Catholic Identity and Mission 

Carols and Vinnies Christmas Appeal

We will be having our St Gabriel's Carols Night on Thursday,  8 December 2022 at 6pm for a 6:15pm start.  We look forward to seeing all the families there singing along.  Families are encouraged to bring along a shared picnic dinner on the oval.  On the night, we will be also asking for donations for our annual Vinnies Christmas Appeal.

Christmas is about family, but the reality for many Australian families is that they can’t provide a meal for their family or even a roof over their children’s heads.  Over 3 million Australians live below the poverty line, which includes 731,000 children. That means 8% of the population cannot afford basic necessities and 15% of children live in poverty. But your support can make a difference.

In support of Vinnies’ Christmas Appeal, we are asking for your help.  We will be collecting gifts to ensure all South Australians can enjoy this special time of year. Please drop off your donations at the carols wrapped unwrapped, one per family. 

The reality is that without the support of the community, Vinnies would not be able to assist families and individuals who turn to them during Christmas. The truth is that we need to help out, dig deep and make a donation to the Vinnies Christmas Appeal.  Donated gifts will be distributed by Vinnies volunteers to ensure every child in need will experience the joy of having a gift under their Christmas tree this year.  As important as it is for the child to experience the joy of receiving a gift at Christmas, this act also affords parents dignity.  To be able to provide your child with a gift at Christmas is something every parent hopes they can do.

Advent

Next weekend, 27th November Advent begins.  Advent is a Latin word that actually means “coming.” In the Christian church, advent is time of preparation and waiting for the birth of Jesus.  Advent officially begins four Sundays before Christmas.

What do the Advent Candles stand for?

• Candle one (purple) represents hope. It is often called the prophets’ candle.
• Candle two (purple) represents peace. It is often called the angels’ candle.
• Candle three (pink) represents joy. It is often called the shepherds’ candle.
• Candle four (purple) represents love. It is often called the Bethlehem candle. 

Parish Christmas Carols - A family friendly way to celebrate the coming of Christ.

Choirs from the Clearview and Kilburn Parish will sing carols on Saturday 10th December.  The evening will be held at St Gabriel's School in the Sacred Heart Centre       (Gym) beginning at 6.00 p.m.

Fr James McEvoy will be the guest of honour and will offer a Christmas message and blessing.

There will be a sausage sizzle and drinks will be on sale.

If members of the school community would like to attend, please add your name to the list in the school office.  This will help the organisers with catering.  

The evening will conclude at 8.30p.m.

Please note, this is a parish event, not a school event.