Religious Education

ADVENT 2025

Advent for the Catholic Church in 2025 begins on Sunday, November 30, 2025, and ends on Wednesday, December 24, 2025. 

The word Advent means coming or arrival. It comes from the Latin word adventus.

The season marks the beginning of the new liturgical year and is a time of hope, anticipation, and preparation for the celebration of Christmas. 

Some people choose to recognise Advent with Advent Wreaths or Advent Calendars.  

The Catholic Advent Wreath is a circular wreath with four candles, representing the four weeks of Advent and the coming of Jesus. 

The circle symbolizes God's unending love, and the evergreens represent the hope of eternal life. 

Each Sunday, a new candle is lit to help prepare the heart for Christmas. 

The four candles are: 

• Week One purple candle represents hope 
• Week Two purple candle represents peace
• Week Three pink candle represents joy
• Week Four purple candle represents love

Some people choose to light a white candle on Christmas Day which symbolises Jesus, the Light of the World. 

Another way to recognise Advent is using an Advent Calendar. More recently, Advent Calendars are promoted by business by including chocolates or other sweet treats to mark each day of Advent. The traditional Advent Calendar includes a rewarding action people can do in the lead up to Christmas Day. 

Please feel free to use this link from the Melbourne Catholic Archdiocese to make your Advent season more spiritual as you prepare for the coming of Jesus at Christmas. 

https://melbournecatholic.org/news/get-ready-to-get-ready-resources-for-advent-2025 

Christmas collection for Vinnies

We will once again be collecting Christmas gifts for Vinnies to provide something special for people in need at Christmas. 

A flyer will be shared with school families suggesting suitable gift donations. 

Vinnies requested gifts suitable for children aged 12 years and under. Please do not wrap the gifts.

Remember non-perishable food items and toiletries can be donated to our local Vinnies at any time of the year. 

These donations can be left at the front office. 

Pope Leo XIV's Prayer Intentions

Pope Leo XIV has asked the world to pray for the prevention of suicide in our world. 

Please try to find some quiet time in your busy day to pray Pope Leo's Prayer Intention for the months of November and December. Thank you. 

November - For the prevention of suicide

Let us pray that those who are struggling with suicidal thoughts might find the support, care, and love they need in their community, and be open to the beauty of life.

Amen 

December - For Christians in areas of conflict

Let us pray that Christians living in areas of war or conflict, especially in the Middle East, might be seeds of peace, reconciliation, and hope.