Mission & Catholic Identity News

How about the anticipation!

We are now anticipating the coming birth of Jesus. It’s a strange time, because we anticipate something which happened so long ago. Yet, Christmas might still be the most distinctive time of the year, as no other day seems to have the prominence for such a large number of Australians. As Christians, at Christmas we celebrate that our God entered into a new and unique relationship with humankind and that Jesus came to live among us as one of us, to bring the face of God before us in a radically different way.

The spirit of Christmas is one of recognising the value of all people, because God has identified with us in a special way and has told us that we find God in one another.

Advent 101

Recently, in my 9RE class we have looked at what does Advent mean? A quick summary with what students came up with include - Advent is from the Latin word adventus meaning ‘coming’. Who is coming? Christians are waiting for the coming of Jesus Christ. How long do we wait for? Advent lasts for four Sundays leading up to Christmas. Advent begins on the Sunday that falls the nearest to the feast of St. Andrew the Apostle which is always November 30th. 

A key message of Advent is to see that Christ came to show us what life can and should be. That he gave us true and valid principles by which we can live true and valid lives.

Find God in One Another

It is very appropriate that International Human Rights Day falls on December 10, during Advent.

Human Rights Day commemorates the day in 1948 when the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Since the momentous encyclical, Pacem in Terris, human rights have been at the heart of the social teaching of the Catholic Church. In the words of Pope John XXIII, the entire tradition ‘is always dominated by one basic theme, an unshakable affirmation and vigorous defence of the dignity and rights of the human person’.

Thank you

This is my final newsletter item at St. Peter’s College as I am moving to another position at another College. It has been a privilege to be the first Deputy Principal: Mission and Catholic Identity at St. Peter’s College across both Cranbourne and Clyde North campuses. Best of luck to Miss Fiona McKenna who is my replacement and already a current staff member at the College. Fiona will do an amazing job.

Upcoming Events:

CRA & CLN House Advent Liturgies – Thursday, 3 December 2020

Staff End of Year Liturgy – Friday, 11 December 2020

Matthew Williams

Deputy Principal - Mission & Catholic Identity