First Communion
Last Saturday 28 November, twenty-three students from our school and parish celebrated their First Communion. It was a beautiful, sunny day and all the children looked beautiful. Fr David celebrated two Masses so that more family and friends could attend. We congratulate and thank all students, parents and teachers for preparing and presenting these children.

Thanksgiving Mass for the Friars
On Sunday 22 November Bishop Brian celebrated a farewell Mass for the Franciscan Friars after 65 years of dedicated ministry and leadership in our parish. This Mass was by invitation only due to COVID-19 restrictions. We are very grateful for all the work the Franciscans have done in our parish. Please keep all members of the Franciscan Order in your prayers.

End of Year Mass and Liturgy
On Friday 11 December, the school will be celebrating a Thanksgiving Mass for Years
3-6 and a special Thanksgiving Liturgy for K-2. During these celebrations, end of Year Awards will be announced and Kindergarten Graduation Certificates will be presented. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 restrictions parents and friends are unable to attend.

Activate 

Yesterday, our Year 6 students were involved in an Immersive Spiritual Experience –Retreat Day. The focus for the day was based on the Year 6 Religious Education unit, Confirmation: Celebrating the Gift of the Holy Spirit. The day was organised by Catholic Youth Ministry Wollongong. The students enjoyed participating in the many spiritual activities and their sausage sizzle lunch.

Graduation Year 6
On Tuesday 8 December Year 6 students will celebrate their Graduation Mass and Awards. This year has been very difficult for these students but they have managed to finish this year on a positive note. It will be wonderful to see them graduate as a group with a special Mass, awards and a gathering in the hall. Each student will be allowed to have two guests present for the Mass. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, only students and teachers will be allowed in the hall for the gathering.

Christmas Message from the REC
Without doubt, Christmas is a fantastic time! The promise of peace, goodwill and a growing sense of excitement and expectation, makes this time of year very special indeed. However, the question must be asked, “What is truly the message of Christmas?” As our Gospel tells us, Jesus Christ, the living message of peace and goodwill, was born in a stable because there was no room for Mary or Joseph. They were about to give birth, and yet at a time of great expectation for them, the only small mercy offered was a stable with the animals. They were lonely and afraid. These expectant parents were excluded and outcast. Was this the best that could be done for the impending birth of the person who promised us so much? The message this child brings to the world is one of unconditional love and acceptance. He welcomes all human beings in all their great variety as ‘Children of God’. He believes in their essential goodness and loves them all. This love is not held back or reluctant, it is spontaneous, unquestioning and all-embracing. Çhristmas is certainly a time for celebration with those that we love and hold most dear. The 2020 school year has certainly been challenging. We have achieved as a community so much, in a very different format. However, we must put 2020 behind us and move forward to hopefully a more peaceful 2021.
Thank you to everyone who has supported me, as REC, and also supported the school and parish to make sure that our students enjoyed and celebrated a faith-filled year.
Have a blessed and holy Christmas and a wonderful New Year.

Mrs Madaschi
Religious Education Coordinator