RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
Advent
This Sunday, we enter into the Church season of Advent. Advent is a time when we prepare for the coming of Christ.
The Wreath is an important Advent symbol. It is made in the form of a ring. The ring is a symbol of eternity, since it has no beginning or end. It acts as a symbol for God who has no beginning or end.
On Monday, 29 November, our students and staff will participate in an Advent Liturgy at school. Each class will be given a new wreath and candles for their prayer spaces. As we light each of the candles on the wreath over the next few weeks we reflect on what Advent means in our own lives.
Advent is a time of waiting. We often find ourselves waiting for things in life, sometimes with impatience and sometimes in excited anticipation. Advent is a time when we look forward to the coming of Jesus Christ.
Preparations for Christmas can be busy. Unfortunately, rather than being a time of quiet reflection, during which we look forward to the Light of Christ coming into the world, these few weeks can become a time of hectic preparation for a very commercial Christmas!
But Advent is the time to come and rest, to find comfort and peace in our God.
Prayer for Advent
God our Father, you loved us so much that you sent your only Son into the world to be our savior and friend.
Bless us as we wait for the coming of your Son.
Open our hearts so that we may recognize him when he comes and make him welcome - whatever form he might take.
We make this prayer through your Son Jesus Christ who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever.
Amen.
St Vinnies Christmas Appeal
St Vincent de Paul Giving Tree
During Advent the Holy Cross Parish holds a St Vincent de Paul giving tree. The Tree helps to bring joy to the lives of those in need during the festive season. From Monday 29th November, gift tags stating the gender and age range of gifts can be collected from the afternoon pick up gates or the school office foyer.
Please return the gifts to the Church or school by Friday, 10 December.
Christmas Art Competition
Each year students in Years Five and Six are invited to take part in The Christmas Story visual arts competition. This is an initiative of the Catholic Education Offices in Wollongong and Sydney to celebrate and explore children’s creative and artistic ability in illustrating the Christmas story.
This year two of our students made the Wollongong final, Matilda Year Six and William Year Five.
On Wednesday evening the Wollongong Virtual presentation evening was held. Congratulations to Matilda who received a Highly Commended and to William who has made it to the Sydney Grand Final. We wish William all the best in the grand final. You can view the virtual gallery at https://www.dow.catholic.edu.
