Religion and Parish News
Prayer:
At the end of this school year we give thanks to God:
For all the teaching and learning that has taken place in our school, both in and out of the classroom,
For the talents and gifts that have been shared and the challenges that have been faced;
For the burdens that have been lifted and the hurts that have been healed;
For the respect and care that has been given.
We give thanks for the friendships that have just begun and for those that have grown.
For the faith that has been lived in our daily struggles,For the hope that has lifted our hearts on the dark days. And for the love that has kept us going.
We give thanks for the community that we are, and we ask you Lord -Bless our students may your Spirit inspire them with confidence and calmness. Bless our families as we take our holidays, may our time together leave us with memories to cherish.
Pour out your love on us that we may return renewed and refreshed to continue our journey together.
We make this prayer through Christ our Lord.
Amen
Upcoming RE Dates
Upcoming RE Dates
- Thursday 8th December: Stage 3 Sacrament of Reconciliation (Chapel)
- Thursday 8th December: Year 6 Graduation Mass, St Joseph’s Church, 5:30pm
- Friday 9th December: Term 4 Teachers & Leaders Mass, St Joseph’s Church, 7am
St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal
Our Vinnies Christmas Appeal is well under way. Thank you to those families who have already supplied their child’s class hamper with items that will be distributed around Gunnedah by Vinnies volunteers this Christmas.
For those of you who aren’t aware of our Christmas Appeal, each class has a basket that your child can donate to. Our local Vinnies volunteers are asking for donations such as tinned fruits and vegetables, puddings, packets of chips/crackers, bottles of juice/soft drink, etc - festive foods that can be used by vulnerable families to experience joy this Christmas.
Any food items you are able to donate are greatly appreciated.
End of Year Mass / Feast of St Francis Xavier
Last Friday, the St Xavier’s community gathered to give thanks for a wonderful year at school, whilst recognising the life and work of our school’s Patron Saint, St Francis Xavier (whose Feast Day was celebrated the following day on the 3rd of December).
It was a wonderful celebration, led by Fr Abmar, and included the Term 4 Living Well, Learning Well students doing the readings during the Liturgy of the Word. Ellah-Jane, from Kindergarten, and her Year 6 Buddy, Violet, brought forward the Gifts during the Offertory with true reverence. Our St Xavier’s Altar Servers - Jonathan, Isaac, Hannah, Josh, Annabelle, Abbey and Rupert (as well as Lucas and Ben, who were absent from the role at the End of Year Mass) - all received a round of applause after Mass in recognition of their service to the Altar this year.
Thank you to the families who were able to come and celebrate this Mass with us despite the minimal seating on offer. It certainly was very special to gather in our Parish Church as one school. We extend our thanks to Fr Abmar for leading this Mass and for his ongoing support throughout the years. We also thank the Sisters of Mercy in our Parish, especially Sr Christine Belling, who also support our school. Sr Christine attended Friday’s Mass and was a Eucharistic Minister, assisting Fr Abmar to distribute communion to the large number of staff and students present. Thank you.
News from the Parish
Here’s a link to the latest Parish Bulletin for Sunday 4th December.
Altar Server Roster for the upcoming fortnight:
Saturday 10th December: Katie & Josh Spinks, Annabelle Kelly
Sunday 11th December: Isaac & Hannah Redfern
Saturday 17th December: Rupert Frend
Sunday 18th December: Lucas & Benny Grosser