Jesus said to His disciples: ‘Be on your guard, stay awake, for you do not know when the time will come’ (Mark 13:33-37). 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. So during the last week of school, 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 hospitality, which is about opening one’s home and heart to those who  need a place to belong. Hospitality is at the heart of many of the gospel stories. Being kind, generous and welcoming to our friends, family and those we know is easy. It takes courage to welcome or help the stranger by extending hospitality to those in need. Our school community responded to the needs of those less fortunate through our two recent fundraisers, especially at Christmas time with our donations of hampers to St Vincent de Paul. We pray that our students continue to recognise the needs of others and be generous toward others, especially those who need help.

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 this 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.

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 16 th 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)

ADVENT: Advent wreaths are a tradition used to mark the four weeks of Advent as we prepare for the birth of Jesus on Christmas Day. Its usual form is a horizontal evergreen wreath holding four candles. Each week a candle is lit. The underlying symbolism is that the accumulation of light is an expression of the growing
anticipation of the birth of Jesus Christ, who is the light of the world. Three of the candles are violet-coloured to symbolise faithful expectation and the one rose candle symbolises joy and hope. Finally, the circular wreath represents God’s eternal love which has no beginning or end. Making an advent wreath and praying a blessing each week with your children is a wonderful way to countdown to Christmas.

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.

Today we farewelled staff leaving us at the end of the year, including Fr John who gave a blessing to them all.

I hope you all have an enjoyable holiday, and I look forward to seeing you all next year in 2024 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