This week we celebrate the first Sunday of Advent, which is also the first Sunday of the new liturgical year. The Advent season includes the four Sundays that precede Christmas. Advent is a time of preparation for the coming of the Lord. In this season, we recall two central elements of our faith: the final coming of the Lord in glory and the incarnation of the Lord in the birth of Jesus. The key themes of the Advent season are watchful waiting, preparation, and justice. In this new liturgical year, the Gospel of Luke will be the primary Gospel proclaimed (Lectionary Cycle C). 

In Sunday's Gospel, Jesus warns his disciples against the fatigue that can emerge if one becomes consumed by the anxieties of daily life. Many families are too familiar with the kind of fatigue Jesus refers to here. We may be concerned about a family member's health, our job security, our children's education, or any number of other concerns. All these are important matters. Jesus does not promise an end to daily worries and fears, but he does teach his disciples that they will have the strength to withstand anxiety if they stay focused on him, remaining vigilant for his return and praying for strength to endure all tribulations. Through prayer, God helps us stay focused on that which is most important in our lives

This week as a family, set aside some time to voice you anxieties and worries and pray for support fro god to overcome them.

Sacrament of Reconciliation

Year 3 parents are reminded to please save the date: Thursday 2^nd December (Week 9) at 12 noon for your child to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation. All Year 3 students will attend the Sacrament regardless of whether they will be receiving the Sacrament or not. All parents and families are welcome to attend as we are allowed to have 200 in the Church. If you wish for your child's siblings to attend, you will need to collect them from school as they will need to be signed in and out according to our attendance policy.

Year 6 Graduation Mass

Thankfully with Covid 19 restrictions continuing to decrease, we can now confirm that the Year 6 Graduation Mass WILL OCCUR on Tuesday 14th December 2021 at 2pm. This is the same day as the Year 6 Graduation Dinner and the time allows families to finish the day with mass and then take their children home to prepare for the evening celebrations.

Unfortunately due to numbers, only immediate family (parents/step parents) will be able to attend Mass. The rest of the school will be celebrating with Year 6,  via a  TEAMS Stream in their classrooms, so siblings will still be able to attend in some form.

Archdiocesan Advent Program

Have a great week!

Sharee Thomas

Religous Education Co-ordinator