R.E. News

The Advent Wreath

The Advent season starts in the weeks leading up to Christmas and ends on Christmas Eve. It’s a period of preparation for the coming of Christ, and his birth into the world. We make a wreath with four candles, which are lit each week during Advent. Each candle has its own meaning and they stand in a circle around a white candle, the candle of Christ that is burned on Christmas. The four candles represent Hope, Love, Joy and Peace.

This week is the second week of Advent. The second week of Advent is a time to prepare for the coming of Christ. The second candle is called the Bethlehem candle. When we light this candle, we remember the time when Jesus came to earth as a baby and was born in the town of Bethlehem. The second candle reminds us that Jesus is the Prince of Peace. Peace is one of God’s gifts to us. John the Baptist was a prophet calling the people of Israel to repent and find peace with God, and today, it is through our actions of love and justice that God’s peace is shown to others.

Next week we celebrate the third week of Advent. The third week of Advent recalls the reason for our rejoicing – God became man. Let us share the Good News of God’s saving presence with all we meet and rejoice in the goodness of our parish and school family. The third candle is called Shepherd’s candle. It reminds us of how the shepherds listened and obeyed the angels even though they were afraid.

Finally, the fourth week of Advent is filled with hope. We look forward to the coming of Christ. It is a time for our parish, school and family to come closer together in faith, hope and love. The fourth candle is called Angel’s candle. It tells us about the angel who visited Zechariah to inform him he and Elizabeth would have a son. The angel also appeared to Mary to tell her that God had chosen her to be the mother of Jesus. The candle reminds us of God’s action to save His people.

The Nativity Scene

A nativity scene is another way to highlight Advent and prepare for Christmas. Instead of putting the whole set out at once, try building the scene slowly. Begin with the manger in the first week. Add a few animals in the second week. Then Mary and Joseph on the third week. On Christmas Eve add the baby Jesus and any additional figures. The wise men and camels don’t arrive until Epiphany (January 6th). This increases the feeling of anticipation that is Advent.

End of School Year Mass

Our End of Year Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday 17th December at 9:15am. We would like to invite our school community to join with us at this Mass, as we thank God for the year of 2019.

Christmas Blessing

May you be blessed with the spirit of Christmas, which is Peace;

The gladness of the season, which is Hope;

And the Heart of the season, which is Love.

Amen

Margaret Cronin

RE Leader