Education in Faith News
St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal
Christmas is fast approaching and St Vincent de Paul are working tirelessly to support families in need within our local community this Christmas.
We would like to be able to support SVDP with their Christmas appeal. It would be appreciated if the OLHC community were able to donate food items to be added to Christmas hampers, which will be delivered to families needing a little extra help this Christmas. The following food items are requested as a suggestion to be donated by the following year levels:
| Prep | Dry Biscuits, Tin of salmon/Tuna, Jar of Olives, Tin of corned beef/ham, |
| Year 1 | Plum pudding & custard sauce, Crackers, Bottle of soft drink |
| Year 2 | Cereal, Tinned Fruit, Coffee, Vegemite/Peanut butter |
| Year 3 | Mince pies, Dried fruit, Nuts, Chips |
| Year 4 | Tea Bags, Box of chocolates, Gravy |
| Year 5 | Shortbread, Lollies, Pasta & pasta sauce. |
| Year 6 | Bon-Bons, Cranberry Sauce, Mustard, Christmas Serviettes |
All Items can be brought to school and left in a basket in your child’s classroom. These will need to be donated by Friday 10th December for collection by SVDP.
Thank you in advance.
Advent
This Sunday 28th November commences the beginning of Advent. Advent is the beginning of the Church’s liturgical/Mass year and this year it marks the beginning of what we call, Year C of the Church.
This means, when Mass is celebrated the Gospel readings are taken from the Lectionary C - The Gospel of Luke, for the liturgical celebrations that happen from now until the end of November 2022.
Advent is a time of anticipation and waiting before Christmas. Most of us don’t like waiting. It doesn’t matter what we are waiting for: a bus, a birthday party, our dinner, playtime and we all know how it felt to wait for the Covid restrictions to ease! It’s hard to wait! During Advent the gospel readings tell us it’s important to get ready while we wait for Jesus, to do our best during Advent so that we will be ready to welcome the Christ child at Christmas.
During Advent we use the symbol of an Advent wreath with candles. The Advent wreath is a symbol of growth and life.
The candles remind us that Jesus is the light of the world and will show us the way to live and love.
The four coloured candles represent the four weeks of the Advent season and the four themes of Advent – hope, preparation, joy and love.
A white candle can be used in the centre of the wreath, representing Jesus.
Beginning next week all classes will set aside time during their week to participate in prayerful Advent reflections.
Kathy Toomey
Religious Education Leader
kathy.toomey@olhceltham.catholic.edu.au