Advent

Advent, which begins the Church’s liturgical year, begins on Sunday December 3rd 2023. 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. This week we light the first Advent candle which symbolises HOPE. It is sometimes called the “Prophecy Candle” in remembrance of the prophets, especially Isaiah, who foretold the birth of Christ. It represents the expectation felt in anticipation of the coming Messiah. Next weekend is the second Sunday of Advent and the candle represents faith. It is called the “Bethlehem Candle” as a reminder of Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem.

Celebrating Advent is an excellent way to prepare your mind and heart for Christmas.

Family / Parish Mass

Join us Sunday 3rd December, at 9.30am, for our final family and parish combined Mass. Our school band, the Cobras, under the guidance of Marguerite Andary, will perform two hymns for the congregation. Students will also be helping out with readings and offertory. Children's liturgy will happen within the Mass, so come along for a wonderful morning of celebration and eucharist. Please remember to bring a small plate of food to share afterwards for morning tea. Recent First Holy Communicants are also invited to wear their special outfit / dress again.

Sacraments

Our First Communion Masses are now complete with a number of students having received Jesus for the first time. It is wonderful to see them also taking part in the eucharist during weekend and school/parish Masses. Remember you can receive the "body of Christ" as many times as you like.

First Reconciliation, for our Year 2 students, was celebrated yesterday with Father Patrick and Father Anthony. Through this sacrament the priest, in Jesus' name, forgives our sins and we are encouraged to be better people. Thank you to all those who helped in preparing these children, both at home and at school.

Christmas Celebration

Our Christmas Celebration will held next Wednesday 6th December from 6pm (weather permitting). In the event of inclement weather the concert will be cancelled. Our Infants and Primary choirs have been rehearsing well under the guidance of Ms Patton. Our school band also have been practising a couple of tunes. Let's pray for fine weather next week!

Year 6 Graduation Celebrations

Our annual Year 6 Mass, dinner and awards will be held on Wednesday 13th December. Mass will begin at 5.30pm in St Columbkille's Church, followed by dinner and our major awards for the evening. We celebrate all that these students have become and will inspire themselves to become, as they complete their primary years of schooling. 

Vinnies Christmas Hampers

Our annual support for the St Vincent de Paul chapter of Corrimal has begun. Our Christmas hampers can commence being filled with specific items for each grade. Thank you to the Mini Vinnies for organising this. These hampers are always endorsed by our families to help others in need, especially at Christmas. We will hand over these hampers during the final days of the school year.

Staff Spirituality Day

On Monday the 18th of December the staff will take part in their annual Spirituality Day. This will  focus on gratitude and thanksgiving using different prayer styles. It will be a time to reflect on another year, the successes and challenges within the teaching profession.

Christmas Masses Corrimal & Bulli

St Columbkille's

Christmas Eve | Sunday 24th December 7:30pm Vigil MASS | 12 Midnight MASS Christmas Day |Monday 25th Dec | 9:30am MASS

St Joseph’s, Bulli

Christmas Eve | Sunday 24th December 5pm VIGIL MASS | 7pm VIGIL MASS Christmas Day | Monday 25th December 8:30am MASS | NB: NO Evening MASS

II Rite of RECONCILIATION Bulli: Wednesday 20th December at 6pm Corrimal: Thursday 21st December at 7pm

Last Youth Group for 2023 - 8 DEC

WHERE: St Columbkille’s Parish Centre TIME: 6:30pm– 8pm WHO: Yr 6 to High School CONTACT: Amy 0423 289 320

Have a great fortnight!

Mrs Jo Herring - Religious Education Coordinator