Family and Faith

Wishing you Peace, Love and Joy  

Advent Joy for kids

Here are some simple ways to bring Advent joy to children while helping them to learn about, and personalise some of our rich faith traditions.

Advent Calendars

There are some beautiful religious calendars that can be purchased through Christian book shops – avoid the commercialised chocolate versions that feature toys and reindeers.

Mary, Mary…

If any season belongs to Mary, it is surely Advent. Go to prayer with Mary and ask her to give you her sense of conviction and eager anticipation of Jesus’ renewed presence in the world. 

Journey to Bethlehem

Using the pieces of your family Nativity scene, set up the stable in your prayer space. Keep Jesus hidden. Place Mary, Joseph and the donkey in a remote location. Each day, the children move them closer to their final destination. Shepherds, sheep, and angels can all journey to Bethlehem, arriving at the stable on Christmas day when Jesus also appears. The Wise Men take longer, arriving on the Feast of the Epiphany.

Advent Candle

Using a tall candle marked with 24 lines to indicate the 24 days of December leading up to Christmas, light the candle each day for your family prayers. As the candle gets shorter, children can count the number of days left to Christmas by the number of lines visible on the candle.

The Jesse Tree

Each day of Advent, place a new ornament symbolising one of the Old Testament ancestors of Jesus (for example, Adam and Eve, Abraham, Moses, Isaiah etc). 

Check out CathFamily’s Jesse Tree, complete with instructions, prayers and downloadable template.

Advent Wreath

The rich symbolism of an Advent Wreath connects families and churches to the sense of anticipation and joy of the season. CathFamily has some great options for your family to get involved with this ancient tradition.

Church Advent SPaRS (Stop Pray and Reflect) 

Celebrating the Season of Advent and The Nativity in the Church.                                                                                                               

Thank you to the parents and carers who were able to participate in the Advent SPaRs, with their child, that I organised with class teachers. Thank you too for the positive feedback regarding the Advent Wreath Prayer Mat that you received at the SPaR. Here is the Staff prayer space featuring the prayer mat. 

Sunday School for Little Fatima Friends

(For 4 to 8 year olds)

Commencing 1 February 2026!

Where?

Our Lady of Fatima Church, Caringbah-Parish Meeting Room.

When? 

Held on the first and last Sunday of the month during school terms at 9.30 am. (Sign in from 9.20am)

What will happen? 

Children will enjoy prayers, listening to the Gospel and reflecting on it, completing a simple craft/colouring in, meeting friends and listening to music. (All activities are age appropriate). Children will be brought back to the church at Communion, will join in with the final hymn and then will need to be signed out.

Who will supervise? 

All volunteers will have completed all the necessary safeguarding and training to work with children.

Cost? 

Nil

Any enquiries? 

Email Kay Macadam – macadamak@bigpond.com

Hope to see you there!

Wishing you a joyous Christmas and New Year!

Happy holidays to all!

Tracey Bowler | Family Educator