Religious 

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Mass of Thanksgiving 

On Friday 13th December at 9:15 am, we will be giving thanks for the year that we have had. We have been extremely fortunate to have been involved in multiple events and initiatives this year, where we have a lot to be thankful for. At this mass, we will show our appreciation and gratitude for our school staff leaving our St Francis Xavier Community.   We will also present the Serviam and Donna Craigie Performing Arts Award and announce the student leaders for 2025. 

We look forward to celebrating and recognising the successes, achievements and opportunities that we have had in 2024. 

Advent - A time of giving 

Both Lent and Advent are seasons of waiting, preparation and penance. During Lent, we await Christ’s return from 40 days in the desert, His loving sacrifice for us, and Resurrection. In Advent, we prepare for His birth. The birth and resurrection of Christ are intertwined, and their connection is quite significant. Yet, these seasons of waiting look different for us - Advent is a uniquely joyous and hopeful season in the Church.

We light candles amidst the darkness and we come together as friends and family to celebrate the coming of our Saviour. Advent is the beginning of a new liturgical year. We begin the year anew, renewed by His birth.

Advent is an opportunity to reflect on the mercy and generosity of God in our own lives, spreading hope through acts of kindness and compassion. Let’s take this time to give and share love this Christmas season. 

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

Some ideas for giving:

1. Give your presence - Give your presence to God. Go to Mass, sit before the tabernacle or find a quiet space in the Church. Give your presence to others. Spend more time with your loved ones. You don’t have to do anything fancy, just be you and enjoy being present in the moment.
2. Give your time -  Rest, relax and exercise. Enjoy just being. 
3. Give your attention - Turn off your phone or at least put it down! Pay attention to people rather than screens.
4. Give your prayers - God already knows what we need and what we want. Find the time to pray for the needs and wants of others. 
5. Give your help - To the parish, to your neighbours, to a friend, to a stranger. Anything that makes someone else feel better; and give with a smile!
6. Give your praise - With the end of school year, find the time to praise your child. Tell them how proud you are of them. Give praise to your family and friends.Praise a stranger on the street as you pass them by. 
7. Give to God - Thank him for all he has given you.
8. Give it all - Give all these things to family, friends and strangers. In Bethlehem, Jesus became a gift for us because we needed him. Just as Jesus was a gift to us, others need us to be a gift them them. There is no greater gift that we can give at Christmas or any other day of the year.