During our whole school Mass today, we gathered to celebrate and give thanks for the year that has passed. It was a joyous occasion to be able to gather and celebrate the Eucharist together. We farewelled those who are leaving our school community- students, their families and members of staff, and welcomed the incoming 2022 student leaders. As the year draws to a close the words of St Mary MacKillop reminds us that God is always with us.

God loves us all. (Mary MacKillop, 1906)

Wherever this may find you, I with all my heart, wish you a very happy Christmas and a bright and happy New Year… Though many of us will be far apart, we can be united in spirit, and pray for each other at the Crib, and at the Altar. Rest assured I shall not forget any of you – and you will not forget me either, will you?

St Mary MacKillop, 7 December 1899

The Season Advent  

Next Sunday is the third Sunday of Advent. The three Advent candles are lit on the third Sunday, two violet candles and the rose candle. The season of Advent is a time of joyful waiting as we prepare to welcome Jesus. As we light another candle on the Advent wreath, we remember that Christmas is getting closer. In next Sunday’s Gospel, we hear John the Baptist tell the crowd that there are things they can do to prepare as they wait for Jesus.

Each week a grade level has led the school in prayer. Thank you to the Foundation level students and their teachers who will lead tomorrow’s Advent liturgy, focussing this week’s prayer on the two women who trusted God. Mary was chosen by God to be the mother of his Son, Jesus. Mary trusted God. After she said yes to God, she went to visit Elizabeth. Elizabeth was so happy! She trusted God. She knew Mary was going to be Jesus’.

Third Sunday of Advent, Cycle C

Sunday, December 12, 2021

Luke 3:10-18

John the Baptist teaches the path of repentance and announces Christ.

John the Baptist tells the crowd to share what they have and make other good choices to prepare for Jesus. There are things we can do during Advent to prepare to celebrate Jesus’ birth. We can pray. We can help our families. We can share. What is something you can do this week to prepare to celebrate Jesus’ birth?

Christmas Appeal supporting St Vincent de Paul 

Not long until Christmas! Donations of suitable new toys for children aged 5-12 years would be appreciated in support of this year’s St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal. Please place gifts in classroom collection boxes. The Appeal concludes tomorrow 10th December. Your support is greatly appreciated.

Child Safety and Wellbeing

At Mary MacKillop Primary School, we believe that ensuring the safety of the students in our care is an integral part of who we are as a Catholic faith community. We adhere to Victorian Child Safe Standards and Ministerial Order No. 870.  We embed a culture of child safety and the matter is taken very seriously.

“Children are the future of the human family: all of us are expected to promote their growth, health and tranquillity,” Pope Francis 2021

Parents wishing to enrol their child/children in the Sacramental program in 2022 are asked to complete the information needed in the letter distributed by the Parish. Completed forms are to be returned to the School Office by the 15th December 2021.

Church Services during the Advent and Christmas season at OLHC - Please refer to the attached flyer or OLHC website

PARISH BULLETIN

Click on the link to download the weekly Parish newsletter: https://www.olhc.org.au/parish-bulliten/