Education in Faith

St Vincent de Paul Christmas Tree Appeal

During this year's Advent season, OLA is hosting an Advent Giving Tree. This is something we do each year in partnership with St Vincent De Paul and many families enjoy purchasing gifts for children in our community. The Advent Tree will give some less fortunate children aged between 0-17 years old a very special Christmas to enjoy and remember. Many of the children are now teenagers so gift cards, music cards etc. are much appreciated. If you are interested in contributing to this year's Advent Giving Tree, please purchase a gift card for a child between the ages of 0-17 years old. Gift cards can be hung on the Christmas tree in the front office. We ask that all gift cards are dropped into the school by Monday 11 December.  Thank you for your support!

Advent 

The season of Advent began on Sunday 3 December. The word Advent comes from the Latin word which means ‘coming.’ The Lord is coming.

As we prepare our house for Christmas by putting up the tree, decorating our homes, sending cards and wrapping presents, we keep focused on what is at the heart of our preparations. We make time during Advent to prepare not only our homes, but our hearts and minds through prayer. We prepare ourselves for the birth of Jesus on Christmas day.

Week 1 of Advent has a focus on Hope.

God of justice and peace, from the heavens you rain down mercy and kindness, that all on earth may stand in awe and wonder before your marvellous deeds. Raise our heads in expectation, that we may yearn for the coming day of the Lord and stand without blame before your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.

Week 2 of Advent has a focus on Peace. 

Lord Jesus, you are both the light and the darkness. Send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas. We, who have so much to do, seek quiet spaces to hear yourvoice each day. We, who are anxious over many things, look forward to yourcoming among us. We, who are blessed in so many ways, long for the complete joyof your kingdom. We, whose hearts are heavy, seek the joy of your presence. We, who feel the pain of injustice, long for harmony acrossall creation. We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light. To you we say, Come Lord Jesus! Amen

Caitlan Taig

Religious Education Leader