Religious Education News
Dear Parents and Carers,
Welcome to the season of Advent. Advent is the four-week period of preparation for the season of Christmas. It begins the cycle of the Liturgical Year and focuses on the coming of the Lord. Scripture readings during the first weeks of Advent offer a vision of the future. They look to the end of time when Christ will come again. Readings during the final weeks point more specifically to the birth of Christ. Christ, the promised one, who we await with joyful expectation. The colour for Advent is purple. The Advent Wreath is often used as a symbol of waiting time which concludes on Christmas Eve.
THE ADVENT WREATH
- The purpose of the season of Advent is to prepare one's heart for the coming of Christ at Christmas.
- During these four weeks, an Advent wreath adorned with five candles is traditionally used to symbolise different spiritual aspects of getting ready.
- The three Advent candle colours—purple, pink, and white—symbolically represent the spiritual preparation that believers undergo to prepare their hearts for the birth (or coming) of the Lord, Jesus Christ
Lord God, let your blessing come upon us as we light the candles of this wreath. May the wreath and its light be a sign of Christ's promise to bring us salvation. May he come quickly and not delay. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen
FIRST EUCAHRIST
First Eucharist was celebrated last Saturday evening. It was a beautiful Mass and a very special occasion for our students and their families who were receiving this integral sacrament. A huge thank you to everyone who assisted – we certainly made a formidable team! Father Martins, Seminarian Mark and Mrs Wain visited Year 4 on Tuesday to present First Eucharist candidates with their certificates.
This lovely email was received by a parent after the Mass:” I just wanted to say a huge thank you for such a wonderful celebration! So much hard work had obviously gone into the mass. The children did such a fabulous job. So much joy, love and pride filled the church this evening and so many precious memories made, thank you. The ending of the mass was just magical.”
2021 Vinnies Christmas Appeal Christmas
For many of us Christmas is a time of happiness and celebration as we gather with our family and friends sharing meals, laughing, and chatting as we open presents. However, for people experiencing poverty and disadvantage Christmas can be a challenging time. Luckily, there are many opportunities for students, teachers, and parents to get involved and make Christmas a time to renew hope.
What Can You Do to Help?
- You can purchase gifts online at simplygiving.com.au/svdpcg OR
Mini Vinnies
Our Mini Vinnies team met today to talk about Advent and the kinds of activities that prepare us for the coming of Jesus at Christmas. The team had the choice of making an Advent Wreath or entering the Mini Vinnies Book of Gratitude competition.
Term 4 Religious Education Dates
December 3: Mini Vinnies Book of Gratitude entries
December 9: Year 5 and 6 Candle Ceremony
December 10: Year 6 Graduation 9.15am
December 14: Kindergarten Christmas Nativity 10.00am
Many blessings on your weekend
Sharon Beashel REC