Religious Education
Christmas
It's that time of year again. December has come and with it all the joys of Christmas. But what is the real meaning of Christmas? Is it the gifts under the tree, the lights in the windows, the cards in the mail, turkey dinners with family and friends, stockings hanging in the living room, and shouts of "Merry Christmas" to those who pass us in the streets?
Is this really Christmas?
We think that's just a part of it, embodied in a definition of the "the true meaning of Christmas," found in The American magazine, volume 28 from 1889:
"To give up one's very self — to think only of others — how to bring the greatest happiness to others — that is the true meaning of Christmas."
The poem A Visit From St. Nicholas (1822) helped popularize the tradition of exchanging gifts, and seasonal Christmas shopping began to assume economic importance. Sure, the giving of gifts gives us joy, but this should only be a small part of the meaning we find in Christmas.
The true meaning of Christmas is love. John 3:16-17 says, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." The true meaning of Christmas is the celebration of this incredible act of love.
The real Christmas story is the story of God's becoming a human being in the Person of Jesus Christ. Why did God do such a thing? Because He loves us! Why was Christmas necessary? Because we needed a Savior! Why does God love us so much? Because He is love itself (1 John 4:8). Why do we celebrate Christmas each year? Out of gratitude for what God did for us, we remember His birth by giving each other gifts, worshipping Him, and being especially conscious of the poor and less fortunate.
God loved His own and provided a way — the only Way — for us to spend eternity with Him. He gave His only Son to take our punishment for our sins. He paid the price in full, and we are free from condemnation when we accept that free gift of love. "But God demonstrated His own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8).
With this in mind, Christmas can be a season of great joy. It is a time of God showing His great love for us. It can be a time of healing and renewed strength. Sure, enjoy the season but remember to rejoice as well! After all, the true meaning of Christmas is the celebration of God's ultimate gift: the birth of Jesus, the Christ child.
https://www.hollandlitho.com/the_true_meaning_of_christmas.html
STOLES FOR SACRAMENTS
A Stole is to be worn during the Sacraments. The Stole can be individual to the child or a family Stole. The Stole can be hand made or purchased through our supplier.
HOLY BEGINNINGS supplies the Stoles for the Parish. An order form will be sent home with children.
HOLY BEGINNINGS can be contacted directly if you wish to order your stole independently.
Anita 0450 782 558
To order these you can contact Anita and pay for the Stoles via direct deposit.
ANZ bank
Anita M Hughes
BSB # 013-593
Account # 322691326
Please put child’s full name in the details.
Junior Legion of Mary
Can my “Yes” make a difference? Mary’s “Yes” at the age of about 15 changed the world. Consider the changes in your life if you say yes to her by working for her. She would not be asking you to take on anything that would be too difficult for you, only something that is good for you and someone else.
How the Legion can help you.
The Apostles prayed together and went out in pairs to bring the Good News to people. In the Junior Legion, this is also our way. Each week we reserve a time to pray, to go out and do some active work. This work is a great stepping stone for adult responsibilities by giving you the necessary experience in helping others, within a caring system.
What work can be done by juniors?
● Serve at Holy Mass
● Give out Miraculous Medals
● Help at home
● Visit the elderly at a nursing home
● Correspond with other Junior Legion Groups
● Encourage family members to pray the Rosary
● Help out at Parish functions
● Hand out bulletins before Mass
● Plus many more activities as requested by the Parish Priest.
We have fun raising money for different missions and charities. In May, we raised $805 by having a car wash which was great fun. Each school holidays we have a fun day and the past holidays we went to see “Minions: the Rise of Gru” then lunch followed by a fun play at Ballam Park.
If your child shows interest in joining the Legion we pray you will encourage that interest. We meet at St Anne’s Catholic Church Meeting Room each Saturday of the School Term at 4pm to 5pm and once a month stay on for the 6pm Mass. In-between we have pizzas. We encourage all families to be with us at Mass on that particular Saturday. All families are welcome to stay the hour with the children if they so choose.
Meeting Day: Saturdays during school term
Time: 4pm to 5pm
Place: St Anne’s Catholic Church Meeting Room
Leader of the Junior Legion at St Anne’s
Maureen Lim
Ph: 0404 682 271