This is the last week of the 2021 liturgical year. On Sunday, Year C will commence, as we celebrate the first Sunday of Advent.

The word ‘Advent’ means ‘coming’ or ‘arrival’. Jesus is coming, and Advent is intended to be a season of preparation for His arrival. It is a season of hope and expectation.

Advent 2021 begins on Sunday, November 28th, and ends on Friday, December 24^th. During the Advent season you will see evergreen wreaths set up at Mass, and on our prayer tables at school. Each Sunday in Advent, we light a candle on the wreath, which symbolises the light of God coming into the world through the birth of His son.  It also reminds us that we are called to be a light to the world, as we reflect the light of God's grace to others (Isa 42:6).

Each week, a new candle is lit.

Candle 1 (violet): called the ‘Prophet’s Candle’, symbolises hope.

Candle 2 (violet): called ‘Bethlehem’s Candle’, represents love. 

Candle 3 (rose): called the ‘Shepherd’s Candle’, represents joy.

Candle 4 (violet): called the Angel’s Candle’ represents peace. 

By the final week of Advent, all four candles are lit reminding us that the time to rejoice has finally arrived!

The (optional) fifth candle, ‘Christ’s Candle’, represents purity and light. It is placed in the middle of the wreath and lit on Christmas Day, commemorating the arrival of the Light of the World.

Advent Resources for Families:

Families are invited to prepare reflectively for Christmas using the free online Walking Together Advent resource. Created by families for families, this home-grown Archdiocesan program will be made available in 4 instalments - one each week - including a ten minute video and downloadable discussion/reflection questions. Use it whenever suits you, alone or in a small group. Or join a weekly zoom discussion group.

Watch a 3 minute trailer: https://youtu.be/0eaQJFCNxLI

Explore the resource: www.cgcatholic.org.au/ADVENT

Join a zoom discussion group this Sunday 4pm.

Zoom link:               https://zoom.us/j/96186839540

Meeting ID:            961 8683 9540

Enquiries lara.kirk@cg.org.au 0429 192 869

Vinnies Christmas Appeal

Families are invited to donate non-perishable food or new toys to the Vinnies Christmas Appeal. These gifts will be donated to the Tumut branch for distribution to families in need this year in our local area.

The children are welcome to bring in goods and place them in the hamper located in the school foyer. This is a wonderful way for the children to experience the gift of giving to those families who may find themselves experiencing difficulty at this time of year.

Your support with this appeal is greatly appreciated.

- Liz Murray