Religious Education News

Advent: A Season of Hope and Arrival

Advent is such a wonderful time of year. It signals many things happening in the calendar and busy schedules leading to Christmas and the end of the year.

Advent comes from the Latin “ad + venire,” which means, essentially, “to come to” or “to come toward.” “Ad + venire” is the root of the Latin “adventus,” which means “arrival.”  So  Advent is the season of arrival: the arrival of Christ in our hearts, in the world, and into God’s plan for our salvation.

The first Sunday of Advent also marks the beginning of the Church’s new liturgical year. The Church’s feasts and celebrations follow a three-year cycle—Year A, Year B, and Year C. Advent invites us to prepare and to look forward with hope and optimism to the coming of Jesus, in the same way we anticipate the beginning of a new year.

Throughout the four weeks of Advent, our classes will prepare thoughtfully and prayerfully. We will reflect on the themes of Advent in meaningful and practical ways, and each week we will take part in a special act of kindness for one another.

Week 1:  Reflection of HOPE - (Purple candle)

• Offer a small sacrifice for someone. This might be letting someone have a turn before you in a game, giving your time to help someone

Week 2:  Reflection on PEACE - (Purple candle)

• Take one moment of quiet each day—no words, no noise, just being with God.

• Offer a small act of forgiveness or peace to someone.

   

Week 3:  Reflection on JOY (Pink candle)

• Notice one blessing each day and thank God for it.
• Offer a small act of kindness that brings joy to someone else.

Week 4:  Reflocion on LOVE - (Purple candle)

• Write a prayer of thanks to God.
• Give someone in the school a compliment.

Holy Family School is also supporting Mini Vinnies initiatives including the Vinnies Christmas Appeal and fundraising through the Multicultural Day celebrations. This event was a wonderful opportunity to share and honour the unique cultures within our community, and it was a fantastic effort by our Year 4 students who worked so thoughtfully to create such a joyful celebration at this time of year.

As we journey through Advent, I wish all our families, community members, and dear friends a meaningful season, and a happy and safe Christmas. Our students regularly practice gratitude, and I hope that as we conclude the year, we each find moments to be thankful for the blessings, the challenges, and the love of God that have helped us to grow.

Thank you for all you support throughout the year.

Vicky Pejic 

Religious Education Leader.