This Sunday is the first Sunday of Advent (advent means coming) and marks the beginning of a period of preparation for the celebration of the birth of Christ, our Saviour, at Christmas.  Jesus said to his disciples:  ‘Be on your guard, stay awake, for you do not know when the time will come.’  We should watch in the same way as those apostles:  looking out for each other and helping each other, watching for Christ in each other, in the poor, in the sick, in the hungry and those in need.   We watch for Christ not just as individuals, but as part of a community, his Church.  We encourage everyone, especially our students, to look out for each other, share and celebrate each other’s achievements and take a giant step towards ‘Peace on Earth’ starting in our own hearts and community.

This week at Holy Spirit we value generosity which we know as the quality of being kind and giving to others.  It is a quality that is a lot like unselfishness.  Someone showing generosity is happy to give time, money, food or kindness to people in need.  When we show generosity, we give away things or money or put others before ourselves.  This week we pray that our students and families recognise the needs of others and be generous toward others, especially those who need our help.  A great way to help those in need and make a difference in our own community is to support the St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal.  Last week we held a coloured clothes day and asked children to donate items for the Christmas Hamper.  Our hampers will be presented at our Christmas Liturgy next week at our Christmas Liturgy.  Thank you to all our families for your generosity.

This morning, our Year 4 to 6 students attended Mass with Fr John.  As we approach the end of the school year for 2020, we came together to celebrate by giving thanks to God for all that has been.  This year has been like no other in our recent history and has thrown up many challenges, obstacles and difficulties.  However, although the year has been difficult, during our celebration today, we were grateful for all the unexpected gifts that 2020 has brought us.

God bless.

Caroline Fuller