us come together to create a positive impact. We kindly ask that families only contribute what you are comfortable able to give.

Thank you for your continued willingness to contribute and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. 

Have a great week!

Sharee Thomas