Mission & Catholic Identity News
Where is the year going?
Who would have thought that Advent is nearly upon us or that Christmas is coming? It always sneaks up so slowly and quietly. With little advertising on TV or in newspapers and supermarkets totally avoid using ‘Advent’ or ‘Christmas’ marketing tools until Christmas Eve!
Did you know that traditionally, Catholics and most other Christians did not put up their Christmas trees until the afternoon of Christmas Eve? Did you know that the Roman Church only decided in the fourth century that Christmas should be celebrated on December 25?
Like most kids, mine love this time of the year. Who doesn’t really?
My kids are now at the inquisitive age and asking questions. Lots of questions. Below are some of my kid friendly answers.
What does Advent mean?
Advent is from the Latin word adventus meaning ‘coming’.
Who is coming?
Well if you are good, Santa. Christians are waiting for the coming of Jesus Christ.
How long do we wait for?
Advent lasts for four Sundays leading up to Christmas. Advent begins on the Sunday that falls the nearest to the feast of St. Andrew the Apostle which is always November 30.
Is that why I keep hearing ‘O Come, O Come, Emmanuel’ being played everywhere?
Yes, the Advent hymn ‘O Come, O Come, Emmanuel’ represents the Christian call during the Advent season.
What is an Advent wreath?
An Advent wreath is often made up of greenery and has four candles round the outside and one in the middle. One candle is lit on the first Sunday of Advent, two are lit on the second Sunday and so on. Each candle has a different meaning in Christianity.
What is a Jesse Tree?
The Jesse Tree is a popular Advent tradition. A Jesse Tree, named for the father of David, is a tree that is decorated gradually throughout Advent with symbols.
Why do some people put lights outside on trees?
Each to their own. But we can blame Thomas Edison’s assistant, Edward Johnson, who in 1882 developed the idea of Christmas lighting that ran on electricity.
It is always difficult to keep in mind in the midst of holiday celebrations, shopping, lights and decorations, and joyful carols, Advent is intended to be a season of fasting, much like Lent.
A key message hopefully taken by our staff and students, is to see that Christ came to show us what life can and should be. That he gave us true and valid principles by which we can live true and valid lives.
At St. Peter’s College we normally have encouraged our staff and students to give within their means to the Vinnie’s Christmas Appeal than to participate in extravagant giving to each other. Because for many in our community, this season that we are approaching, is not always a joyful and cheerful time.
Instead of our annual Christmas appeal for Vinnies - due to COVID-19 reasons - we have decided to support Vinnies in another way through our Casey Young Vinnies group which we are connected.
Vinnies Christmas Raffle Bonanza!
Casey young Vinnies are a local charity group within the City of Casey made up of dedicated community leaders and change-makers. We are looking to make Christmas extra special for those disadvantaged in our local community. Our vision is to spread as much Christmas joy as we can through personalised hand-wrapped gifts, hampers filled with essential items to give to the families and children we serve in our youth programs and on our Soup Vans in Berwick and Dandenong.
To purchase tickets or simply donate, please visit:
Please get on board!
Matthew Williams
Deputy Principal - Mission & Catholic Identity