Spend some time looking at this image and ask yourself:

What do you notice about this image?
How does this image speak to you of the Holy Season of Advent?

Matthew 11:2-11

When John, who was in prison, heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples to ask him, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?”

Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.”

As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind? If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings’ palaces. Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written:

“‘I will send my messenger ahead of you,

who will prepare your way before you.’

Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.”

Reflection:

In today's gospel, Jesus’ cousin John the Baptist sends his messengers to confirm that Jesus is actually the Messiah. Like many, John is expecting a messiah who is political, righteous, and ready to seek justice for the Jewish people, not a man who befriends the poor, the weak, and the imprisoned.

We may not recognise God at work in our world today. But if you look closely, you will see God in the loving actions of those around you. We await the Christ who was born 2000 years ago, who will come again and who comes to us today. Prepare the way of the Lord!

Can you recall a time when your words/actions healed the heart of another?

Wellsprings.

Sacred Heart 2026 Sacramental Program.

Sacred Heart Parish and Sacred Heart School wish to invite parents of any baptised child or children from Year 3 and above to discern whether their child or children will participate in the 2026 Sacramental Program. In 2026 we will be preparing for both First Reconciliation, and Confirmation and Eucharist.

The total cost for all Sacraments is $100 per child and includes First Reconciliation, Confirmation and First Eucharist. This is paid once at the school office.

We are looking forward to journeying with your family.

RECONCILIATION:

Wednesday February 11th: Program Starts Parent ONLY Information Session: Faith Formation / Program Outline

Wednesday 25th March: Celebration of the Sacrament: First Reconciliation Liturgy 6pm at Sacred Heart Church

CONFIRMATION / EUCHARIST

Tuesday July 15th: Parent ONLY Information Session: Faith Formation / Program Outline

Sunday September 13th: Confirmation / Eucharist Mass at 10:30am Fr Uday.

Enrolment forms are available from the office.

Could forms please be returned by Friday, 6th February, 2026.

If you have any further questions please contact:

Sacred Heart Parish: tatura@sandhurst.catholic.org.au

Sacred Heart School: info@shtatura.catholic.edu.au.

A special Congratulations to April-Violet Draper and Phillip Mercuri, who both celebrated the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Confirmation and Eucharist recently. It was a special celebration for both the children, their families and our parish community

Giving Tree Appeal:

During this Advent Season we are busy getting ready for Christmas to celebrate the birth of Jesus. It has been a long tradition that we exchange gifts as a part of our Christmas Tradition.

At Sacred Heart we are asking that we give a small gift that could go to the needy. We proudly support the work of the Society of St Vincent de Paul who will distribute these gifts to families in our community. Otherwise known as Vinnies, a Catholic organisation working in

our community for the good of our community, Vinnies receive numerous calls for help at this festive time.

Our request, for those who can, provide a small gift that has been wrapped and tagged stating whom the gift would be suitable for e.g. 10-year-old boy or girl 5 years. Gifts can be placed under the tree in the foyer and on the last day of school they will be given to Vinnies for distribution.

Whilst the gift bearer remains anonymous both the giver and receiver are filled with hope.

Thankyou for your support.

Christmas Cards – Catholic Missions Fundraiser.

Our Foundation and Grade One students have been busy designing beautiful Christmas cards to sell as a fundraiser for Catholic Missions.

There will be a table set up in the quad each afternoon at the end of the school day where members of the Social Justice Team will be selling

packs of assorted cards and envelopes. All money raised will go towards supporting the important work of Catholic Missions.

This is a great opportunity to purchase some cards to give to family and friends, specially designed by students from Sacred Heart.

Thankyou for your support.

Grade Five Caritas Just Leadership Day –

Tuesday 25th November.

On Tuesday, 25th November, a group of Grade Five students attended the Caritas Just Leadership Day at St Mary’s Mooroopna, led by Kerry Stone.

The purpose of the day is to encourage and enable students to be actively involved in challenging injustice, and to develop the leadership qualities necessary to encourage others to do the same.

Well done to the following students on the way they participated in the day and for being such great representatives of our school.

Logan Cook Judd Wellington

Olivia Talarico Bonnie Dalziel

Brendan Powles Emily Worm

Vivian Hippisley

Grace Spittles was also going to attend but unfortunately couldn’t due to illness.

Term 4 Events/Dates:

Friday 5th December: 3/4 Advent Liturgy.

Sunday 7th November: 2nd Sunday of Advent.

Thursday 11th December - 9.15am - 1/2 Advent Liturgy

Friday 12th December: Year 6 Graduation / End of Year Mass.

Sunday 14th December: 3rd Sunday of Advent.

Monday 15th December - 9.15am - Foundation Advent Liturgy

Sunday 21st December: 4th Sunday of Advent.

Wishing all a safe and happy Christmas break and I look forward to seeing everyone back at Sacred Heart in 2026.

Kind regards,

Tony McDonald.

Community Notices