Religious Education News
James Millane
Education in Faith Leader
erm 4 Liturgical Calendar: A Time for Faith and Community
As we head into the final weeks Term of the school year, we still have many wonderful opportunities to gather as a faith community. Please mark your calendars for the following Parish Mass dates, where our students will take a special role in the liturgy.
| Date | Time | Event | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday, 9 December | 9:15am | WHOLE SCHOOL Parish Mass | Feast of the Immaculate Conception: A key feast day in the Church calendar honouring our Blessed Mother Mary. All families are encouraged to attend. |
| Thursday, 11 December | 6pm | Graduation Mass | A memorable and important celebration for our Year 6 students and their families. We pray for their journey ahead as they graduate from St Mary's Primary School. |
| Tuesday, 16 December | 9:15am | Whole School End-of-Year Mass | A final, joyful gathering to celebrate the year that was, give thanks for our blessings and pray for a safe and restful holiday season. |
Advent 2025 - beginning Sunday 30th November
As we prepare to enter the season of Advent for 2025, our school community takes this special time to prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ. Advent invites us into a spirit of hope, peace, joy and love four themes we will focus on throughout the weeks leading up to Christmas. In classrooms and prayer spaces, students will reflect on what it means to wait with expectation, to notice God’s presence in everyday moments and to share kindness with others. May this season be a gentle reminder for all of us to slow down, look forward with faith, and prepare a place for Christ’s light to shine within our families and our school.
The First Week of Advent invites us to focus on Hope the hopeful anticipation of Christ’s coming. As we light the first purple candle on the Advent wreath, we are reminded that God’s promises bring light even in moments of waiting or uncertainty. Throughout this week, our students will reflect on what hope looks like in their own lives: choosing kindness, trusting in God’s love and looking forward with a positive and open heart. May this first step into the Advent season encourage our whole community to recognise the signs of hope that surround us each day.
Second Week of Advent – Peace
As we enter the second week of Advent, we focus on the gift of Peace. The second purple candle reminds us of the quiet, steady peace that comes from trusting in God’s promise. In our classrooms, students have been reflecting on what it means to be peacemakers through kind words, calm actions and helping others feel safe and included. This week invites all of us to pause, breathe and create small moments of peace in our homes and hearts as we prepare for Jesus, the Prince of Peace.
Third Week of Advent – Joy
In the third week of Advent we celebrate Joy, symbolised by the rose-coloured candle. Joy in Advent is not just about excitement for Christmas it is the deep, hopeful joy that comes from knowing God is with us. At school, students have been exploring ways they can share joy with others, especially those who may be feeling lonely or overwhelmed at this time of year. Through smiles, encouragement and acts of generosity, we are reminded that joy grows when we give it away.
Fourth Week of Advent – Love
As we reach the fourth and final week of Advent, our focus turns to Love, the heart of the Christmas message. The final candle reminds us of God’s great love shown through the coming of Jesus. This week, we are encouraged to notice the loving actions happening in our community families supporting each other and our whole school preparing to welcome Christ with open hearts. May this final week of Advent shape us into people who reflect God’s love in all we do.