Mass this Sunday, November 29^th, will be a special celebration for Gypsy, Archie, Eliza, Matilda, Hugh and Marli as they make the Sacrament of Confirmation. Please keep the children in your prayers as they prepare to receive the Gifts of the Holy Spirit.

This Sunday also marks the beginning of Advent. For Catholics, the new Liturgical Year commences with the first Sunday of Advent. In this new liturgical year, the Church not only wishes to indicate the beginning of a period, but the beginning of a renewed commitment to the faith by all those who follow Christ, the Lord.

During Religion lessons the children will be learning about the Advent season, the significance of the Advent wreath and the four themes of Advent.

The Advent Wreath

Each candle on the Advent Wreath has a special name corresponding to a particular week of Advent.

During the first week we light the Prophet’s Candle as we focus on the virtue of hope.  This week is a time to acknowledge that Jesus is coming.  We should begin preparing our hearts to welcome Him at Christmas.

The second week of Advent is a time to practice the virtue of faith as we light the Bethlehem Candle.  We should call to mind the journey of Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem.  When they arrived there was no room at the inn – no room for Jesus.  It is a time to continue drawing closer to Christ so that when He comes He may find a home in our hearts.

On Gaudete Sunday, the third Sunday of Advent, we celebrate joy as we light the Shepherd’s Candle.  On Christmas night the Angels appeared to the shepherds and brought them, as the Bible says, “news of great joy!”

The final week of Advent is a time of peace as we light the Angel’s Candle.  We should be mindful of the Angels’ announcement of, “Peace on earth, good will to men!”

On Christmas Day a large white candle, Christ’s Candle is placed in the middle of the wreath. The Christ Candle represents the light that Jesus brought into the world when he was born.

- Liz Murray

Religious Education Co-Ordinator