St Francis de Sales Catholic Primary School Lynbrook Newsletter

Education in Faith

Second Sunday in Advent - Year B

 

In this week’s Gospel, we hear Jesus’ cousin, John the Baptist announcing that something great is about to happen. The Gospel passage begins with the words from the Book of Isaiah to show that Jesus is the fulfilment of God’s promise to send a saviour. John the Baptist is sent to prepare the people for the coming of Jesus. John preaches repentance and the forgiveness of sins as the way to get ready for the coming of Jesus. To be prepared for the coming of the Lord, one must experience a change of heart, conversion, and true repentance.

 

In the First Reading, Isaiah brings a message of hope to the people. This passage was written at the time of the Exile, when Israel’s trust in the Lord was being tested. Isaiah proclaims that the God of Israel will come with might and gentleness to save the people. He announces that the glory of the Lord is revealed and all people will see how God saves Israel from her sins.

 

During Advent, we look forward to living in harmony with all of God’s creation. We wait for God’s promise to heal pain, violence, and hatred that exists in the world. We look forward to the coming of Jesus Christ. Making room for Jesus includes making changes in our lives. Advent calls us to turn away from hurtful ways. We are not perfect and we need God’s help to change our ways. Confessing sin brings us closer to God. Just as John the Baptist points to Jesus Christ, the confession of our sins points to the healing mercy of a forgiving God.

 

We celebrate the mercy and forgiveness of God in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. During this season of Advent, we get ready for Jesus Christ, whose birth we prepare to celebrate and whose coming again in glory we anticipate.

 

Let us ponder:

• How can I make room in my life for the coming of Jesus?

• What does the Church teach about the Sacrament of Reconciliation?

• Where do you find messages and signs of God’s goodness?

• What are some ways that you can repent and seek God’s forgiveness?

• How can you respond to the message that something great is about to happen?

• How can you change your hurtful ways during Advent?

• What does the Church teach about the Sacrament of Reconciliation?

Sacramental News

 

2020- Confirmation 

  • The Sacrament of Confirmation for our 2020 children will take place on Thursday, 28th January 2021 at 5 pm at St. Kevin’s Catholic Church, Hampton Park. 

 

  • remember to pay your Sacramental levy ($15).
  • return completed banner to your child’s teacher.
  • Students meet Fr. Dong next Friday (11/12) at school.

 

Rozeta Ambrose REL- Sacraments

rambrose@sfslynbrook.catholic.edu.au

 

MINI VINNIES CHRISTMAS APPEAL

 

The Mini Vinnies Christmas Appeal has now begun. 

This year all the items and presents we collect will be going to the St Vincent de Paul Soup Vans which operate all over Metro and Regional Victoria.

 

Your child has brought home a tag with a food/Christmas/toiletry item to bring to school for their Home group hamper. All items will need to be at school by Friday 11th December.

 

If you would like to buy a present for a child, tags are now on the Christmas trees. Students will need a note written in their diaries by parents to collect a tag. Mini Vinnies team members will be available at the Christmas trees in the hallway and LS3 each day at 3.00pm to site student notes and assist them to collect a tag. All Christmas presents will need to be wrapped with the tag attached and placed under one of the Christmas trees by Friday 11th December.

 

A reminder that students will be given House points for each item/gift they bring in. These points will go towards the House Community Spirit Award which will be presented at the end of the year.

 

Thank you for your support!!

Giuliana & 5/6 Mini Vinnies