Our Faith - Religious Education

SAVE THE DATES for the Re-Opening of the Cathedral 

ADVENT  - The Season of Advent started on Sunday - 1st December 2024

Advent heralds in the church's new year. It is a season of anticipation. The prayers and hymns at this time are filled with longing, hope, and expectation. As the days grow warmer and the school year comes to an end, we find ourselves looking forward to the summer holidays. This sense of "waiting" deepens our celebration of Advent.

Advent is a time to prepare for Christmas, reflecting on Christ's first coming. It is a season of joyful anticipation. While we know the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem is a one-time event, Advent invites us to prepare for a new coming of Jesus into our lives. Each year, this season helps us practice welcoming Jesus into our hearts daily. It also reminds us of His call to create a world of peace and love. During Advent, we make a special effort to be visible signs of God's presence, living out the meaning of 'Emmanuel'—"God is with us."

Colours of Advent

Advent colours are purple and rose. At Mass the priest’s vestments, altar cloths, and Advent candles are purple, except for the third Sunday of the season, Gaudete Sunday, when the colour is rose, for joy. There is also a white candle for Christmas Day itself, usually in the middle of the Advent wreath.

One of the major symbols of the Advent season is the wreath. The encircling wreath is symbolic of God without beginning or end and the green foliage represents our hope in God. There are five candles in the wreath: 3 purple, 1 pink and a central white candle representing the light of Christ that came into the world.

The first candle, which is purple, symbolises hope. It is often called the “Prophecy Candle” in remembrance of the prophets, especially Isaiah, who foretold the birth of Christ. It represents the expectation felt in anticipation of the coming Messiah.

The second candle, also purple, represents faith. It is called the “Bethlehem Candle” as a reminder of Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem.

The third candle is rose/pink and symbolises joy. It is called the “Shepard’s Candle,” and is pink because rose is a liturgical colour for joy and is meant to remind us of the joy that is anticipated in the world experienced at the birth of Jesus.

On the fourth week of Advent, we light the final purple candle to mark the final week of prayer and penance as we wait for the birth of our Saviour. This final candle, the “Angel’s Candle,” symbolises peace. It reminds us of the message of the angels: “Peace on Earth, Good Will Toward Men.”

The progressive lighting of the candles marks the journey towards the Nativity.

PRAYER - Advent 

Heavenly Father, 

bless us 

as we light the candles of this wreath. 

May its light serve as a symbol

 of Christ’s promise 

to bring us salvation.

 May His coming be swift 

and without delay.

We pray this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Click here for an Advent reflection from Mercy Partners 

Term 4 - Fundraising Activity for Catholic Missions & a school RE  Project- Colour Run December 6th!

A big CONGRATULATIONS to everyone for reaching our $5000 Colour Run target within just one week of the launch! Mrs. B has graciously confirmed she will be slimed on the Colour Run day. 

Currently, we’ve raised $12,500.00. 

Mini Vinnies

On Monday this week, students from the O'Connor St Vincent de Paul Conference joined us at St Mary's to make Christmas gifts for the residents at the retirement lodge.  The students built connections that they will continue next year when they join Year 7!

End of Year Mass - 16th December Mass 9:15am

On the 16 December, our whole school will take part in the 9:15am Parish Mass, to give thanks for our 2024 school year and to Farewell our Year 6 students.

All parents & friends are invited to join us for our end of year Mass. 

CATH FAMILY

Cath Family is a great online resource for families. It assists families by providing them with contemporary and simple home-based rituals for practical faith experiences with children. You can subscribe to a monthly magazine. An easy read. Well worth a look. http://cathfamily.org/

Diocesan Prayer Card

CATHEDRAL PARISH OF SAINT MARY & JOSEPH ARMIDALE 

Administrator Father Damien Locke

Assistant Priest Father Anthony Koppman

armidaleparish@armidale.catholic.org.au

phone 67722218 

Masses

OLA - Our Lady of the Angels Chapel  131 Barney Street

DLS - De La Salle Chapel O'Connor College 39 Kirkwood Street

APH - Armidale Public Hospital Chapel 226 Rusden Street Armidale