Catholic Identity
Catholic Identity Leader: Elizabeth Holligan
Reflection
Sunday 30 November 30
This Sunday is the first Sunday of Advent. Advent, in the Christian tradition, is a time of waiting as we prepare ourselves to celebrate the coming of Christ. We recognise, in preparation for Christ’s coming, we should reflect and act on our own readiness. Are we living life as Christ taught us? Are we being God’s eyes, ears, mouth, hands and feet in our world today? Are we bringing the love of Christ to all around us?
Earlier this week I had the pleasure to accompany some of our Grade 5 students as they participated in the Caritas Grade 5 Just Leadership Day. I was conscious of how great an impact our students make every day in their social justice activities, ecological stewardship leadership, advocacy for the most vulnerable, fundraising and genuine care and compassion they show to those around them and the wider world. Each one of us can be the hands and feet of God in the world today, in big and small ways, in all we do, in the love and compassion we show to others.
We pray:
May we this week walk in God’s truth, may we be there for those around us, the vulnerable, the displaced, those at risk, those facing injustice, near and far, as we are the living and active face of God on earth. May we also remember to keep Christ in Christmas as we approach the Holy Season of Advent and Christmas.
May God’s blessings be on us all this Advent Season.
Elizabeth Holligan – Catholic Identity Leader
General Notices REL
St Vincent de Paul Christmas Voucher Fundraising
This term our fundraising will be directed towards the Christmas Vinnies Appeal. The Shepparton South St Vincent de Paul Conference assists many members of the local community facing challenging times financially. Our local St Vincent de Paul conference is requesting our help as they aid over 450 clients this Christmas.
Each year level and PG is asked to raise funds to purchase vouchers for families and individuals in need this Christmas. You can help by donating cash or vouchers for the provision of food from business like SPC or supermarkets (not cards that can be spent on alcohol). Any cash sent will be used by the school and Shepparton South St Vincent de Paul conference to purchase vouchers.
We are grateful to our St Anne’s College community for your assistance and continued support for our Social Justice initiatives during the past 12 months. Once again, we ask for your generous support. Vouchers will be presented to the Shepparton South St Vincent de Paul conference at our end of year mass. Your generosity, kindness and assistance are greatly appreciated in our fundraising at St Anne’s College.
St Mel’s Parish Sacramental Program 2025/2026
Reconciliation
Our children participating in the 2025-2026 Sacramental program made their First Reconciliation this Thursday evening. We ask you to keep our Parish Sacramental Program participants and families in your prayers.
Please contact the St Mel’s Parish for additional information.
Advent Liturgies, Grade 6 Graduation and End of Year Whole School Mass
We have a busy few weeks ahead of us as we prepare for our Christmas break. Our Primary and Secondary school students will take part in Advent Liturgies each Friday during Advent. The end of year Whole School Mass will be held at Christ the King Church, St Mel’s Parish, on Thursday 11 December commencing at 9.45am. We ask that all families attending be seated by 9.35am. The Grade 6 Graduation evening is also on Thursday 11 December at the College from 6-7pm for Grade 6 students and their families.
