Religious Education

The First Week in Advent

 We pray

"Father, I want to experience your blessing as I wait and watch and prepare this Advent." 

I give thanks... for the grace of God bestowed on you in Christ Jesus.

(1 Corinthians 1:4)

Welcome to Advent!  Whether it’s your first time entering this holy season or your ninetieth, be assured that God, your heavenly Father, is eager to bestow his grace on you.

As Paul says in today’s second reading, God has already poured his grace on you. He has given you access to every spiritual gift as you wait for Jesus to reveal himself to you. (1 Corinthians 1:7).  And God wants to do even more.  He wants you to have a great Advent! He wants to make this season into a time for you to grow closer to him and come to know him better.  That doesn’t necessarily mean these days before Christmas will be easy. Your faith might deepen, or you might receive unexpected blessings. But you might also experience hardship or setbacks. Yet no matter what happens, God will reward whatever effort you put into your Advent preparations. That’s because he wants nothing more than for you to deepen you relationship with Jesus. That’s the grace God is offering you this season.

So dig in! Start by committing to spend more time in prayer this month. Participate in the life of your parish, maybe through Eucharistic Adoration or a service project. Pick up a spiritual book or do an Advent Bible study to develop your understanding of your faith. Above everything else, be hopeful:  “God is faithful, and by him you were called to fellowship with his Son” (1 Corinthians 1:9).  That’s what this season is all about. 

(Reflection used with permission from Armidale Chancery)

St Vincent de Paul Christmas Hamper Update

A big thank you to every family for your support of this initiative.  During our regular Friday Assembly this week, we will welcome Mrs Laurel Burraston (Chase's Great Nana) to accept two, overflowing washing baskets of items to be added to Christmas packages being made by the volunteers at St Vincent de Paul.  These will be distributed in coming weeks to families in our local community.

Advanced Notice for Sacraments 2021

Notes were sent home last week, advising families of key dates for Sacramental Programs being conducted in our Parish during Terms 1and 2 in 2021.  Would you kindly return these notes before the end of this term to allow Catechists and St Joseph's teachers to prepare for these lessons.  Should you require any further information, please contact Mrs Rheinberger at School.

Saturday Vigil 5pm

Sunday Mass 9:30am

Christmas Mass Times at St Brigid's Church Christmas Eve - Mass at 6pm

                               - Mass at 7:30pm

                                                                                  Christmas Day - Mass at 9:30am

Please note:  due to COVID-19 and St Brigid's only able to cater for 64 people safely social distancing, you will need to book for Mass over Christmas.  There are other Mass times within our Parish, which are listed on the bulletin attached at the top of this newsletter.  Please fill in the sheets at the back of the Church or ring the Presbytery to add your family  02 6746 1133.

Friday Mass:  Primary (Week 8)

Year 6 Graduation Mass

Preparations have begun for this very special occasion to be celebrated on Friday 11th December at 9:30am.  Due to COVID-19 restrictions and St Brigid's Church capacity we can only have Year 6 students and their families in attendance this year.  Please keep all our students in your prayers, especially our Year 6 Graduates and their families.

God bless,

Mrs Wendy Rheinberger

Religious Education Coordinator