Catholic Identity
Religious Education Leader: Elizabeth Holligan
Reflection Friday 29 November, 2024
First Sunday of Advent Year C December 1, 2024
This Sunday’s responsorial psalm reads,
‘To you, O Lord, I lift my soul. Lord, make me know your ways. Lord, teach me your paths. Make me walk in your truth, and teach me: for you are God my saviour.’
Last week I had the pleasure to accompany some of our Year 5 students as they participated in the Caritas Year 5 Just Leadership Day. I was conscious of how great an impact our students make every day in their social justice activities, ecological stewardship leadership, advocacy for the most vulnerable, fundraising and genuine care and compassion they show to those around them and the wider world. Each one of us can be the hands and feet of God in the world today, in big and small ways, in all we do, in the love and compassion we show to others. May we this week walk in God’s truth, may we be there for those around us, the vulnerable, the displaced, those at risk, those facing injustice, near and far, as we are the living and active face of God on earth.
General Notices REL
Grade 5 Caritas Just Leadership Day Wednesday 20 November
Our school was represented at the Caritas Grade 5 Just Leadership Day in Euroa by Seamus, Olivia, Jemma, Matilda, Bella, Eleina, Xavier and Lucy. The students were selected after completing a competitive application process including interviews and outlining their views for future social justice programs and activities at St Anne’s College and in our wider community. Our students represented out school with pride, taking part in activities with students from across the diocese. We look forward to seeing them lead in this space during 2025.
St Vincent de Paul Christmas Voucher Fundraising
This term our fundraising will be directed towards the Christmas Vinnies appeal. The Shepparton South St Vincent de Paul Conference assists many members of the local community facing challenging times financially. Our local St Vincent de Paul conference is requesting our help as they aid over 450 clients this Christmas.
Each year level and PG is asked to raise funds to purchase vouchers for families and individuals in need this Christmas. You can help by donating cash or vouchers for the provision of food from business like SPC or supermarkets (not cards that can be spent on alcohol). Any cash sent will be used by the school and Shepparton South St Vincent de Paul conference to purchase vouchers.
St Mel’s Parish Sacramental Program meeting time update
Next Thursday 5 December, students participating in the St Mel’s Parish Sacramental Program with take part in their first Sacrament of Penance and First Reconciliation Liturgy.
The Liturgy commences at 7pm at Christ the King Church St Mel’s Parish. Congratulations to all those taking part. We ask you keep these young people and their families in your prayers as they prepare for this important milestone in their faith journey. May the peace and love of Christ be with you at this time.
Advent Preparation and Advent Wreaths
Advent Liturgies will be taking place at St Anne’s College over the next few weeks as part of our preparation for Christmas.
The four weeks prior to Christmas are the Season of Advent. Advent today is a season to prepare for Christmas when Christ’s first coming to us is remembered and also a season when that remembrance directs the mind and heart to await Christ’s Second Coming at the end of time. We recommit to our beliefs. God from God, Light from Light, and true God from true God, by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and became man, and that he will come again in glory.
You may like to set up an Advent wreath at home. A simple collection of three purple or violet candles with one pink candle. Light the first candle, a purple or violet candle on Sunday December 1. This candle is the candle symbolising hope, the expectation felt in anticipation of the coming of Christ.
On the second Sunday of Advent light the second purple or violet candle, the candle of peace. The third Sunday of Advent is the pink candle, the candle of joy as we are filled with excitement and joy for the near arrival of Jesus on Christmas day. The fourth candle, the candle of love, is lit on the last Sunday of Advent. This marks the final week of prayer as we wait for the birth of our Saviour and reminds us that God is love.
End of Year Whole School Mass
St Anne’s College community, past students, family and friends are invited to celebrate the Christmas season and our end of school year with us at our Whole School Mass celebration at Christ the King Church St Mel’s Parish, Hamilton Street, Shepparton, Friday 13 December commencing 9.45am. We look forward to seeing you there.