Religious Education

St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal

Once again St Finbar's will be supporting the St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal. This important fundraiser collects goods to distribute to members of our local community that are doing it tough. This small gesture can make a huge difference at Christmas time for these families.

Jonah & Elijah, our amazing Social Justice Leaders have spoken to all the students about this in class. I would like to thank them for their time and dedication during what is a busy time in Year 6. 

 If you are able to, we would love it if you could contribute to the appeal by donating any of the items below. Our collected goods will then be wrapped and given to families in need for Christmas. Please note that if you are donating items from the "Gift Ideas" they must be new, not second hand.

St Finbar's Prayer Book 

Thank you to the families who have shared a prayer for our prayer book. This project will be delayed until the start of 2022.

Family Gospel Reflection 

Gospel Reading

Luke 21:25-28,34-36

Jesus teaches his disciples to be vigilant so that they will be ready when the Son of Man comes in glory.

Family Connection

In today's Gospel, Jesus warns his disciples against the fatigue that can emerge if one becomes consumed by the anxieties of daily life. Many families are too familiar with the kind of fatigue Jesus refers to here. We may be concerned about a family member's health, our job security, our children's education, or any number of other concerns. All these are important matters. Jesus does not promise an end to daily worries and fears, but he does teach his disciples that they will have the strength to withstand anxiety if they stay focused on him, remaining vigilant for his return and praying for strength to endure all tribulations. 

Through prayer, God helps us stay focused on what is most important in our lives.

As you gather as a family, recall the tradition of making New Year's resolutions in preparation for the new calendar year. Observe that today is the first Sunday of Advent, which is the beginning of the new Church year. During the season of Advent, our Gospel readings ask us to consider what is most important to us as we prepare for Jesus' coming, at his birth and at the end of time. 

Read today's Gospel, Luke 21:25-28,34-36. Jesus describes signs that may disturb many people, but he says that these should not to disturb his disciples. Why? (because these signs indicate that redemption is near) What does Jesus say that his disciples should do? (Be vigilant and pray for strength.) At this start of the new Church year, consider as a family what “Advent resolutions” your family might make to help you stay focused so that you will be prepared to receive the salvation we celebrate at Jesus' birth and anticipate at Jesus' second coming. Pray together for God's help in following through on these resolutions. Pray together today's psalm, Psalm 25.

Steele Anderson

Religious Education Leader