Catholic Identity

Advent at Home

Advent starts on Sunday 30th November, and here are some easy and fun ways you can get ready for Jesus at home:

Here are simple, child-friendly Advent ideas for home:

1. Light an Advent candle and say a short prayer like, “Jesus, help us get ready for You.”
2. Make a kindness Advent calendar and do one loving action each day.
3. Create a prayer space with a purple cloth, a cross, and a candle.
4. Add pieces to a Nativity set slowly — baby Jesus arrives on Christmas!
5. Help someone in need by donating food, toys, or clothes.

Term 4 Masses 

Thursday 4th December - Grade 3-6 Advent Reconciliation

Monday 15th December - Grade 6 Graduation Mass

Tuesday 16th December - End of Year Mass of Thanksgiving 

Sunday Gospel - Luke 21:5-19

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke

When some were talking about the Temple, remarking how it was adorned with fine stonework and votive offerings, Jesus said, ‘All these things you are staring at now – the time will come when not a single stone will be left on another: everything will be destroyed.’ And they put to him this question: ‘Master,’ they said, ‘when will this happen, then, and what sign will there be that this is about to take place?’

‘Take care not to be deceived,’ he said, ‘because many will come using my name and saying, “I am he” and, “The time is near at hand.” Refuse to join them. And when you hear of wars and revolutions, do not be frightened, for this is something that must happen but the end is not soon.’ Then he said to them, ‘Nation will fight against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes and plagues and famines here and there; there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven.

‘But before all this happens, men will seize you and persecute you; they will hand you over to the synagogues and to imprisonment, and bring you before kings and governors because of my name – and that will be your opportunity to bear witness. Keep this carefully in mind: you are not to prepare your defence, because I myself shall give you an eloquence and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to resist or contradict. You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, relations and friends; and some of you will be put to death. You will be hated by all men on account of my name, but not a hair of your head will be lost. Your endurance will win you your lives.’

Reflection 

In this reading, Jesus reminds us that even when the world feels uncertain, frightening, or confusing, we do not need to be afraid. He knows that life will bring challenges, disasters, and moments when things seem to fall apart, but He promises to be with us through it all. Jesus tells us that our faith is not proven in easy times, but in how we stay strong, trust Him, and keep doing what is right even when it is hard. He gives us courage, wisdom, and the strength to keep going. His final words remind us that if we stay faithful and keep trusting in God, we will gain true life — the life that comes from love, hope, and discipleship.

Sandpiper 

The Sandpiper is an e-Newsletter containing news from across the Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst.

For the latest issue of the Sandpiper, please follow this link:

Sandpiper e-News 111: 14 November 2025

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