News from our Family & Faith Educator
Advent
On Sunday 3r December, Advent and our spiritual preparation for Christmas begins. The liturgical season of Advent consists of four Sundays leading up to Christmas, ending on Christmas Eve. The meaning of Advent season is two-fold, reminding us both to remember the past and to look to the future. It is a special time dedicated to the remembrance of Jesus’ birth and waiting in anticipation for His second coming.
Although the holy season of Advent is definitely a time of hope, expectation, and joy, the seriousness of the season is often lost in the hustle and bustle of Christmas preparations. In many ways Advent is a “mini Lent.” Although the season is joyful and exciting, it is also a time of prayer, fasting and almsgiving, in preparation for Christmas day.
As we barrel into the silly season, it gets harder to remember to be mindful and not let material preparations hinder us from spiritually preparing for the season of Christmas. Trying to get the right balance of cleaning our souls as thoroughly as we clean our houses or counting our blessings and offering up sacrifices as small gifts to God as readily as we shop for Christmas gifts, is challenging. However, to be truly ready for Christmas we must take time out of each day to focus on preparing a home in our hearts that is fit for the King of Kings.
Parish Mass Times
Sunday Masses:
Saturday Vigil - 5.00pm
Sunday - 8.00am
Sunday - 10.00am
Weekday Masses
Monday - 9.00am Communion Service
Tuesday to Saturday - 9.00am Mass
Please Help....
Vinnies night patrol is currently facing a shortage of snack packs in the lead up to Christmas. We would really appreciate it if you would consider donating the food items listed below to help St Patrick’s staff create snack packs for Vinnies on our last day of term. Even small contributions can make a significant difference in ensuring that those in need have access to essential snacks during this critical time. Your support will truly have a meaningful impact on those who rely on Vinnies' services.
If you would like to make a donation please leave it at the school office or send it to your child’s classroom anytime between Thursday, 30 November - Thursday, 14 December 2023.
Thank you so much for your support. Please know that every donation, no matter the size, makes a difference.
Footy, Faith & Friends
Thank you to everyone who attended the Footy, Faith & Friends Night at Gymea Pub on Monday night. I was truly amazed by the wide range of ages at the event. It was heart warming to see so many men, ranging in age from 18 into their 70's, coming together to talk about mental health and recognising that no generation is immune from depression, anxiety and suicide.
The venue was packed, the atmosphere was incredible and our guest speakers, James Graham, Joel Curtis and Fr Dan were inspiring, generous, truly vulnerable and open about their personal experiences of the subject.
Thanks to all of you we raised over $1600.00 for Movember.
Christmas Mass Times
Thursday 14 December 7pm
2nd Rite Reconciliation
Sunday 24 December: 8am & 10am Sunday Mass
Carols from 4.30pm for
Vigil Mass 5pm
Vigil Mass 7pm
Carols from 11.30pm for
Midnight Mass - at 12.00am (Solemn Mass)
Monday - Christmas Day 25 December:
8.00am & 10.00am
Feast of the Holy Family
Tuesday 26 December 9am
Solemnity of Mary The Mother of God
Monday 1 January 2024 - 9am
All Welcome!
