Student School Library Books

As we approach the end of the school year, we’re asking that all library books borrowed by students be returned by the end of Week 9. Over the holidays I will be conducting a stocktake of our student library collection so unfortunately books cannot be kept over the summer break.

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you for supporting our library by keeping track of any overdue book notifications you or your child/ren may have received recently. I’m pleased to say that we currently have very few overdue books, so returning the remaining ones by the end of Week 9 should be a breeze!

Thank you for your support in helping us maintain our library for our students.

Mrs Carroll’s Musing

Advent is a special time in the Christian calendar, marking the beginning of a new liturgical year and a season of joyful anticipation as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus at Christmas. It’s a time for reflection, renewal and hope, a chance to focus on the light that Jesus brings into our lives. 

On Monday we came together as a community for a beautiful Advent liturgy which set the tone for this meaningful season. Advent is not only the start of the new liturgical year but also a time when we can celebrate new beginnings, both in our faith and in our lives.

As you may have read in one of my previous musings this year, I’ve been on a faith journey and had the privilege of joining an Alpha programme, which turned out to be a truly transformational experience for me. What I didn’t share earlier is that this transformation led me to a deeply personal decision: I would like to become Catholic.

Although I was baptised Presbyterian, I’ve never actively followed any particular Christian denomination. However, in recent years I’ve felt increasingly drawn to communities of faith. During my time at St. Columbkille’s, I’ve naturally embraced many aspects of the Catholic faith - attending Mass, praying, supporting its teachings and striving to live my life following in the footsteps of Jesus. Despite this, I’ve never been able to fully participate in the Eucharist and now, I feel called to take that step and join the Church fully.

What strikes me most in this journey is the way God gently guides us through life, patiently waiting for us to open our hearts to Him. He never forces His way in; He only enters when we invite Him. There’s a beautiful humility and love in this and I’ve come to understand it in a profound way during this journey.

I’d like to share something that has deeply resonated with me on this point, something that has filled me with a clearer understanding of God’s infinite love. Recently, I connected with a local parish priest, seeking his guidance and support as I take steps toward becoming Catholic. In our conversations, which have been both comforting and deeply meaningful, he shared an analogy that has stayed with me.

He described our hearts as having countless doors - hundreds, thousands or even millions. Each time we make a decision, however small, we open one of these doors, allowing a little bit of God’s love to enter. These daily choices, though seemingly minor, gradually let His light and love into our lives. Then, there are moments when we make a bigger decision, when we choose something significant and a larger door opens, allowing a much greater flow of God’s love to fill our hearts. And finally, there are extraordinary moments, moments when we open a truly massive door, one that leads to a profound event in our spiritual growth. These are the moments of transformation: Renewal, when we rediscover our faith and see it with fresh eyes. Conversion, when we make a life-altering decision to follow God’s call. Deeper surrender, when we trust fully in God’s will for us. Opening to grace, when we allow His love to heal and guide us.

Each door we open brings us closer to God and as I take these steps toward becoming Catholic, I feel as though I am opening one of those larger doors, inviting God in to shape my life in new and beautiful ways, particularly through a place of renewal and an opening to grace.

This analogy beautifully aligns with Jesus, who described Himself as the “door” (John 10:9) through which believers enter to receive salvation. In this time of Advent, as we celebrate the birth of Jesus and the beginning of a new liturgical year, I hope you too find doors in your hearts that you are ready to open. May you let in God’s love and experience the joy and peace He brings.

Not so much of a “musing” from me this time, more of a “sharing.” A sharing of something rather personal with the hope that in opening my heart, I can reach out and share God’s love with you too. 

Best wishes to you all - 

Katrina Carroll

SSO/Library Administrator