Prayers and Acknowlegements
St Mel’s Primary School would like to acknowledge the Yorta YortaNation, whose clans include Bangerang (Pangerang) Kaitheban, Wollithiga, Moira, Ulupna, Kwat Kwat,
Yalaba Yalaba and Ngurai-illiam-wurrung, and pay our respects as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which our school is situated.
Advent begins
Advent is the first season of the Church year where we prepare ourselves to celebrate the wonderful feast of Christmas.
During Advent, we not only prepare ourselves to celebrate the birth of Jesus, but we also check in to see if we are doing all the things that will keep us ready to receive Jesus when he comes again. Pray together that through this Advent season your family will be more prepared to receive Jesus when he comes again.
Advent Family Prayer
God of Love,Your son, Jesus, is your greatest gift to us.He is a sign of your love.Help us walk in that love during the weeks of Advent,As we wait and prepare for his coming.We pray in the name of Jesus, our Savior.Amen.
For families: The Busted Halo Youtube channel has an excellent short video explaining all there is to know about Advent:
Advent Message:
Last Sunday marked the start of Advent. Advent is a time of waiting, a time of preparing for the coming of Jesus at Christmas time. For those in ancient times the promise of a Messiah or the Christ was going to bring peace, hope and freedom from oppression. The birth of Jesus viewed through the perspective of his life, death and resurrection does offer peace, hope and freedom. It also challenges those who live in our times to continue to work towards peace, hope and freedom. It challenges us to make the presence of Jesus, the Christ, a reality through the way in which we live our lives today.
The ancient text or stories of the bible invite us to consider a future thinking of the world in which we live. As a Catholic school through the season of Advent we will take the time and opportunity to consider what the message of Jesus’ birth means today - how do we bring about peace, hope and freedom? Our learning certainly captures the Christmas story but goes beyond the literal presentation of cattle and the baby in the manger. In preparing for Christmas, Christians often put up a Christmas tree, a nativity scene, begin to consider gifts for others, buy food for Christmas day, and join in the singing of carols. For young children the preparation of lists of what Santa may bring is also a key feature. There is an incredible busyness and excitement. The season can in many ways be hijacked by consumerism, which shifts the focus elsewhere.
This in a sense can blur our perspective and notion of the real message of Christmas. The message of Jesus and his hope for peace and freedom should be considered as the way to view Christmas.
Also to ask ourselves: how can I be a message of hope and peace this Christmas?
St Mel’s Parish Prayer
God our Father,
Bless our Parish so that we may love you more. Encircle our families with your loving care. Help parents to be good examples to their children and our youth to grow in strength as good Christians.
To the sick, grant health.
To the aged, bring serenity and to those in sorrow, joy.
May we grow stronger in faith and may our love for one another become
deeper in our daily living.
Amen
St Mel's Parish Prayer
O Risen Christ, we rejoice in your resurrection and exult in your living presence.
Risen Christ, you come to transfigure our human nature.
Risen Christ, in you our resurrection has already begun.
Risen Christ, you fill our hearts with peace.
Risen Christ, your Spirit burns away our sadness.
Risen Christ, you come to gather us as one in your Body, the Church.
Risen Christ, from the waters of baptism you raise us up with you and renew your gift of life within us. Help us to grow as your people towards the fullness of life and love. Kindle in us the fire of your love.
Child Safe Commitment:
All students enrolled, and any child visiting St Mel’s, have a right to feel safe and be safe. The wellbeing of children in our care will always be our first priority and we have zero tolerance to child abuse. We aim to create a child safe and child friendly environment where children feel safe and are free to enjoy life to the full without any concern for their safety.