The joyful season of Advent begins this coming Sunday.
Advent comes from the Latin word meaning “coming.” Jesus is coming, and Advent is intended to be a season of preparation for His arrival. While we typically regard Advent as a joyous season, it is also intended to be a period of preparation, much like Lent. Prayer, penance and fasting are appropriate during this season. The faithful should fast during the first two weeks in particular and receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The colour of the Third Sunday of Advent is rose. This colour symbolizes joy and represents the happiness we will experience when Jesus comes again. The Third Sunday is a day of anticipatory celebration. It is formerly called “Gaudete” Sunday; Gaudete means “rejoice” in Latin. Finally, Sundays during Advent, just as during Lent, should not be given to fasting, but instead to celebration because we celebrate the resurrection of Our Lord every Sunday. https://www.catholic.org/advent/advent.php?id=5
A reminder that the youth & child-friendly Way of the Star Archdiocesan video resource is available for you to use in the classroom and at home with your family. See www.cgyouth.org.au/Christmas
THE CATHOLIC BOOKSHOP
now open for in-store shopping. We ask that Covid safe guidelines are followed if you can visit the store. The Columban calendar for 2022 is now available along with 2022 annual publications including the Ordo, Daily Mass Book and God’s Word 2022. Do come and visit us, we would love to see you. ARCHDIOCESAN ONLINE ADVENT RESOURCE- Join a 30-minute zoom briefing this Sunday at 4pm to learn how best to use this wonderful online Advent resource featuring reflections from families from around our Archdiocese. For use in small groups or alone, in person or via zoom. Info: www.cgcatholic.org.au/ADVENT or contact lara.kirk@cg.org.au 0429 192 869
BLACKFRIARS LECTURE
‘Ageing well – surviving or flourishing? – 23 Nov, 5.45pm. Using the lens of Catholic Social Teaching and the International Charter of Human Rights, the talk will challenge the social construct of ageing in Australia. Campus Location: 301.1.20.
ETHOS PUBLIC ETHICS AND THE FUTRUE OF AUSTRALIA
Chris Uhlmann on Australia’s identity crisis. Thurs 9 Dec, 5.30-7.30pm, Haydon Hall, ST Christopher’s Pastoral Centre, 55 Franklin St, Forrest. RSVP 24 Nov. Cost $30. The discussion will be preceded by a reception with drinks & canapes.
AID TO THE CHURCH IN NEED
ACN continues to highlight the persecution of Christians through Red Wednesday, Wednesday 24 November. On this day Cathedrals throughout Australia and the world will hold Masses and prayer vigils and be lit in red to remember our brothers and sisters who are persecuted for their faith. To learn more and get involved visit www.aidtochurch.org/redwednesday
VINNIES VOLUNTEERS DURING CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS REQUEST
Hours: Minimum 4 hours/ day (20 hours/holidays); Volunteer Period: 01/12/21 – 31/01/22 (negotiable); Info: 0407 905 217, email volunteer.cg@vinnies.org.au or visit instore. Info: www.vinnies.org.au/shops. CATHOLICCARE FOCCUS MARRIAGE PREPARATION —6 Dec, 5-9pm. Complete a relationship inventory, enjoy a meal, receive input on Catholic marriage and book in for a face to face couple interview with a Catholic Care Counsellor. Register www.marriagefamily.org.au Inquire 0429 192 869
COME BACK TO THE FATHER! ARCHBISHOP’S DAY OF TEACHING
Sat. 11 Dec – 9:30am -4:30pm – St Peter Chanel’s Church, Weston St, Yarralumla. Catholic Charismatic Renewal. Holy Mass, reconciliation, talks, testimonies and prayer ministry. Free sausage sizzle lunch! All welcome! To book, go to: trybooking.com/BUTGN. Or text Maida 0423 658 326.”
SYNOD OF BISHOPS: SYNOD ON SYNODALITY
“For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation and Mission”. The Universal Church now embarks on a similar journey we’ve experienced in our Plenary Council. You are invited to make a submission via an online portal, now open. Make your own 250-word submission by visiting catholic.org.au synodal church Once received the Australian Bishops develop a national report to support the global process leading to an international gathering in Rome, 2023. The diocesan consultation phase has been extended to the 15 of August 2022. Dates on the guides and resources on the website will also be amended: https://catholic.org.au/synodalchurch
ST BENEDICTS PRESBYTERY RENONATION APPEAL
Thank you to all those who have contributed to this appeal to date. It is wonderful to see the generosity of the Parish. However, I need to clarify one part of the information in last week’s Bulletin- It should have read `We have been blessed to receive the promise of a significant private donation to use for this project. So far $56,000 has been given, with the promise of more.’ This magnificent donation together with the additional $10,500 received to date means that we are well on the way to being able to complete Stage 1 of the project. Special Morning Tea: November 28, 10am: To learn more about this appeal, the Parish Pastoral Council invites you to come and enjoy Morning Tea with us after the 9am Mass on November 28. Over a cup of tea or coffee, as well as celebrating that we can now meet and share company, the PPC will outline the reasons behind the Presbytery’s pressing need for renovation. We’d love to have you join us on Sunday 28th and if you are able to make a donation, however small, envelopes and a Tap and Go machine will be available. If you are unable to make the Morning Tea, Donation Envelopes are available at the Church or online contributions may be made via the Parish account: Yours in Christ, Moira Najdecki Chair, Parish Pastoral Council In future when making a donation please advise under the reference bar what the donation is for e.g. Donation for presbytery or donation for parish, as it would assist when dealing with the finances. Thank you.
Advent Prayer
In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Christ Jesus, during these 4 weeks of Advent, we reflect on how we can prepare our hearts to better follow you. We pray that your light guides us, especially in moments of darkness. We pray, too, for those around the world who struggle on their own journeys, wherever they live. Each week, as we light another candle on the wreath and approach the celebration of Christmas, let us remember that you are the light of the world, that you lead all people on their journeys and that you bring all people from darkness into light.
Christ, let your light guide all those who journey. Light the appropriate candle. Amen
Mr Michael Monagle
Assistant Principal Mission and Identity