Catholic Identity 

The season of Advent 

This week begins the first week of Advent. 

The first week of Advent is cantered on hope, symbolising the anticipation of Jesus's birth and his role as a source of light in the world.  

This week focuses on the prophecies of the Messiah and reminds people that their hope can overcome darkness, preparing them for the coming of Christmas and the light of Christ. The first candle on an Advent wreath, a purple one, is lit this week to represent this theme. 

Dear Jesus,  

You are the hope in our messy world.  

This Advent, help us slow down, listen to your voice,  

and focus on what's really important.  

We place our hope in you  

as we prepare our hearts  

to celebrate your birth on Christmas.  

Amen 

Christmas Eve Mass at St Mary’s Primary School 

We are both blessed and excited to be hosting Christmas Eve Mass at St Mary’s. The Choir have been invited to lead some of the hymns and songs which they are extremely grateful for this opportunity. 

Mass will be celebrated in the Brigidine Centre on Wednesday 24th December at 6.00pm. We look forward to joining with you as we recognise and celebrate the birth of Jesus our Saviour as a community. 

F.I.R.E. Carriers 

On Tuesday 25th November 22 learners and 1 staff member were commissioned as F.I.R.E. Carriers (Friends Igniting Reconciliation through Education). We congratulate these representatives as they continue to promote peace, justice and reconciliation within our community. These representatives have already stepped into their role, leading the Acknowledgement of Country in each Year level’s Shared space on Monday as we began the season of Advent. 

We sincerely thank Michael Chisholm and Tanika, CESL Aboriginal Education Team for their ongoing support. 

Choir visit ERH and Glanville Aged Care 

St Mary’s Choir were invited to entertain at a Donor’s morning tea at Echuca Regional Hospital on Tuesday 25th November.  Our first song was ‘Living in Hope’ as we acknowledge that all donors bring hope to those who are in need. We thank Madeline Gilby for supporting us on this excursion and to the many parents and family of the Choir members who were also there for support. 

Sewing Superstars needed.                                             

Prayer cloths are a necessity in our classrooms, gathering spaces and focus points around our school. Throughout the Liturgical year as the seasons change, so do our Prayer cloths. 

There are over 100 cloths that require sewing to prevent the fraying of this beautiful material.  

If you have a sewing machine and some time, please contact me to discuss your interest and availability. All threads will be provided. 

Thank you in advance. 

Colleen 

Champson@smechuca.catholic.edu.au 

Advent and Mission - St Mary’s ‘Giving Tree’.         

This term all Year levels have been learning about how we can reach out and serve others. Many classrooms have been exploring the concept of service within our communities and identifying how they can use their gifts within their 

community to support others. 

As we approach the season of Advent, this has been a wonderful opportunity for us as a community to reach out to those who are less fortunate than ourselves. 

In the Administration building, a ‘Giving Tree’, a Christmas tree has been erected. This tree does not have any decorations, but only a few gift tags remain hanging from it due to the generosity of our community. Each gift tag has the gender and age of a young person for whom you may like to purchase a gift for. The value of this gift is left up to you.  

Pop into the Office to select a gift tag from the ‘Giving Tree’ to support one child who may not be as fortunate as those in our own families. Perhaps the selection of the gift tag could be a family decision. 

Please wrap your gift, attach the gift tag chosen from the ‘Giving Tree’ and place this under the Christmas tree in the Office. The final date will be Wednesday 10th December.  

There are already so many gifts in place. Thank you. 

Anonymity is the key to this gesture. 

‘The art of giving is perfected through anonymity.’  

~ Douglas Horton. 

For those who would prefer to donate non-perishable grocery items rather than purchasing a gift, a large crate has been positioned in the Administration building for donations. Additionally, each classroom has a container beside their Prayer table in their classroom. 

All donations are appreciated and welcome. 

Thank you in advance. 

Welcome home! 

This coming week we welcome home Father Novie as he returns from his Sabbatical. Whist we pray that he has nurtured his whole self, particularly spiritually, we are joyful for his return. Often in life we do not appreciate fully, all that we have until we are without it. 

Welcome home Fr Novie! 

Fr Novie will join us at the Year 6 Graduation liturgy on Friday. 

Mass & Liturgy Timetable 

St Mary's Parish AGM & Christmas Party