REC News
First Holy Communion
What a beautiful occasion was celebrated at St Patrick’s Church on Saturday 23rd November with our ten candidates receiving their First Holy Communion. The children were so excited and participated fully in the Mass by reading and offering the gifts during the Offertory. When receiving the Sacrament of the Eucharist, the children reverently received Jesus in most sincere manner.
We congratulate the children and thank them and their parents for the way they committed to preparing for this beautiful Sacrament. We also thank Father Namora, Father George and the Sacramental Team for guiding the children in their faith journey. In his Homily, Father Namora spoke about a hamburger. He said that we don’t just have one hamburger we continue to have this food. Just like the Eucharist we don’t just experience once we are lucky enough to be able to experience this gift as many times as we choose to partake in this Sacrament.
Advent
The Church season of has begun. Advent is the time when the Church longs for the coming of the Lord. It is a time of preparing and getting ready for Jesus’ birth. As Christians we are asked to walk in God’s light being respectful and loving towards each other.
The first candle of the Advent Wreath, the Prophecy Candle or Candle of Hope, is purple. The second, called the Bethlehem Candle or the Candle of Preparation, is also purple in colour. Likewise, the fourth Advent Candle colour is purple. It's called the Angel Candle or the Candle of Love.
St Vincent de Paul Appeal – Help a Family Celebrate Christmas
How do you celebrate Christmas? What sort of food, presents and traditions does your family have at Christmas?
At our Graduation / Thanksgiving Mass on Friday 13th December our families are asked to donate an item for the St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal.
With 3 million people living below the poverty line in Australia, including over 739,000 children, your donation allows the St Vincent de Paul Society Canberra/ Goulburn to provide more than immediate help, it provides something much more valuable – the opportunity for a better life. This year we are again inviting schools to join us in making a difference to people’s lives, by donating food items that will help us create a Christmas hamper. It’s important to remember your hamper must contain non-perishable food items.
Where do the hampers go? Hampers are received by individuals and families in our local community.
Each class has been allocated a particular food group or item.
Kindergarten: Drinks (non-alcoholic)
Year One: Dinner Savoury Pantry (pasta, sauces, 2 minute noodles)
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)
YOUR GENEROSITY MAKES A REAL DIFFERENCE
Please come to our Mass and celebrate with everyone the wonderful year, the coming of Christmas and offer something very practical and appreciated to those in most need.
Kate Howe
REC