Religious Education

Reflections on the Gospel

The Church year concludes this week with readings from the prophet Ezekiel telling us what the Lord has said:  I am going to look after my flock myself and keep all of it in view. In Matthew's Gospel we can take the message to mean that, regardless of our understandings, we all recognise that it is up to us to choose our actions and attitude towards our fellow human beings - our students at St Joseph's are our flock and the staff  observe, nurture and support the progress of each and every one in our care.

Advent

The season begins with First Vespers (thanksgiving Mass) of the Sunday on or nearest to 30th November (this year it is Sunday 29th November) and ends before the First Vespers of Christmas (ie on Christmas Eve).  Depending on the day of the week that Christmas falls, Advent can be as short as three weeks and one day or as long as full four weeks, but there are always four Sundays.  

Advent is a time of preparation, anticipation and hope.  It’s a busy time of the year.  Schools are marking the end of the school year with graduations and farewells.  Businesses are holding end-of-the year parties.  Time and energy go into sending Christmas greetings of one kind or another.  Families are occupied with plans for Christmas Day meals and summer holidays.  

Students from K - 6 are learning about various aspects of this Liturgical Season, Advent, during their Religion lessons and will observe signs and symbols when attending Mass from Week 8 onwards - the Advent Wreath and Candles;  Fr Vic and Fr Tuan wearing purple (violet) vestments.

“Advent has a twofold character, for it is a time of preparation for the Solemnity of Christmas, in which the First Coming of the Son of God to humanity is remembered, and likewise a time when, by remembrance of this, minds and hearts are led to look forward to Christ’s Second Coming at the end of time.  For these two reasons, Advent is a period of devout and expectant delight.” (UNLYGRC #39, 1969)

Vinnie's Christmas Hamper

The St Vincent de Paul Society assists people experiencing poverty and inequality and works to shape a more just and compassionate society.

This year we are inviting you to donate non-perishable items for a Christmas hamper.  This will be presented to staff of Quirindi's local St Vincent de Paul organisation at the end of Week 8.   Please send in canned and dried foods - for pets too! - to be placed in labelled baskets outside the front office .  We will be arranging to deliver these baskets next week.

Your donation is very much appreciated.

Advanced Notice for Sacraments 2021

Notes were sent home, last week, advising families of key dates for Sacramental Programs being conducted in our Parish during Terms 1and 2.  Would you kindly return these notes before the end of this term to allow Catechists and St Joseph's teachers to prepare for these lessons.

Saturday Vigil 5pm

Sunday Mass 9:30am

Friday Mass: Infants (Week 7)  

                           Primary (Week 8)

Year 6 Graduation Mass

Preparations have begun for this very special occasion to be celebrated on Friday 11th December at 9:30am.  Due to COVID-19 restrictions and St Brigid's Church capacity we can only have Year 6 students and their families in attendance this year.  Please keep all our students in your prayers, especially our Year 6 Graduates and their families.

God bless,

Mrs Wendy Rheinberger

Religious Education Coordinator