Catholic Identity

Dear Families,

Our children have been working very hard preparing for Advent in their classrooms.

We had the Grade One, Grade Two, and 3/4 Students lead us in Advent liturgies the past two weeks. This has been a wonderful reflection of the children's understanding of the special time of preparing for the birth of Jesus. We look forward to the last candle of love being lit and the Foundation Nativity play next week.

Please don't forget to bring something for the Christmas giving tree. This will be donated to St Vincent De Paul Society.

Three of our children celebrated their Sacraments of First Eucharist and Confirmation, Antony McNamara-de Kleijn celebrated this in the Netherlands by Father Marc.

Isobelle and Ebony Worm celebrated their First Eucharist and Confirmation with Fr John Paul Pasala.

We congratulate them at this special time.

THIRD SUNDAY IN ADVENT

"What, then, must we do?"

Year C | Sunday 12th December | purple

Preparing to hear God's Word

If you have an Advent wreath in your home or in your church, with three purple candles and one pink candle, today is the day for lighting the pink candle.

This Third Sunday of Advent brings with it a sense of great joy, because Jesus will soon be born.

What makes you joyful?

The Gospel Story

In this Gospel passage, the people ask John how they should live.

John tells them, if you have plenty, share with the one who has none.

Be happy with what you have and don’t complain. In other words, John is telling the people to help others and to be grateful.

The Gospel

A Reading from the Holy Gospel according to Luke 3:10-16, 18

What, then, must we do?

The crowds asked John the Baptist, "What should we do?

"John told them, "If you have two coats, give one to someone who doesn't have any.

If you have food, share it with someone else."

When tax collectors came to be baptised, they asked John,

"Teacher, what should we do?"

John told them, "Don't make people pay more than they owe."

Some soldiers asked him, "And what about us? What do we have to do?"

John told them, "Don't force people to pay money to make you leave them alone.

Be satisfied with your pay."

Everyone became excited and wondered, "Could John be the Messiah?"

John said, "I am just baptising with water. But someone more powerful is going to come,

and I am not good enough even to untie his sandals. He will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and with fire." In many different ways John preached the good news to the people. The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

Reflecting on the Gospel - discussion

Can you think of groups of people in the world who need help?

Do you know of a person in your family, class or neighbourhood who might need help?

FOURTH SUNDAY IN ADVENT

"Why should I be honoured with a visit from the mother of my Lord?"

Year C | Sunday 19th December | purple

Preparing to hear God's Word

Is there anyone you know who might like a visit from you?

Or is there someone for whom you could do a kind deed?

The Gospel Story

Mary makes a journey to see Elizabeth. Elizabeth is expecting a baby who will grow up to be John the Baptist. Mary is expecting her baby, Jesus. When Mary arrives, the baby inside Elizabeth moves with joy. Elizabeth exclaims that Mary has been blessed more than any other woman because she believed that God’s promise would come true.

The Gospel

A Reading from the Holy Gospel according to Luke 1:39-45

Why should I be honoured with a visit from the mother of my Lord?”

Mary hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea.

She went into Zechariah's home,

where she greeted Elizabeth.

When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting,

her baby moved within her.

The Holy Spirit came upon Elizabeth.

Then in a loud voice she said to Mary:

"God has blessed you more than any other woman!

He has also blessed the child you will have.