With Sharee Thomas

Stay awake! With these words, Jesus cautions his disciples to be constantly vigilant and to be alert to the return of the Lord. It is a very fitting way to begin the season of Advent. Advent has traditionally been observed as a time of preparation and waiting. It culminates in the Christmas season and so the waiting and preparation is related to the celebration of the coming of Christ into the world.

Perhaps the time of preparation this Advent is also a call to stay awake and stay alert in faith. One of the great challenges to faith today is the complacency that has taken hold of many in our society. When life is comfortable, the perceived need for faith appears to diminish. Many young people in our society cannot see the value of religious belief or religious practice. In a world of instant communication and instant ‘satisfaction’, the reflective and slow work of faith can seem too much effort for some people. The gospel call to stay awake in preparation for the coming of the Lord is a call to continue the work of bringing about the Kingdom of God.

Over the last three weeks, the gospel passages from Matthew 25 were reminders about continuing to prepare for the coming of the Kingdom. This week, with the beginning of Advent, it is the Gospel of Mark that also reminds us that we cannot take the Kingdom for granted and must remain vigilant in working to realise the Kingdom. This vigilance needs to be applied to nurturing our own faith life as well as making a difference in the lives of those around us and the needy in society. Rather than ‘Stay awake!’ maybe some of us need to be told, ‘Wake up!’ It is never too late to pay closer attention to faith and perhaps this Advent is an ideal time to do that.

(Gospel Reflection by Greg Sunter)

St Vincent de Paul Christmas Tree

Early next week families will receive a note about our school giving tree and what we can do to support families in need in our community through the St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal. 

SACRAMENTS 2021 

Most dates for the sacraments have now been set by Fr Michael and both parish schools but we are just waiting on a directive about Confirmation from the Arch Bishops office. When this comes through we will send the dates home ASAP.

We can tell you that Reconciliation (Year 3) will be celebrated in May and Eucharist (Year 4) will be celebrated a little differently next year and will occur in both May and June. Confirmation is being planned for September. 

All questions will be answered with more information over the next few weeks so please be patient and understanding.

Have a great week!