From the Acting R.E.C

Advent  

The season of Advent began on Sunday 3 December 2023. Advent means ‘Coming’. Before Christmas, we have time to wait, prepare, and hope for the coming of Jesus at Christmas. The celebration of Advent helps refocus our hearts on the true meaning of the Christmas season - the waiting for Christ's birth, but also his final return. 

The Advent wreath was created out of evergreens, symbolizing everlasting life. The circle reminds us of God’s unending love and the eternal life He makes possible. The wreath itself is filled with symbolism. Each part of the wreath reminds us of an important truth about God. 

The first candle (Purple) symbolizes hope and is called the "Prophet’s Candle." The prophets of the Old Testament, especially Isaiah, waited in hope for the Messiah’s arrival. The purple colour symbolizes royalty, repentance, and fasting. · 

The second candle (Purple) represents peace and is called "Bethlehem’s Candle." Micah had foretold that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem, which is also the birthplace of King David. The second candle is also purple to symbolise preparation for the coming king.

The third candle (Pink)symbolizes joy and is called the "Shepherd’s Candle." To the shepherd’s great joy, the angels announced that Jesus came for humble, unimportant people like them, too. In liturgy, the colour rose signifies joy. This candle is coloured pink to represent joyfulness and rejoicing.

The fourth candle (Purple) represents love and is called the "Angel’s Candle." The angels announced that Jesus came to bring peace--He came to bring people closer to God and to each other again. This colour is also purple to represent the culmination of love through the Messiah.

The (optional) fifth candle (white)represents light and purity and is called "Christ’s candle." It is placed in the middle and is lit on Christmas Day. This candle is white to represent pure light and victory.

Outreach - St Vinnies

As part of our OLSH pillar - We are heart people who touch the hearts of all,  the year 4/5 class have been working towards finding ways that they can help the wider community. On Monday 11th December, they will be holding a market day. All classes will have the opportunity to visit and purchase popcorn, and handmade bracelets, guess how many marshmallows are in the jar and purchase a raffle ticket for a prize. Each activity will cost $1. Children can bring between $1 and $5. All money raised will go to St Vinnie's. 

St Brigid's Parish 

The Last Children’s Liturgy of the Word for this year will be at St Brigid’s Church on Sunday 10th  December at 9 am.

Children's liturgy is a wonderful way for the children to have a better understanding of the Gospel of the day, Liturgy and grow in appreciating the structure and the richness of the liturgy of the word section of the Mass. 

Children’s Liturgy will recommence on Sunday 4th February 2024. 

Upcoming Diary Dates

Christmas message

We wish you a joyous Christmas filled with the love and grace of our Savior, Jesus Christ. May the warmth of family and the spirit of giving bring you immense joy during this festive season.  May the peace of Christ be with you, guiding your hearts and homes in the coming year.

Yours in Love, Peace and Learning,

Michaela Edwards

Acting REC