Religious Education News
The season of Advent begins on the 1st of December this year. Advent is a four-week season in the Church calendar dedicated to anticipating the arrival, or "advent," of Jesus of Nazareth, the long-awaited Messiah and King. Christians from many backgrounds celebrate this time with reflections on hope, peace, love, and joy. And while their practices may look different, all focus on the hope-filled arrival of Jesus.
Advent is a shared experience of meditation and prayer that celebrates the new liturgical year in the church. Each week during Advent has a specific meaning and relevance.
In the first week, we light the first candle. This signifies hope as it is commonly known as the “Prophet’s candle” and signals that Jesus is coming.
On the second Sunday, a candle is lit to celebrate faith and love. This is based on the everlasting love of God, and it is also commonly referred to as the “Bethlehem” candle. This reminds everyone that Mary and Joseph undertook the journey to Bethlehem.
On the third Sunday of Advent, it is traditional to celebrate Joy with the “Shepherds” candle. This third Sunday is also called Gaudete Sunday, and a literal translation here is to “rejoice.” It is a Sunday to remember Mary as the mother of Jesus.
On the fourth Sunday, the candle symbolises peace and is known as the “Angels” candle. The simple message here from the angels is “peace on earth and goodwill towards men.”
On Christmas day the central candle is lit, it is known as the “Christ” candle recognising the birth of Jesus.
As a school we will gather at 10:45am on the 2nd and 9th December for a prayer service for the first 2 weeks of Advent and will recognise the following weeks at the end of year Mass.
St Catherine’s Vinnie food drive: 2nd- 10th December
This year as a school community to mark the beginning of Advent we are going to have a food drive to assist people in our local community. We will be working with our local St Vincent De Paul conference who work within our Parish assisting people in the Bentleigh and Moorabbin area.
The work of the St Vincent De Paul helps the community in many ways, if you would like more information about the amazing work they do follow the link
The logo for St Vincent De Paul symbolises the work they do. It has three components,the three hands signify the following: the hand of Christ blesses the cup, the hand of love offers the cup and the hand of suffering receives the cup.
To support our Advent project this year we are asking for donations of gift cards or the following non perishable food items:
- Soups
- Long live Milk
- Biscuits
- Small Tea bags
- Weetbix
Donations can be placed in boxes in each classroom or at the school office from the 2nd of December. We will acknowledge the work of St Vinnie’s with our donations for the community at our end of year Mass on the 11th December.
Thank you for your ongoing support.
Maree Hills