Prayer & Acknowledgment

The first purple candle is the “Candle of Hope.” It symbolizes the hope we have in Christ and our desire to spend eternity (and also the present!) with Him. During the first week of Advent, we wait for Jesus with hope.

What does hope mean? Why do we have hope? How do we attain hope? What does hope feel like (contrast to hopelessness)?
Why does the season of Advent begin with the theme of hope?
How do Mary and Joseph live the virtue of hope as they await Jesus’ birth? What other saints or Biblical people display hope? How?
What are the three theological virtues? Why are they important? How do they relate to each other? (see CCC 1812-1829)
How would we (as individuals or as a family) be different if we fully lived the virtue of hope more fully?
In what ways are you called to live the virtue of hope this week?

The second purple candle is called the “Candle of Peace.” During this second week of Advent, we reflect on our lives and orient ourselves toward Christ’s coming, preparing our hearts to receive Him anew.

Recall a time when you experienced deep peace. What did it feel like?
Why is Peace a Fruit of the Spirit? What are the other Fruits of the Spirit? What does that phrase mean? (see Gal. 5:22-23; CCC 736)
What circumstances “steal” your peace? How can you guard your heart against losing peace?
St. Augustine (see “From the Catechism,” below), defines peace as “the tranquility of order.” How does peace relate to order? How are we called to better order our lives (time, priorities, treasures)?

From the Catechism: Peace is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit. Peace is a goal of Christian living, as indicated by Jesus who said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.” The fifth commandment requires us to persevere and work for peace, which was defined by St. Augustine as “the tranquility of order.”

Keep In Your Prayers and Thoughts…

All our Priests, seminarians and deacons.

Friends or family who have passed away this year.

Our friends and family who are unwell at the moment.

All our families and students, keep them safe and healthy.

“And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.”

Matthew 21:22

Acknowledgment of Country

St. Brendan's Primary School acknowledges and

pays respect to the Yorta Yorta Nation,

as the original ongoing custodians of

the land we meet on.

We commit ourselves to actively working alongside

Aboriginal people for reconciliation and justice.