This coming Friday at our School Mass we will celebrate the Baptism of Isabella and Parker Melksham. We are so grateful to Matthew and Kimberly, that they have chosen to celebrate and share this special occasion with the school community at our Friday Mass. We congratulate the Melksham family and ask God’s blessing and love upon their family.

Thanksgiving Mass

As part of our Graduation and Thanksgiving Mass to be held on Friday 8^th December the St Patrick’s School community are asked to donate various food items to the St Vincent de Paul Society for their Christmas Hamper Appeal.

This year, maybe more than previous years, we see more and more people facing financial hardship. People are really doing it tough and need our help. Every little item that we can donate will be used to compile a hamper, which would allow a family or individual to be able to celebrate and enjoy something substantial for Christmas.

This food items will be bought up during the Offertory Procession as a gift to others.

Kindergarten: Drinks (non-alcoholic)

Year One: Dinner Savoury Pantry (pasta, sauces, 2-minute noodles etc)

Year Two: Party Pantry (biscuits, nuts, chips, popcorn)

Year Three: Tins and Cans (fruit, soup, vegetables)

Year Four: Cleaning and Toiletries (spray & wipe, toothbrushes, laundry powder)

Year Five: Breakfast Savoury Pantry (cereals, spreads, food bars)

Year Six: Sweets and Desserts (mince pies, custard powder, chocolates, puddings)

Next time you are shopping, PLEASE think about your donation.

Children can bring these gift items into school as of next week.

Altar Servers

Thank you to our amazing Altars Servers and their families for the wonderful job they do to assist Father on the Altar each week. Just a reminder that if you can’t fulfil your rostered duty you must arrange a preplacement or swap your week with another Altar Server.

As the holidays approach, it can be tricky to stick to the roster, but if everyone does this, we will always have an Altar Server on the Altar. Unfortunately, last weekend we did not have any Severs to assist Father.

On Friday 1^st December, our brand new, Altar Servers Rouge Calub, Leila Gaskin and Reuben Smart will receive their first training session before they commence their Serving duties. We thank them for their enthusiasm towards their new ministry serving their Parish.

Early in the new year we will hold a training session for all our existing Altar Servers. We will keep you informed.

Advent

Advent, which begins the Church’s liturgical year, begins this Sunday. Advent encompasses the four Sundays and weekdays leading up to the celebration of Christmas.

The Advent season is a time of preparation for our hearts and minds for the anniversary of the Lord’s birth on Christmas.

The use of the wreath and candles during Advent are a longstanding Catholic tradition.

The wreath and candles are full of symbolism tied to the Christmas season. The wreath itself, which is made of various evergreens, signifies continuous life. The circle of the wreath, which has no beginning or end, symbolizes the eternity of God and the everlasting life we find in Christ.

The candles also have their own special significance. The four candles represent the four weeks of Advent, and one candle is lit each Sunday. Three of the candles are purple because the colour violet is a liturgical colour that signifies a time of prayer, penance, and sacrifice.

The first candle, which is purple, symbolizes hope. It is sometimes called the “Prophecy Candle” in remembrance of the prophets, especially Isaiah, who foretold the birth of Christ. It represents the expectation felt in anticipation of the coming Messiah.

The second candle, also purple, represents faith. It is called the “Bethlehem Candle” as a reminder of Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem.

The third candle is pink and symbolizes joy. It is called the “Shepard’s Candle,” and is pink because rose is a liturgical colour for joy. The third Sunday of Advent reminds us of the joy that the world experienced at the birth of Jesus.

On the fourth week of Advent, we light the final purple candle to mark the final week of prayer and penance as we wait for the birth of our Saviour. This final candle, the “Angel’s Candle,” symbolizes peace. It reminds us of the message of the angels: “Peace on Earth, Good Will Toward Men.”

The white candle is placed in the middle of the wreath and lit on Christmas Eve. This candle is called the “Christ Candle” and represents the life of Christ. The colour white is for purity—because Christ is our sinless, pure Saviour.

Celebrating Advent is an excellent way to prepare your mind and heart for Christmas.

Christmas and New Year Mass Times

Sunday 24^th December – 7 pm Mass Gundagai

Monday 25^th December – 10 am Gundagai

New Year’s Eve Mass – 6 pm Mass Gundagai

St Patrick’s Monster Christmas Raffle

Don’t forget to purchase your tickets in the Parish Raffle which will be drawn on 16^th December.

There is an incredible 26 prizes on offer, with an amazing $1 000.00 first prize and second prize of $600.

Tickets were sent home last week. If you require extra tickets, please collect from the Front Office.

Tickets $2 each or 3 for $5.

PLEASE RETURN TICKETS AND MONEY BY 14^th DECEMBER.