Advent – a time of hope

Support for our local community

Plenty of colour was evident as students dressed in the Kaleidoscope theme to raise funds for our local community today. Funds raised this term will support the work of Bendigo Foodshare and to support Sr Kathy in her work with local families in our community. (Download the poster below for information on the Term 4 Fundraising Focus)

Advent Liturgy

Friday also began with a Liturgy to mark the beginning of Advent.

Advent marks the beginning of the Church’s new year and is a season of waiting and preparation for the coming of Christ. We prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ at Christmas, we hope and give thanks for Christ’s presence within us and in the world and we look to the future, waiting for Christ to come again

The word ‘advent’ means ‘coming’. Lighting the candles on the wreath symbolises the coming of light (Jesus) into the world. The first candle (violet) represents hope, the second (violet) represents peace, the third (rose) represents joy, and the fourth (violet) represents love. The central white candle is lit on Christmas Day and represents Christ.

During the liturgy we heard the following reflection and Pope Francis reminds us of the power of hope. May we continue to be people of Hope and Mercy through the season of Advent.

“The conflict in Syria is now the largest displacement crisis in the world since World War II. Over half of the country’s pre-war population has been forcibly displaced. An estimated 5.6 million people are seeking refuge. Poverty rates for refugees exceed 80% in some countries. March 15, 2018 marked the start of the 8th year of conflict in Syria. Pope Francis believes we need to be people who bring hope to others.

How does this quote inspire you? Will you be a person of hope this Advent? How can you create awareness and ‘open up a horizon of hope’ on Human Rights Day, December 10, 2018?”
(https://www.caritas.org.au/docs/default-source/advent-resources-2018/advent18_secondary_pdf.pdf)

“Today too… amid so much darkness, we need to see the light of hope and to be men and women who bring hope to others. To protect creation, to protect every man and every woman, to look upon them with tenderness and love, is to open up a horizon of hope; it is to let a shaft of light break through the heavy clouds; it is to bring the warmth of hope!”
Pope Francis, Inaugural Mass, March 19, 2013

“The season of Advent, which we begin again today, restores this horizon of hope, a hope which does not disappoint for it is founded on God’s Word. A hope which does not disappoint, simply because the Lord never disappoints! He is faithful! He does not disappoint! Let us think about and feel this beauty.” Pope Francis

A Christmas Blessing
“May you be blessed
With the spirit of the season, which is peace,
The gladness of the season, which is hope,
And the heart of the season, which is love.”
Amen