Catholic Identity

Dear Families,

Let us Pray….               

Heavenly Father, as we begin this Advent, give light to our eyes and peace to our hearts. 

May the Lord find us watching and waiting in joy when He comes. 

We pray in Jesus' name.

Amen

Preparing to hear God's word

Today we celebrate the first Sunday of Advent. Advent is a Latin word which means ‘coming’. When Advent comes, we know that Christmas is not far away! It is an exciting time as we look forward to the joy of Jesus’ birth at Christmas. What do you like most about Christmas?

The Gospel Story

Jesus is telling his disciples to be on their guard and to be ready. Jesus promised that he would come back one day, and we need to be ready for him. But how do we get ready? Jesus says that we should always be ready to help others, to forgive, to be kind and friendly. We never know what might happen, so we should be ready to do what God wants. 

The Gospel

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew 24:37-44

Stay awake, you must be ready.

"When the Son of Man appears, things will be just as they were when Noah lived.

People were eating, drinking, and getting married right up to the day that the flood came and Noah went into the big boat. They didn't know anything was happening until the flood came and swept them all away. That is how it will be when the Son of Man appears.

"Two men will be in the same field, but only one will be taken. The other will be left.

Two women will be together grinding grain, but only one will be taken. The other will be left.

"So be on your guard!

You don't know when your Lord will come.

Homeowners never know when a thief is coming,

and they are always on guard to keep one from breaking in.

Always be ready!

You don't know when the Son of Man will come."

The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

​​​​​

​Reflecting on the Gospel

Christmas is a time for gift-giving. What can you do to prepare for this wonderful celebration? 

Now imagine you are Jesus. What gifts would you (as Jesus) want to give to your family and friends?

​What wonderful surprises could you give to people who are sick, sad, hungry, or lonely?

We were blessed again to welcome Mia into our Parish Community.  Mia was Baptised by Fr. John at the 10.30am Mass on Sunday 13th November.

CONGRATULATIONS MIA! 

Advent 2022

Advent, which begins the Church’s liturgical year, will begin on Sunday, 27th November. Advent encompasses the four Sundays and weekdays leading up to the celebration of Christmas.

The Advent season is a time of preparation for our hearts and minds for the anniversary of the Lord’s birth on Christmas.

The use of the wreath and candles during Advent are a longstanding Catholic tradition that was originally adopted by Christians in the Middle Ages as part of their spiritual preparation for Christmas.

The wreath and candles are full of symbolism tied to the Christmas season. The wreath itself, which is made of various evergreens, signifies continuous life. The circle of the wreath, which has no beginning or end, symbolizes the eternity of God, the immortality of the soul, and the everlasting life we find in Christ.

Even the individual evergreens that make up the wreath have their own meanings that can be adapted to our faith. The laurel signifies victory over persecution and suffering. The pine, holly, and yew signify immortality and the cedar signifies strength and healing. The pine cones that decorate the wreath symbolize life and resurrection. The wreath as a whole is meant to remind us of both the immortality of our souls and God’s promise of everlasting life to us through Christ.     (continued next newsletter)

DATES FOR TERM  4

Prayer for this week

GOD BLESS.

Debbie Turvey

RE Leader