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Bayside Catholic Mission 

click on the link for all Mass times and access to the website.

https://www.baysidecatholicmission.org/ RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

CONFIRMATION

The challenges of these months of COVID have been many, not least the postponement of the Sacrament of Confirmation. Archbishop Peter Commensoli informed Parish Priests that they have been delegated the authority to administer the Sacrament of Confirmation. 

The Sacrament will need to be conducted within the guidelines set out by The Chief Health Officer of Victoria as well as the General Liturgical Guidelines as established by the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne. 

We understand that families see this Sacrament as a significant milestone in their child’s faith journey. We also understand that this Sacrament is often celebrated with family, extended family and friends. We acknowledge this will not be the traditional way of celebrating Confirmation within our community. It is, however, an opportunity for candidates to receive the Sacrament in 2020 together with their friends.

Please pray for our Yrs 5 & 6 students as they prepare for their Confirmation on Friday 4th December.

ST VINCENT DE PAUL SOUP VAN HAMPERS     -  THE NEED HAS INCREASED.

Christmas is fast approaching and our Parish is once again aiming to prepare 605 Christmas hampers (usually we prepare 250 but the need is far greater this year due to COVID) for boarding house residents in North Melbourne and Fitzroy who are visited by the St Vincent de Paul Soup Van. Michele McNamara has again organised a special collection. This is the 16th year of preparing Christmas hampers and we look forward to your support again this year. 

*Percentage is 80% men and 20% women.

Donations: Foundation – socks (particular in need for rough sleepers)

Yrs 1 /2 - shampoo, conditioner, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, soap (packaged, not loose)

Yrs 3 /4 – packaged food items such as biscuits, teabags, coffee, chocolates, shortbread 

Yr 5 - nice Christmas gift e.g. notebook, pen, sudoku puzzle, crossword puzzle

Yr 6 - face washer, hand towel, bath towel, pillowcase 

Packing will be Saturday 12th December in the Multi–Purpose Room at Stella Maris (children in Yr 5 and above welcome to help) and delivery of the hampers will be Sunday 13th December.

ADVENT

In the first week of Advent we were reminded to ‘stay awake’ and ready for the coming of Jesus. As we light the first candle on our Advent wreath let us remember that Jesus is the light of the world. May we always be ready to welcome Him into our lives.

In the second week of Advent we are reminded to ‘prepare’ a way for the Lord. As we light the second candle on our Advent wreath let us remember that Jesus is the light of our world. May we always prepare a way for Him.

In the third week of Advent we are reminded to bring ‘good news’ to the poor. As we light the third candle on our Advent wreath let us remember that Jesus is the light of the world. May we always see His face in the poor.

In the fourth week of Advent we are reminded of the angel’s words to Mary, the Virgin of Nazareth, that nothing is impossible to God. As we light the fourth candle on our Advent wreath let us remember that Jesus is the ‘light’ of our world. May we always trust He will bring new hope to our troubled world.

ADVENT CELEBRATIONS

The 1st Sunday of Advent begins on Sunday 29th November. We will be commencing Advent liturgies next week. The students will lead the school in a prayerful reflection depicting the story Advent. Our 1st liturgy for Advent will be focused on the theme of ‘Hope’ and the actions we can take to ‘hope’ we can show more care for our environment. Our 2nd liturgy will be on ‘Peace’ and all the ways we can show peace in the season of Advent.

THE MEANING OF THE JESSE TREE

What is the Jesse Tree?

A Jesse Tree is either a real tree or a representation of one, decorated with symbols which mark the journey from the creation of the world to the birth of Christ. The symbols represent the ancestral characters depicted in the Jewish scriptures and the gospels.

The ‘tree’ is a common symbol throughout scripture, most memorably featured in the fall of Adam and Eve. Jesus used images of trees, vines and branches to explain the power and life of God. Jesse was the father of King David.

Thus, in its most original form the Jesse tree illustrates Jesus’ human royal lineage, from King David down to Mary. It shows the fulfilment of God’s promise of a miracle to the childless Abraham and Sarah, that although both of them were nearing 100 years old, “kings of peoples shall come from her”. (Genesis 17: 16, NRSV).

The greatest meaning comes out of making your own Jesse tree. You can use a small living tree, or a bare stick and branches, a wall hanging, or a poster with cardboard cut-outs.

Advent Prayer 

(for dinner time)

Lord God, may we, your people, who look forward to the birthday of Christ experience the joy of salvation and celebrate that feast with love and thanksgiving. We ask this through Jesus Christ Our Lord, 

Amen.

Jenny Keely REL /Wellbeing

Children’s Week Activity Extended!

Further to the announcement of the Celebrating Children’s Week activity in MC News – the Professional Standards Unit is pleased to announce an extension to the activity entry deadline to Friday 18th of December, 5pm.  We kindly ask parishes to promote this activity through their communication channels e.g. newsletter, Mass announcements, children and young people’s parish programs.

Children's Week Activity: "Just as I have loved you"

As people of faith strive to live by Jesus’ message to his disciples: 'Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.' (John 13:34) Jesus' commandment reminds us that we are each loved by God, who created us in his own image and likeness. We are then invited to show that same love to our neighbours - within our families, our local parish, school communities and the wider community.

How to participate

To celebrate Children’s Week this year, we are inviting all children and young people (from the ages of 4 years to 17) to participate in an activity. We want you to share with us what the words “Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another” (Jn 13:34) mean to you through a drawing or artwork (mixed media).

• Download the activity flyer & submission form
• Download activity colouring sheet (for the little ones!)
• Along with your artwork, please include an answer (150 words or less) to the following question: In what ways do you feel part of the parish community and how do you try to make others feel welcome? 

Entries should include the completed submission form and can be sent to psu@cam.org.au before 5pm on 18 December 2020. (Parents are welcome to answer the question on behalf of their child/ren if they are too young to do so.)  For more information please visit  https://melbournecatholic.org/news/celebrating-childrens-week-2020

Katherine Cooling 

Nazareth Parish Safeguarding.