Faith and Mission 

The season of Advent is about waiting

Waiting takes up a large part of our lives, often we see waiting as non-productive, as a waste of time and we are frustrated.

But the season of Advent reminds us that waiting is more productive, we are called to be people of action and service as we wait for the most mysterious and wonderful coming of all – the coming of Jesus Christ.

So, with the people of faith who have gone before us, and the people of faith who are with us … we wait, and we hope, and love what we wait for; God’s second coming, and God’s peace.

A Reading from the Gospel of St Matthew: In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men* from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, ‘Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising,* and have come to pay him homage.’ When King Herod heard this, he was frightened. He secretly called for the wise men* and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, ‘Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.’ When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising,* until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped,* they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure-chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.

Reflection: Just like the wise men presented gifts to the Holy Family, we too offer gifts this Christmas. Over the past few weeks, we have all been asked to contribute to the Vinnies Christmas Appeal. You can see before you the positive and generous way that we have responded to the call to help our neighbours in need.  By doing this we have made God’s presence a reality in the lives of others.

At the end of the week, we will present these Christmas Hampers and Gift vouchers to the various Vinnies Conferences in our area. Vinnies members work tirelessly to ensure that people experiencing disadvantage have someone to turn to for help. We thank them for their work and commitment in helping others. Through their good works we are restoring hope to many people who are finding it difficult to celebrate during the Christmas season.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, Wise men travelled for miles to bring you the first Christmas presents. So may we, too, remember with thankful hearts the love that comes with each present we open. We also thank you for the amazing love you have for each of us, and we thank you for the many gifts that you give us. We ask your particular care for those who do not experience the love and presence of dear ones. Amen.

Blessing: 

As we prepare for the great holy day of Christmas, may each of us help to make our home a place of joy, love, peace and safety.

May we be generous and considerate, helping others to enjoy the blessings of Christmas.

May we, and all our family and friends, find relaxation, refreshment and enjoyment in the coming summer holidays.

St John Baptist de la Salle. Pray for us.     

Live Jesus in our hearts. Forever!

Vinnie's Christmas Appeals

It’s not too late …. Vinnies Christmas Appeals

There are many people in our local community who struggle to make ends meet day-to-day.  For these people Christmas can be a very difficult time as they would like to be able to celebrate the way many of us do, but they don’t have the money to do so.  So, we want to do something about that!

STUDENT ACTION MENTONE: Each Homeroom and Tutor Group will assemble a hamper of items that will make a difference in the lives of those in need this Christmas.  The hampers include food items that are both essential and celebratory, along with some items for personal care.  The idea is that each student will commit to bringing in one item to contribute to the class hamper from the list provided. Ask your son what he has offered to donate.

Vinnies Christmas Hampers

STUDENT ACTION BENTLEIGH EAST: This year, at Bentleigh East, the St Vincent De Paul Society has requested Woolworths and Village Cinema gift cards. The Woolworths cards will provide the necessities for Christmas and the movie tickets will enable a day out with the family. We are seeking cash donations that will be used to purchase these gift cards. Donations will be collected by your son’s homeroom teacher.

We are still collecting ….

Les Twentyman Foundation – Back to School Program 

(Donations of second-hand books and educational resources)

The Back to School Program redistributes used educational resources to students who would otherwise be unable to afford them. In 2021, the Foundation was able to assist 500 students to access the supplies required to attend school.

St Bede’s College is collecting the any of the following donations:

• Year 7-12 textbooks and study guides published since 2018
• English novels and literature texts (i.e. novels / plays / poetry /DVD’s)
• Atlases, dictionaries (English and foreign language), and thesauruses 
• Calculators 
• Laptops 
• Stationery (either physical donations in good condition or via the purchasing of vouchers from companies like Officeworks)

Donations will be received at each Campus up to Friday 3 December 2021.

Mentone Campus – deliver to Student Services

Bentleigh East Campus – deliver to Mr Callanan’s Office

Please contact Ria Greene with any questions  – rgg@stbedes.catholic.edu.au

Lasallian Volunteer 2022

Mission Action Day

HIGHEST FUNDRAISERS AND RAFFLE WINNERS

Year 7 - Max Matthews and Angus Liddell

Year 8 – Luke Waters

Year 9 – Brandon Duong

Senior Years – Max Coon and Zac Vaughan

Raffle Draw

1st Prize –  Daniel Athaide

2nd Prize – Thomas Mannix

3rd Prize – Faron McHugh

4th Prize – Lucas Tucker

5th Prize – Daniel Bentrovato

6th Prize – Harrison Britt

7th Prize – Sonny McHugh

8th Prize – Lachlan Howell

9th Prize – Gabriel Tannen

10th Prize –Cayden Patterson

Thank you for all of your support for Mission Action Day. The funds raised will make a positive and profound difference in the lives of our Lasallian brothers and sisters in India, Thailand, Papua New Guinea and Balgo.

Save the Date

Tuesday 8 February 2022 at 6pm is the Opening School Mass and Blessing of the new College Principal.

All are welcome Family, students and friends

Ria Greene

Deputy Principal

Faith and Mission