Religious Life of the School

On Sunday we move into our Second Week of Advent. In preparing for our celebration of Christmas we purchase gifts, prepare Christmas cards and decorate our homes. In the Gospel this week John call us to repent in preparation for Jesus and reminds us that our repentance is another way in which we can prepare for the Lord's coming and our celebration of Christmas.

As you read the Gospel as a family, talk about how John reminds the people that they prepare for the reign of God by reforming their lives. As a family you might like to prepare a simple reconciliation service in preparation for Christmas by gathering in a prayerful space, perhaps around your family Advent wreath. Read the Gospel: Matthew 3:1-3. Invite each family member to pray silently, asking God to forgive their sins. Pray together an Act of Contrition. Then celebrate God's forgiveness by sharing a Sign of Peace with each other.

Prayer and Worship 

Student Led Christian Prayer

Each Friday after first break Year 6 lead classes in prayer with a focus on the Gospel for the coming Sunday.

Liturgical Season: Second Sunday of Advent, Year A

Liturgical Season Colour: Purple

This week the focus is on the Gospel: Matthew 3:1-12

John the Baptist went to live in the desert in Judea. He wore a coat made from camel hair, tied around the middle with a belt. The desert was too hot and dry for things to grow, so John lived on wild honey and locusts. God had told him that he was sending someone to save the world. He wanted John to tell everyone that they must change their ways and try to be good.

People came from far and wide to be baptised by John in the River Jordan. They wanted to say sorry for all their sins. One day John told them, “I can wash you with water, but a very special person is coming who will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and wash away all your sins.”

At home we invite you to read the upcoming Gospel as a family and discuss our focus question for the week.

1. When you were baptised, you were baptised with water. What do you think John the Baptist meant when he said: “A very special person is coming who will baptise you with the Holy Spirit?”

Heavenly Father,

You sent John the Baptist

To prepare the people

For the coming of your son.

As Christmas draws closer,

Help us to prepare too,

So that we may be ready for Christmas Day.

Amen

Celebrating Liturgy and Sacraments

Social Action & Justice

As Advent approaches, we think about how we will prepare our hearts for the birth of Jesus? A St Joseph’s we have a 25 Days of Kindness calendar. The acts of kindness for Week 8 are:

Day 11: Give somebody you know a ‘hug’ coupon, to be used when they need a hug.

Day 12: Smile and say good morning to someone you don’t normally speak to in school.

Day 13: Make somebody a Christmas card. This could be for somebody you know very well or for somebody in the school that you haven’t spoken to in a while.

Day 14: Offer some festive cheer by telling a friend or relative your best Christmas joke!

Day 15: Help a younger student with something at school today.

St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal

Last week a note about the St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal went home. Each class has been asked to provide a specific type of Christmas food. All classes have a hamper for children to place their donations. We are encouraging all families to donate suitable food with your children.

For families wishing to provide a gift for specific families in our area, there is a Giving Tree in the front foyer at both the ELC and school. On the Giving Trees are gift tags with the age of children in the O’Connor and Lyneham area that are in need this Christmas. If families would like to donate a gift, adults are invited to take a tag, and tape it to the wrapped gift before placing it under the tree. Suggested gifts are included with the gift tags. If purchasing gift cards please give them to the office for safekeeping. We thank you in advance for your generosity and enthusiasm for sharing love and the Christmas spirit with those in need.

Religious Identity and Culture

Ethos and Charism

Our strategic priority to deepen our St Joseph’s identity means to deepen our understanding of our Josephite Charism.  We can learn much about our Josephite Charism through quotes from Saint Mary Mackillop.

Evangelisation and Faith Formation

Faith Formation

St Joseph’s Parish has begun its annual Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA).

If you are curious about God or the Catholic Church, were baptised as a child but did not receive Eucharist or Confirmation, visit the parish one Sunday and speak to Fr Paul.

If you have questions about the RCIA process, please email Alwyn Dantis on alwyndantis@yahoo.com or ring 0467 243 363.

Yours in Christ,

Melanie Stratford

Religious Education Coordinator

melanie.stratford@cg.catholic.edu.au