Our Faith - Religion - Prayer
St Patrick's Church Walcha
For Baptism or Marriage enquiries phone Monsignor Ted Wilkes 67784070.
Monsignor Ted Wilkes would like to invite parishioners to Sunday Mass 10am.
Term 4 Mass Dates
Friday 13th December: End of Year and Year 6 Graduation Mass at 11.30am
Reflection
The Season of Advent commencing Sunday - 1st December.
Advent heralds in the church's new year. This year it begins on Sunday, December 1st.
Advent is a season of anticipation. The prayers and songs of this time are filled with longing, hope, and expectation. As the days grow warmer and the school year comes to an end, we find ourselves looking forward to the summer holidays. This sense of "waiting" can deepen our celebration of Advent.
Advent is a time to prepare for Christmas, reflecting on Christ's first coming. Unlike Lent, it is not a season of penance but one of joyful anticipation. While we know the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem is a one-time event, Advent invites us to prepare for a new coming of Jesus into our lives. Each year, this season helps us practice welcoming Jesus into our hearts daily. It also reminds us of His call to create a world of peace and love. During Advent, we make a special effort to be visible signs of God's presence, living out the meaning of 'Emmanuel'—"God is with us."
Colours of Advent
Advent colours are purple and rose. At Mass the priest’s vestments, altar cloths, and Advent candles are purple, except for the third Sunday of the season, Gaudete Sunday, when the colour is rose, for joy. There is also a white candle for Christmas Day itself, usually in the middle of the Advent wreath.
One of the major symbols of the Advent season is the wreath. The encircling wreath is symbolic of God without beginning or end and the green foliage represents our hope in God. There are five candles in the wreath: 3 purple, 1 pink and a central white candle representing the light of Christ that came into the world.
The first candle, which is purple, symbolises hope. It is often called the “Prophecy Candle” in remembrance of the prophets, especially Isaiah, who foretold the birth of Christ. It represents the expectation felt in anticipation of the coming Messiah.
The second candle, also purple, represents faith. It is called the “Bethlehem Candle” as a reminder of Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem.
The third candle is rose/pink and symbolises joy. It is called the “Shepard’s Candle,” and is pink because rose is a liturgical colour for joy and is meant to remind us of the joy that is anticipated in the world experienced at the birth of Jesus.
On the fourth week of Advent, we light the final purple candle to mark the final week of prayer and penance as we wait for the birth of our Saviour. This final candle, the “Angel’s Candle,” symbolises peace. It reminds us of the message of the angels: “Peace on Earth, Good Will Toward Men.”
The progressive lighting of the candles marks the journey towards the Nativity.
PRAYER - Advent
Heavenly Father,
bless us
as we light the candles of this wreath.
May its light serve as a symbol
of Christ’s promise
to bring us salvation.
May His coming be swift
and without delay.
We pray this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
End of Year and Year 6 Graduation Mass -Friday 13th December at 11.30am
On Friday, 13th December, all staff and students will gather to celebrate our End of Year Mass and Year 6 Graduation at St Patrick's Catholic Church at 11:30 am. We warmly invite everyone to join us for this meaningful occasion.
Catherine McAuley
Catherine’s spirituality was centred on the mercy of God…prayer in action…action in prayer.