Religion

 3rd Sunday of Advent 

This Sunday we celebrate the Third Sunday of Advent. In the Gospel, we read about when John the Baptist told people about Jesus. John heard about some of the things that Jesus had been doing and he sent disciples to meet with Jesus. 

Today, we can encounter Jesus in our own lives through our relationships with others. In this Season of Advent, let’s prepare the way for God’s love to be in our lives through our words and actions.

Gospel Reading: Mt 11:2-11 

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew  

John in his prison had heard what Christ was doing and he sent his disciples to ask him, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or have we got to wait for someone else?’ Jesus answered, ‘Go back and tell John what you hear and see; the blind see again, and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised to life and the Good News is proclaimed to the poor; and happy is the man who does not lose faith in me.’

As the messengers were leaving, Jesus began to talk to the people about John: ‘What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swaying in the breeze? No? Then what did you go out to see? A man wearing fine clothes? Oh no, those who wear fine clothes are to be found in palaces. Then what did you go out for? To see a prophet? Yes, I tell you, and much more than a prophet: he is the one of whom scripture says: Look, I am going to send my messenger before you; he will prepare your way before you. I tell you solemnly, of all the children born of women, a greater than John the Baptist has never been seen; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he is.’

The Gospel of the Lord

The Advent Wreath

The third candle lit this week is known as the Shepherds’ Candle. This third candle of Advent reflects the joy that comes through Jesus’ arrival, and through the salvation he has gifted us.                               

Lord God,

may we, your people, who look forward to the birthday of Christ,

experience the joy of salvation and celebrate that feast

with love and thanksgiving.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Advent Liturgies

Each year level will be preparing prayerful celebrations based on the themes of Hope, Peace, Joy and Love. We warmly invite you to come along and join in the celebrations in our school hall.

Advent Liturgies Timetable

Thank you to our Years 5/6 and Years 1/2 students for leading the first two Advent Liturgies, which focussed on the themes of ‘HOPE’ and ‘PEACE’.  It was great to see so many families coming along to these celebrations.

End of Year Mass- Tuesday 16th December 9.00am

You are all warmly invited to come along to our End of Year Mass, next Tuesday at 9.00am in St Mark’s Church. 

St Vincent de Paul - Annual Food Appeal

The Saints Club is coordinating this year’s St Vincent de Paul Annual Food Appeal.  This is a great opportunity for us to enact the Mercy Values of Service and Compassion, which will help to support those in need in our local community.  

Christmas Carols 

Some members of our Saints Club have been involved in outreach opportunities which enabled them to put into action our Mercy Values of Service and Hospitality within our Parish Community. 

Carols at Anzac Lodge Nursing Home

Last Friday, the Years 4, 5 & 6 members of our Saints Club sang Christmas Carols to the residents and staff at Anzac Lodge aged care facility. We thank the children for singing so beautifully to bring the Christmas Spirit to everyone who attended.

Carols at the Parish Hope Cafe

Yesterday Fr Colin celebrated a Healing Mass at St Mark’s Church. The Year 4 members of our Saints Club sang Christmas Carols during the luncheon at the Hope Café.  We thank the children for singing so beautifully to bring the Christmas Spirit to the Parishioners of St Mark’s.

Year 6 Graduation Celebrations

Tonight we celebrate the graduation of our Year 6 students. The celebrations will begin

 with a Graduation Mass in St Mark’s Church at 6.00pm, followed by a presentation ceremony and supper in the parish hall. 

    God our Father,

We give you thanks for bringing these young people to this special moment in their lives. 

We ask you to accompany them as they face new adventures and challenges.

May the paths they take always lead to you

and that Your Spirit will shine on them always.

We make this prayer in the name of 

Jesus your Son. 

Amen. 

2026 Sacrament Dates

We are pleased to announce the following dates for next year’s Sacramental Program. Further information regarding the dates for the Family Nights and Retreat Days will be sent home next year.

St Mark’s Parish Carols, Christmas Family Mass & Nativity Play   

On  Christmas eve, St Mark’s Parish is gathering in the church for Christmas Carols at

 6.00pm, followed by a Family Christmas Mass at 6:30pm.

Fr Colin has extended an invitation to families to attend the evening, with the children encouraged to participate in a nativity play during the Mass. They may choose to dress up as angels or shepherds, but this is not an expectation. 

As this is a Parish event, please contact the St Mark’s Parish Office on 9359 3111 if you require any further information.

I would like to take this opportunity of wishing you all

a happy and holy Christmas and a safe New Year.

May you all enjoy a relaxing holiday with your families and friends.

Dot Mash - RE Leader

Tues-Thurs

dorothy.mash@smfawkner.catholic.edu.au