It may seem early to be considering New Year’s resolutions, however, in our Church, the new liturgical year began last weekend with the First Sunday of Advent.  With that in mind, now is as good a time as any to be thinking about making some new year’s resolutions around our spiritual life and wellbeing.  These ideas from CatholicLink might be a good place to start.

If you have visited any major shopping centres lately, you have probably noticed that it’s already beginning to look a lot like Christmas.  Perhaps you have started getting into the festive spirit yourself by putting up your Christmas tree, nativity scene and other Christmas decorations.  Maybe you have purchased an Advent calendar of some description to help you count down to the celebration of Christmas.
Arguably, one of the most widely recognised symbols of Advent is the Advent wreath.  The Advent wreath symbolises our spiritual preparation for the celebration of Jesus’ birth.  During Advent, we prepare our hearts to receive the Good News that God has blessed our world with the birth of Jesus by allowing our loving God - who is with us always - to enter our hearts.  It is a time of watching, waiting, hoping and praying.  Perhaps one of your New Year’s resolutions could be to invest in your family’s prayer life.  You may like to set up an Advent wreath in your home and use it when you pray together as a family. 

• The Advent Wreath’s evergreen, circular shape reminds us of God’s endless love
  
  for us.
• The three violet (purple) candles remind us of our waiting, longing and preparation for Jesus’ coming at Christmas.
• The rose (pink) candle reminds us of the joy and hope that will replace our longing, as we celebrate the birth of Jesus at Christmas.
• The white candle, if included, is the sign of Jesus’ birth and the new life that comes to us through his death and resurrection.

 FYI - Lighting the candles of the Advent wreath:

* First Sunday & week of Advent: light only 1 violet candle.
* Second Sunday & week of Advent: light 2 violet candles.
* Third Sunday & week of Advent: light 2 violet candles and the rose candle.
* Fourth Sunday & week of Advent: light 3 violet candles and the rose candle.
* Christmas Day – light all candles.

Wishing you a blessed Advent and a happy liturgical new year!

Parish Sacramental Programs for 2025

A letter from the parish will go home tomorrow regarding the process for enrolling in the Sacramental programs being offered in our parish next year. This letter was given to children in Years 2 and 5 who have been baptised in the Catholic faith. If you have a child in Years 3 and 4 and you would like them to receive a note, please let Ms Maloney know by the end of week 9. After that, letters will need to be sourced from the foyer of our parish churches.

Christmas Hampers for St Vincent de Paul
Thank you to all the families that sent in items for the St Vincent de Paul Christmas Hampers over the last few weeks - your generosity is much appreciated!
Our Mini Vinnies students have been busy moving the donated items to a centralised location in preparation for the representatives from the St Vincent de Paul Society who are calling in tomorrow to collect them.  Once collected, they will then be able to be arranged into hampers and passed on to families in need in preparation for Christmas.  Thanks again!

Parish Youth Gathering - Tomorrow Night
As noted in our previous newsletter, the parish is hosting a second Youth Gathering at the Parishes House in Berkeley this Friday, 6 December. Arnie Hurdoyal, the Diocesan Youth Coordinator, will be joining us this time. Attendees are welcome to start arriving at 5:30 pm. Dinner will be provided at 6 pm. Following dinner, Arnie will lead the group in some games and discussion and the night will end with a short, reflective Taize prayer. Students in Year 6 and above are invited to attend. Parents are also welcome to join us. For catering purposes, please register with Sr Anna (phuonglucop@yahoo.com) or Ms Maloney (maloneymullerm01@dow.catholic.edu.au). 

Parish Luncheon for Seniors and Volunteers
Next Thursday, the parish will host its annual Christmas luncheon for seniors and volunteers in the hall.  They will be treated to some delicious food, wonderful company and entertainment from our students.  Each class will share the song they have been practising for the Christmas concert, and Year 3 and Year 4 will conclude the entertainment with some additional Christmas carols. Thank you to all of the students who will provide this entertainment for our special visitors and thank you to the Year 6 leaders who will provide wonderful hospitality.

Christmas Assembly Celebration - Friday 13 December

Next Friday, 13 December, our afternoon assembly will be a Christmas celebration.  The classes have been preparing their performances all term and are looking forward to sharing them with the wider school community.  Parents and parishioners are warmly invited to join us at 2 pm next Friday. 

End of Year Mass - Wednesday 18 December

On Wednesday 18 December, the whole school will be joining the parish community to celebrate our End of Year Mass at 9 am.  This will be our final opportunity to farewell our Year Six students. This is also a significant day for our youngest members, too, as they will be presented with certificates at this Mass.  

Children’s Nativity Play
As advertised previously, this year there will be a children’s nativity play before the 6:30 pm Christmas Eve Mass at St Mary’s, Berkeley. The parish is looking for children to be involved in the retelling of the Christmas story. There will be an initial meeting/rehearsal on Monday 16 December @ 5:30 pm and another one on Mon 23 December @ 5:30 pm. Both rehearsals will be at Berkeley. If your child would like to be involved, please let Ms Maloney or Sr Anna know. 

Ms Marita Maloney
Religion Coordinator