Watch, be alert and be ready.

Don't delay—be proactive now.

Make a difference by following God.

The message of Advent is clear: don’t wait until it’s too late. Do good now. Remember Jesus' commandment to love others as God loves you and treat them as you want to be treated. How we behave matters, how we treat each other matters.  While we can’t control other people’s behaviour we can control how we respond to theirs. Ultimately, through our actions we will either bring God’s love to others and be God’s goodness in the world, or we won’t.

In the coming weeks on Advent, may we focus on our relationships with others and God. May we be accountable to ourselves, others, and God by acknowledging, addressing, and repairing what we are responsible for, while nurturing and supporting each other to do the same. This way we can we fulfil our promise to God to build lasting loving, healthy, Spirit-filled fruitful lives.

Together, we can become better and reflect God’s goodness in the world. It takes time, patience, and support. Mistakes will happen, but as long as our intentions and faith are true, God’s unconditional love will guide us. He asks us to be His hands and feet, bringing goodness to the world.

Let us pray together:

Dear Jesus

You are the hope in our world.

This Advent, help us slow down, listen to your voice, and focus on what’s really important.

Let us be ready in mind, body, heart, and spirit to receive you this Christmas and beyond.

We place our hope in you as we prepare our hearts to celebrate your birth on Christmas.

Amen.

Year 6 Graduation Liturgy

On Monday evening the Year 6 students gathered with their families to celebrate their Graduation Liturgy. It was a time to reflect on all the blessings of primary school. We thanked God for the relationships that have been formed and the gifts that have been given to us, including the gifts of the Holy Spirit, the gift of friendship and learning. The teachers also blessed the students with the gifts that are represented with the colours of the St Michael’s rainbow; vitality, self-image, joy, tranquillity, choice and judgement, acceptance and compassion. We congratulate our Year 6 cohort and wish them every future success in the next chapter of their learning journey. A big thank you to the Year 6 teachers; Danielle Madsen, Shianne Sahariv and Erin Hardwicke, for preparing the students for high school and ensuring the students’ lasts days at St Michael’s are memorable.

During Advent we prepare our hearts and wait for the coming of Christmas, the memorial of Christ’s birth. Christmas is about the mystery of the divine found within the human, God entering our everyday life! Because Jesus Christ was born into our world in a normal human way, all our ordinary human activities are made holy.  Jesus Christ has entered our lives and saved us from the darkness. He is our Saviour, truly  God’s greatest gift. May the wonder of the first Christmas, the joy of God's abundant blessings, and the peace of Jesus's presence be with you and your loved ones this Christmas season.

Position Vacant

Our Lady of Perpetual Parish is seeking applications for the position of Sacramental Programme Co-ordinator.

The position is a paid one for permanent five hours per week.

The responsibilities revolve around clerical work to assist in the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Holy Communion and Confirmation.

For a job description and application, please email Fr Mick Mac Andrew.

mick.macandrew@cg.org.au

Children’s Mass at Christmas

Practice for the children to act out the Christmas Nativity Gospel during the Christmas Mass will be held as follows. All costumes will be supplied.

St Michael’s Kaleen Christmas Mass 6:00pm Christmas Eve

Practice times, in St Michael’s Church Kaleen

Tuesday 10th December, Tuesday 17th December at 3:30pm-4:30pm

(afternoon tea supplied)

St Monica’s Evatt Christmas Mass 7:30pm Christmas Eve

Practice Times in St Monica’s Church Evatt

Wednesday 11th December, Wednesday 18th December 3:30-4:30pm

For more information, please contact Fr Mick 0419 010 870