Be on your guard, stay awake, because you never know when the time will come’

(Mark 13:33)

As the year winds to its close, with longer and hotter days, shopping and preparations; the Church is alive with a new energy as the new liturgical year begins. This year in particular we are excited to be able to gather in our Churches again to celebrate the season of advent. The Advent seasons calls us to: ‘Stay Awake.’

Advent is a time of preparation, waiting for the coming of Christ at Christmas. Advent runs over four Sundays in the Church and comprises of four general themes reflected in the Gospels each year:

• The First Sunday is a celebration of Hope. Let us remain hopeful as year comes to a close, let us learn from our challenges this year and be hopeful for what is to come.
• The Second Sunday focuses on Christ message of Peace. May we pray for continual peace in our world.
• The Third Sunday, known as Gaudete Sunday, is a time to rejoice and celebrate with Joy. Let us share our own Joy with others this season
• The Fourth Sunday of advent is a celebration of love.

Advent is a season of rich symbolism and colour in our Church’s year. The colour purple that will sprawl our Church’s reminds us of the penitential character of the season of advent, however a lighter coloured purple is used to also reflect the season of joyful expectation rather then the deep purple used during Lent.

The candles in the advent wreath focus our attention towards the coming of the Light of the world, Jesus Christ, the son of Justice. Advent challenges us not to go on as we have before. Allow the light of Christ to shine into our hearts and make us a people ready to see the signs of God’s love in the world.

As we conclude our school year I wish you all many happy advent blessings and a very Merry Christmas.

Together we pray;

God of power and mercy, open our hearts in welcome. Remove the things that hinder us from receiving Christ with joy, so that we may share his wisdom and become one with him when he comes in glory, for he lives and reins with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Amen

Hamper Generosity

This year has been very difficult for many families, for many different reasons. In the spirit of Mary MacKillop, the MSJ community have been bringing in Christmas gifts and pantry items. These donations will be made into hampers and distributed to families via Joseph's Corner in Yarraville.

Danielle Fairthorne - Director of Catholic Identity