Religious Education
On Tuesday morning, our school community gathered in the Church for our final school Mass of the year. This special celebration was not only a time to reflect on the year that has been and to give thanks for the teaching and learning that has taken place, but also a way to herald the beginning of a new Liturgical Year as we entered the first week of Advent.
The signs of this new season were all around us. The colour purple was visible on the altar, the tabernacle and the chasuble worn by Father Justin, symbolising a time of preparation and reflection. Our hymns paid tribute to Mary as a highly favoured lady, called Israel to rejoice as the long-expected King approaches, and joyfully proclaimed Christ as our Light. The students were quick to point out something new in the church, up on the sanctuary near the altar - the Advent Wreath, with the first of its four candles already burning.
These candles represent Jesus coming as a light in the darkness. One candle is lit each Sunday of Advent until all four are glowing. As Christmas draws nearer, each candle brings a little more light into the world.
The season of Advent is a time of expectation, when we prepare both our homes and our hearts to celebrate the birth of Jesus at Christmas. The word Advent comes from the Latin word adventus, which means “coming.” It is a season of hope — a time to nurture peace and experience joy in anticipation of the love that is made present in the birth of Jesus.
Each candle lit during Advent represents an important part of this preparation, helping us to reflect, pray, and grow closer to God as we journey towards Christmas.
The First Week of Advent: November 30, 2025
Candle Name: The Prophecy Candle
The First Week of Advent Represents: Hope
Candle Color: Purple
Purple is the primary color associated with Advent. Within the Catholic Church it symbolizes penance, preparation, and sacrifice. During the first week of Advent we remember the Old Testament prophets who foretold of Jesus’ coming with hope and anticipation. Are you ready to discover the hope Jesus is inviting you to experience this Advent?
READING
"The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined." (Isaiah 9:2)
PRAYER
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.
The Second Week of Advent: December 7, 2025
Candle Name: The Bethlehem Candle
The Second Week of Advent Represents: Peace and Preparation
Candle Color: Purple
During this second week of Advent, we reflect on our lives and focus on becoming better-versions-of-ourselves in preparation for Jesus’ coming. We remember the journey Joseph and Mary took from Nazareth to Bethlehem. What has your journey toward Christmas been like so far?
READING
''And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to be delivered. And she gave birth to her first-born son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn." (Luke 2:4-7) (Isaiah 9:2)
PRAYER
Dear Jesus,
You entered our world on Christmas as the Prince of Peace. This Advent, as we strive to become the-best-version-of-ourselves, fill us with a deep and abiding peace. Help us share that peace with everyone we encounter, especially those who need it most.
Amen.
INVITATION -
To all our budding young singers out there. Would you like to sing as part of the Parish Children's choir at this year's Christmas Eve Family Mass on the 24th of December at 6pm? Mrs Earle our former music teacher would love to have you on board. Students would be required to attend a quick rehearsal in the Church at 5pm before the 6pm Mass. To register interest, parents are asked to contact the Parish office via the email above.
MentoneParkdaleEast@cam.org.au
Kathryn Ady
Religious Education Leader