As we busily prepare for Christmas; planning, cleaning, spending, giving, attending breakups and concerts, it is important we take a moment and reflect on what it all means for us and our families.  The First Sunday of Advent is this weekend and marks the beginning of a period of preparation for the celebration of the birth of Christ, our Saviour, at Christmas.  All the readings in the Mass advise us most urgently to make ourselves ready, to be on the alert, to turn aside from our errant ways, and give more time to God in our lives.  The season of Advent encourages us to reflect and prepare for the coming of Jesus who came to show us a new way of being with God, ourselves and each other.  As we countdown to the end of the year and participate in the prayer celebrations of the last week, our students will be reflecting on their achievements and spiritual growth during 2021.

This week at Holy Spirit we value service.  Service is giving to others, or to a larger purpose, or to life.  You serve with a giving attitude, without selfishness and self-interest.  The attitude and virtue of service is motivated by love, caring and goodwill.  It is when we have an unselfish desire to help others or to help in a larger purpose.  This week we pray for our students and family members to continue their kind acts towards others to have a positive influence on those around them.  One kind act is to support our Christmas Hamper Appeal that will go to those in need in our community.  Thank you to all our families who have already brought in their contribution for their class hamper.  These will be presented at our Christmas Liturgy next Tuesday afternoon at the 2pm Liturgy.  Everyone is welcome to join us for this special end of year celebration.

This morning, our Year 3 to 6 students attended Mass with Fr John.  As we approach the end of the school year for 2021, we came together to celebrate by giving thanks to God for all that has been.  During our celebration today, we were grateful for all the gifts that 2021 has brought us.  Well done to our students who participated in this morning’s Mass.  Thank you to those families who joined us for this lovely occasion.

God bless.

Caroline Fuller