Advent

The first week of Advent began this week on Sunday 29 November. During Advent we are waiting for Christ to come. How do you feel when you are waiting for someone special to arrive? We get excited when we think about the wonderful things that are going to happen.

In our scripture readings during Advent we hear about people who are also waiting. Mary who is waiting for the birth of her son Jesus. John the Baptist who was sent to get people ready for the day when Jesus would begin teaching them. In the Gospel for the First Sunday of Advent, we heard that Jesus will come again at the end of the world. We can rejoice and not be afraid of the end times because Jesus showed us how to live our lives in a way that is pleasing to God.

What do the candles in our Advent wreath mean?

The Advent wreath, four candles on a wreath of evergreen is shaped in a perfect circle to symbolize the eternity of God. In some churches, four candles, one for each week in Advent are used with one larger white candle in the middle as the Christ candle.

During each Sunday of the Advent season we focus on one of the four virtues Jesus brings us: Hope, Love, Joy and Peace. The white Christ candle is lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day reminding us that Jesus is the light of the world. The wreath continually reminds us of whom we are called to be as followers of Jesus.

Week 1: We lit one purple candle for hope.

Week 2: Light a second purple candle for peace.

You may wish to pray this prayer as a family while lighting the candles.

Dear Lord

In this second week of Advent, keep us in perfect peace as our mind is stayed on the truth of your powerful love. Help us to trust fully in you and rest in the peace that you offer. Amen.

Illuminate

On Friday 20 November, our Year 6 Youth ministry students participated in an Illuminate Youth Ministry Retreat. The retreat was centred round shining Christ’s light into the world,illuminating the lives of all those around them. The students enjoyed

participating in games, listening to testimonies, and breaking open scripture. Thank you to Mr Samuel Hornby and out CSYMA Youth Ministers that made the day a success. 

Christmas Hampers 

Thank you for all your generous donations for our St Vincent de Paul Christmas Hampers. Please start sending in your gifts so teachers can begin putting together their class hamper. A conference member will be collecting the hampers on Tuesday 15^th December, Week 10.

Youth Ministry Bowling Night

All St Matthew’s families are invited to join youth ministers on Saturday 5th December for a bowling session at AMF Bowling Belconnen before Mass at 4pm. Please RSVP via email to  sarah.larkin@cg.org.au or Claire.taglipietra@cg.org.au