St. Martin de Porres Primary School

R.E. News

Advent

The Advent season starts in the weeks leading up to Christmas and ends on Christmas Eve. It’s a period of preparation for the coming of Christ, and his birth into the world, which is where the period takes its name from, “Advent” meaning “coming” in Latin. There are certain colours associated with Advent. The purple colour during the first weeks is associated with Penance and the rose colour is for joy and happiness. There are also four candles lit during Advent. Each one has its own meaning and they stand in a circle around a white candle, the candle of Christ that is lit on Christmas.

The Advent wreath has five candles, which are lit on each of the Sundays of Advent: The 1st Sunday of Advent symbolizes HOPE with the “Prophet’s Candle” reminding us that Jesus is coming. The 2nd Sunday of Advent symbolizes PEACE with the “Bethlehem Candle” reminding us of Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem. The 3rd Sunday of Advent symbolizes JOY with the “Shepherd’s Candle” reminding us of the Joy the world experienced at the coming birth of Jesus. The 4th Sunday of Advent symbolizes LOVE with the “Angel’s Candle” reminding us of the message of the angels: “Peace on Earth, Good Will Toward Men”. Our Advent wreath also includes a fifth white “CHRIST” candle, that is lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.

 

We have four prayer celebrations to end our busy year. Please read the flyer to see the dates and times for our Advent Liturgies and our End of Year Mass. As always families are welcome to attend these celebrations. 

Christmas Hampers

Every year at Christmas time, our school community responds to the St Vincent de Paul “Adopt-a-Family Christmas Appeal”. Over the next few weeks, we will be collecting groceries and making Christmas food hampers for St Vinnies’ volunteers to distribute to local families in need of help. The items donated assist identified families in need in the local areas during Christmas time. 

 

We are asking for non-perishable food items that are suitable for Christmas Hampers such as:

  • Tinned - ham/salmon/tuna
  • Christmas pudding/cake
  • Biscuits/shortbread
  • Mince pies
  • Cordial/tetra juice packs
  • Soft drinks
  • Lollies/candy canes, jellies
  • Canned or dried vegetables
  • Tinned fruit
  • Long-life custard
  • Gravy mix
  • Packets of snack foods
  • Chips, popcorn, nuts
  • Breakfast cereal, UHT milk
  • Pancake shake mix 
  • Bonbons/crackers
  • Christmas serviettes, paper plates etc. 

Please ensure that items are unopened, non - perishable, and within the use by expiry date. 

 

TOYS AND CLOTHES ARE NOT ACCEPTED AT THIS TIME.

 

We do ask that if students are able to bring in items, they can be placed in a box in their classroom for collection. All food needs to be brought into school by Monday 9th of December so our Social Justice Student Leaders can sort and wrap the hampers.

 

Thank you for your support. 

             

Lucas Mangani

RE Leader