As we busily prepare for Christmas: planning, cleaning, spending, giving, attending breakups and various events, it is important we take a moment and reflect on what it all means for us and our families. The first Sunday of Advent marked the beginning of a period of preparation for the celebration of the birth of Christ, our Saviour, at Christmas. We are advised 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.

This week at Holy Spirit we value excellence. Excellence often refers to greatness, the very best. Achieving excellence is a very difficult thing to do at times. It is a quality that people really appreciate, because it is so hard to find. Striving for excellence is trying to do our best at whatever task we set our minds to do. At Holy Spirit, staff are always looking for ways to help students achieve excellence. This week, as we end the school year and enter the season of Advent, we pray our students and families show excellence across many areas, especially towards others and be on the lookout to help those in need. 

ST WENCELAUS: Legend surrounds the brief life of Saint Wenceslaus 1, Duke of Bohemia (907-935), originally venerated because of his martyrdom but most remembered today because of a Christmas carol from the 16th century that celebrated him as a model of generosity. Separating fact from fiction may be difficult after 1000 years, but your own track record with regard to generosity should be easier to tally. Will anyone sing praises of your generosity a millennium from now? A hundred years? Ten minutes after you are gone? If not, what can you do today to start building your own lasting legacy as a disciple of Christ? from Take Five for Faith 

ST VINCENT DE PAUL HAMPER: A BIG THANK YOU to all who generously donated 

items for our annual Christmas Hamper that was given to St Vincent de Paul on Tuesday morning during our liturgy. What a wonderful way to start the Christmas season by showing care and mercy for those less fortunate in our community. 

THE ADVENT WREATH: The Advent wreath is a traditional centrepiece of the Christmas season. A candle is lit on each of the four Sundays preceding Christmas.
The first candle (violet) represents hope, the second (violet) peace, the third (rose)
joy and the fourth (violet) love. The central white candle is lit on Christmas Day and represents Christ. The word ‘advent’ means ‘coming’; lighting the candles on the Advent wreath symbolises the coming of Light (Jesus) into the world. The Advent Wreath teaches us about Christian preparation for celebrating Jesus’ birth and making our hearts truly ready to receive Him. Making an advent wreath and praying a blessing each week with your children is a wonderful way to countdown to Christmas.

Blessing for the Advent Wreath

Lord God, Your Church joyfully awaits the coming of its Saviour,
who enlightens our hearts and dispels the darkness of ignorance and sin.
Pour forth your blessings upon us as we light the candles of this wreath;

may their light reflect the splendour of Christ,
who is Lord, for ever and ever. Amen.

I hope you all an enjoyable holiday and I look forward to seeing you all next year in 2023 to start the year again. Best of luck to our Grade 6 senior students moving into High School and future endeavours. Your contribution to Holy Spirit Catholic School will be remembered. 

Have a safe and happy holiday.
God bless.
Caroline Fuller