Advent

The Season of Advent began last Sunday 29 November and is the special time when we prepare for Christmas. Advent invites us to reflect upon time, the relationship between past, present and future. Advent is a Latin word that actually means “coming.” In the Christian church, Advent is time of preparation and waiting for the birth of Jesus. During this time, it is also an opportunity to remember our place in the global family and to think about how we can contribute to caring for our common home, both during Advent and in our Christmas celebrations.

The Advent Pause
Our habits to consume are very strong. They are reinforced by our culture that tells us that our happiness is dependent on owning the latest gadget, product, or experience.  To break this consumerist habit, we need to become aware of this internal energy to consume, so that we don’t blindly follow it. This is a contemplative practice–to begin to see how the market and cultural forces shape our interior world.

1. Notice your internal impulse to buy more, to eat more, to do more things that are not essential. This can be owning the latest electronic gadgets and buying the trendiest clothes. It can also be over-consuming more information or social media than is necessary, eating (and often wasting) too much food, or trying to pack in too many activities. It might feel like a subtle tug or pull in the body which we are conditioned to give into. This is normal and natural, but it doesn’t mean you have to follow the tug to consume more than you need.
2. Pause and take a breath. Then find a phrase to ground you such as “Less is more”, “Jesus is the reason” or even “Do I need to get/do this?” in order to remind you of your commitment to not over-consume and to keep your eyes on Jesus.
3. Make a choice based on your commitment to live simply, in order to create space and time to focus on what is essential: God, relationships, service, and caring for our earth community.

Attached below is a 2020 Advent Calendar focusing on caring for our world. Print it off and put it on your fridge.

In the busyness of the end of the school year may you be able to find some time this Advent to pause, be reflective and prepare for the miracle of the incarnation, the time when we celebrate Emmanuel - God with us! 

First Holy Communion

Last Saturday, 28 November, our second celebration of the sacrament of First Holy Communion occurred. Again, it was a lovely afternoon, led by Father Patrick, whereby our students received Jesus for the first time. Father Patrick reminded us to continue to pray to Jesus often and regularly attend Mass to receive the Eucharist. Congratulations to everyone involved in the preparation of these candidates and a huge thank you to those who were able to help in the organisation of the event. It really was a whole team effort in making this sacrament so memorable.

Year 6 Graduation

This special evening takes place next Tuesday 8 December at the Casey Ryder Hall at Holy Spirit College. Thank you to all those students, staff and parents who have helped to organise this momentous occasion. We are especially grateful to the Holy Spirit College for allowing us the opportunity to present our Year 6 awards to the cohort as a whole.

St Vincent de Paul 2020 Christmas Appeal

Christmas items and edible treats (especially pasta sauces and biscuits) can be sent in over the next couple of weeks to add to our St Vincent de Paul Christmas hampers. Please give generously so that others in our community may experience some joy this Christmas. Thanks for your continued support, which is also greatly appreciated by the Corrimal St Vincent de Paul group. If you are interested in making a monetary donation, please log on to the website https://donate.vinnies.org.au/christmas-appeal