Education In Faith

From the Director of Catholic Identity

A Prayer for Advent

God of joy,

Just as You sent John the Baptist to prepare the way for Jesus,

help us to clear the path in our hearts, too.

Show us the distractions in our lives that block us from accepting You during this time of Advent.

Give us hearts, Lord, that look for Your coming on a daily basis and help us to live lives where we constantly seek Your presence.

Amen.

The word 'Advent' comes from Latin and means "coming"; its purpose is to look forward to the coming of Christ on Earth; it was a season that focused on waiting. So, Advent means something new is coming: the dawn of a new and better era. This is really what the Christmas season is all about - the celebration of the ADVENT of a new era. God broke into time and space and entered our world which we celebrate at Christmas. Year 7-10s participate in liturgies during this time to reflect on how they can invite God again into their lives.

Year 12 Retreat

The 2019 Year 12 students go on their annual 3-day Retreat to Rutherford Park Country Retreat on the 28-30 November. The theme is, "The Treasure Within". The students explore the notion of bonding as a community and how that is linked with knowing Jesus. They participate in a number of quiet, reflective, prayerful, creative, group and fun activities. It is a significant event that begins the journey for our 2019 Year 12 students over the next 12 months.

Charitable works

One of the strengths of MSJ is the amount of charitable work that the students get involved in. Pastoral groups have been busy organising Christmas Hampers over the last few weeks. These will be given to Joseph's Corner who will distribute them to needy families accordingly. The new student leaders have been instrumental in organising this in Pastoral Groups.

Socktober is held each year at the end of October. On Wednesday 31 October, the students were able to wear crazy socks and hair and eat pancakes in exchange for a gold coin donation. This event successfully raised over $800 for the St Vincent de Paul Society.

Well done to the girls for their support of those in need.

Praying for the Deceased

November is the month in which the Church traditionally prays for the deceased. Our College Chapel has had a dedicated spot during the month of November where students and staff have been able to come and light a candle in honour of deceased loved ones. This has allowed a number of people to come and spend some time in the Chapel in quiet reflection or prayer. 

Wishing you all blessings for the coming seasons of Advent and Christmas,

Scott McNulty

Acting Director of Catholic Identity