Religion

Advent

Advent is the season of new beginnings. A new liturgical year begins on the First Sunday of Advent and it beckons to us with images of transformation and hope. It is the season of the impossible becoming possible. In the scriptures we read of the dry, barren wilderness bursting into bloom; of broken hearts healing; of a barren woman and a young virgin both conceiving children. It is the season of longing and light. Week by week, candles are lit on the Advent wreath signifying our longing for the light of Christ, as the time of his birth draws near. Yet Advent heralds more than Christ’s birth. It paves our way toward celebrating Christ as God-with-us, God in human flesh. This is a profound mystery at the heart of our faith, and it is the cause of our joy at Christmas (Melbourne Catholic Education Office).

ACYF

After months of waiting and a number of formation sessions Year 11 are embarking on their pilgrimage to the Australian Catholic Youth Festival in Sydney from December 6 to to December 10. It will be held at Olympic Park and the Show Ground. There are over 18 000 registrations so it is going to be huge. There will be awesome concerts and thought provoking workshops. One of the many highlights will be the pilgrimage on the final day across the Sydney Harbour Bridge, through The Rocks, past the Opera House, through the Botanical Gardens and into The Domain where there will one last final concert and a Mass. Some of our students will have ministries at that Mass which is anticipating a congregation of over 20 000 people. It is going to be great. Please pray for our pilgrims. Below is a great clip by one of the great musicians who will be at the festival, Father Rob Galea.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXixy4wIXsc

Cathedral Carols

Carols in the Cathedral December 14, 6.00pm to 7.00pm.

This is a wonderful evening where our college community gathers to sing and prepare for Christmas. Our students will join with St Mary's Primary School and  the Cathedral choir to perform Christmas favourites as well as our Chapel Band performing their own arrangements of well known carols. It is a great opportunity for our whole Parish to come together. Looking forward to seeing you there!

Vinnies Christmas Appeal

On Tuesday December 5 all O'Connor students will be looking at the real meaning of Christmas through a prayer service at 1.45pm. It is also the culmination of the Christmas Appeal where the College community have been donating Christmas presents for Vinnies to distribute at Christmas. Thanks to all the Vinnies students for putting together what promises to be a great way to prepare for Christmas.

Damian Khoury

Last week O'Connor benefitted from a number of workshops held by professional musician and Lasallian Youth Leader, Damian Khoury. Damian worked with music classes, volunteers and musicians producing an uplifting and contemporary music vibe. Damian especially worked with our Chapel band who are now known as the BEATitudes.

https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/1600a111f55ca189?projector=1

Thanking you

Damian Roff