Advent is the beginning of the church year, a period of preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ during the Christmas season. In the four weeks of Advent, we reflect on the themes of hope, peace, joy, and love.

1st Week of Advent

Prayer for Hope: Almighty God, grant us the grace to hope in you with unwavering trust. As we begin this season of Advent, may our hearts be filled with the hope that comes from knowing your promises are true. Amen.

2nd Week of Advent

Prayer for Peace: Prince of Peace, in a world filled with turmoil, grant us the tranquility that only your peace can bring. Help us to be instruments of reconciliation and harmony in our relationships and communities. Amen.

3rd Week of Advent

Prayer for Joy: Heavenly Father, fill our hearts with the joy that comes from knowing your love. May we rejoice in the good news of salvation and share that joy with others during this season of Advent. Amen.

4th Week of Advent

Prayer for Love: God of love, as we approach the celebration of the birth of your Son, help us to embody the love that He brought into the world. Teach us to love one another as you have loved us. Amen.

The Missionaries of the Sacred Heart

On Monday, 8th December, on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, we celebrate 171 years of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart, a congregation born from a dream placed by God in the heart of Fr. Jules Chevalier.

From the beginning, MSC existed for one mission:

“To make the Sacred Heart of Jesus loved everywhere.”

A mission of tenderness in a world of fear,

a mission of compassion in a world of wounds,

a mission of hope in a world longing for meaning.

MSC spirituality is not merely a task, it is a way of loving.

The Heart of Jesus becomes the beginning, the centre and the direction of every mission.

To be MSC is to become:

• A presence that heals

• A heart that listens

• A smile that comforts

• A hand that blesses

• A voice that brings hope

In a world thirsty for God’s tenderness.

Faith and Mission News

We look forward to formally welcoming Fr. Shane Carr MSC back to Monivae College in 2026. Father Shane will be working with staff and students across liturgy, reflection, pastoral activities and the broader MSC mission within our community.

Fr. Shane commenced his role as MSC Chaplain on Thursday, 4th December 2025, when we were blessed to have him celebrate our final school liturgy. Special thanks also to Mrs Nicky Riddle, Mrs Katee Mitchell and Mr Jim Bailey for organising the Advent liturgy.

During the Advent Liturgy we also farewelled Fr. Patrick (Paddy) Mugavin who has been the Parish Priest of the Saint Mary MacKillop Parish in the Western Border for the past twenty-three years. Over the years, Fr. Paddy has celebrated many school Masses at Monivae in addition to our Year 12 Graduation Masses at St Mary’s Church in Hamilton. Most recently, on 21st November, Fr Paddy celebrated the Year 12 Graduation Mass at St Mary’s Church. Fr. Paddy is retiring at the end of this year, and we wish him all the very best for a wonderful retirement. We are so grateful for his rich spiritual presence in our school community.

Year 8 Reflection Day

Our Year 8 cohort had an awesome MSC Reflection Day at HIRL.

They engaged in important conversations about their daily choices and personal growth. Such experiences are invaluable for fostering self-awareness and strengthening peer connections.

Wishing all our families a safe, joyful, and blessed Christmas. May the peace of Christ fill your homes, and may His light guide you through the holiday season and into the new year.

God bless you and your loved ones.

Mrs Lia Mailes

Religious Education Faculty Leader & Faith and Mission Co-Leader

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