‘O Blessed Jesus,

Give me stillness of soul in You.

Let Your mighty calmness reign in me.

Rule me, O King of Gentleness,

King of Peace.

Amen’

St. John of the Cross

In the twilight of life, God will not judge us on our earthly possessions and human success, but rather on how much we have loved.

John of the Cross

In sorrow and suffering, go straight to God with confidence, and you will be strengthened, enlightened and instructed.

John of the Cross

It is great wisdom to know how to be silent and to look at neither the remarks, nor the deeds, nor the lives of others.

John of the Cross

Where there is no love, pour love in, and you will draw love out.

John of the Cross

He who avoids prayer is avoiding everything that is good.

John of the Cross

Dear Parents, Grandparents and Carers

Last Sunday we lit the second candle, known as the Bethlehem Candle, and reflected on Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem. This week we have been reflecting on the gift of peace.

Last Tuesday, we celebrated the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe and we have been reminded that peace starts with trusting God, of which Mary is the perfect example.

Yesterday, on St Lucy’s Feast Day, we were reminded that even when difficult and hard things happen to us, we can still experience peace.

Today, on St. John of the Cross’ Feast Day, we are reminded that God is unchanging and loves us unconditionally.

Jesus is the Prince of Peace and it is the very gift of Himself that brings peace to our lives.

Thank-you!

A huge thank-you to all the St Martha’s families and staff members for their constant, great generosity! The wonderful donations for St Merkorious Charity (https://stmerkorious.org.au/) have been picked up yesterday.

Magnify90 Program in 2024 for Women

Registrations for the MAGNIFY 90 Program 2024 are open. This is a 90-day-journey with Our Blessed Mother from 1 January 2024 until Easter Sunday. Please click here for more information.

Christmas at the Cathedral

People of Sydney and Beyond are invited to the annual 'Christmas at the Cathedral' from 14th - 25th December.

Festivities begin at 5:30 pm with Christmas market stalls, food, fun activities for the kids, and live entertainment.

For more information, visit the Christmas at the Cathedral Event Page and the official Christmas at the Cathedral Website.

Make Time for God

A couple of weeks ago, in the Catholic Weekly, Dr Philippa Martyr invited readers to avoid ‘eating too much, drinking too much, spending too much and doing too much’ this Advent, and encouraged everyone to ‘make time for God’: https://www.catholicweekly.com.au/philippa-martyr-five-easy-ways-to-make-the-most-of-advent/

Rosary, Mass and coffee catch-up tomorrow

To conclude our school year with Our Lady, Christ and fellowship, you’re all warmly invited to pray the Rosary at 8:30am at St Martha’s Catholic Church, followed by the 9:10am Mass tomorrow: Friday 15 December 2023 (students’ last day of school).

After Mass, we will walk down to Oliver Brown Cafe at Strathfield Plaza. As always, babies, toddlers, preschoolers and grandparents are most welcome :)

Looking forward to seeing you all tomorrow at the 8:30am Rosary, 9:10am Mass and/or at the coffee catch-up after Mass.

Thank you with all my heart to all our wonderful St Martha’s Families for a most memorable, fantastic year!! Thank you for your endless generosity, your contagious kindness & thoughtfulness and for truly being the face of Christ to everyone you meet.

May God continue to bless you all abundantly and fill everyone’s hearts with His great peace and unconditional Love.

Wishing you all a joy-filled third Sunday of Advent this Sunday, a wonderful Christmas and a 2024 filled with many daily, beautiful blessings.

Mrs Elena Razzoli

Family Educator

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