St Michael's Primary School Ashburton

Religious Education

Mr Ray Hickey

Feast of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe and the beginning of Advent

On Sunday 24th November, the Catholic Church celebrates the Feast of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. Now that is an impressive title and rightly so as it honours Jesus as human and as Son of God, and his authority over all and everything. 

This feast also marks the end of the Church year. The new Church year begins on Sunday 1st December, which is the First Sunday of Advent.    

This year, the students will explore the Jesse Tree during Advent. The Jesse Tree is basically Jesus' family tree. It explains the people who were waiting for the coming of Jesus. In the coming weeks you will be able to see our combined Jesse Tree begin to take shape on the windows looking out from the Junior building into the quadrangle. The newsletters in the coming weeks will include details of our Jesse Tree. 

St Michael's Giving Tree 

As we approach the season of Advent we will prepare for Christmas by continuing with our tradition of the St Michael's Giving Tree. 

The presents that are purchased by our school community are presented to a representative from St Vincent de Paul's on the evening of our school carols. They are then distributed to the families in need within our wider parish community. This is an act of kindness and reflects the true meaning of giving at Christmas.

You are able to donate: 

  • unwrapped toys for children aged 0-5 years
  • unwrapped toys for children aged 5-12 years
  • chocolates 
  • wrapping paper
  • empty stockings. 

There will be boxes/tubs outside the staffroom door for collection beginning Wednesday 27 November until the afternoon of Thursday 12 December 2024, the date of the Christmas Carols.

Thank you.  

Term 4 Class Masses

Every Wednesday, a class is rostered to participate in the 10.00 am parish Mass.

Parents and family members are most welcome to join the students in the celebration of  the Mass. 

Fr Darien explains each part of the Mass and unpacks the message of the Gospel in a meaningful manner for the students. If there is no special feast day, Fr Darien allows the class to choose readings related to their current learning.

The class/school roster for the remainder of Term Four is as follows: 

 

Week 8      Wed 27 November   NO CLASS/SCHOOL MASS

Week 9      Wed  4  December    Year 1/2 G 

Week 10    Fri   13  December    WHOLE SCHOOL END OF YEAR MASS

Any changes to the rostered class Masses will be announced in the school newsletter.

Pope Francis' Prayer Intentions for November 

 

For anyone who has lost a child

We pray that all parents who mourn the loss of a son or daughter find support in their community and receive peace and consolation from the Holy Spirit.

Amen