Advent 

During this Advent season we reflect, anticipate and prepare for the ‘advent’ of the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ on Christmas Day. 

All Christian denominations despite different traditions, await the arrival of Jesus Christ. Each of the four weeks of Advent which lead up to Christmas focus on a different theme - those of hope, peace, joy, and love. 

The scripture readings of Advent balance the two elements of remembrance and anticipation, the first two Sundays in Advent (through December 16th) look forward to Christ’s second coming, and the last two Sundays look backward to remember Christ’s first coming. Over the course of the four weeks, Scripture readings move from passages about Christ’s return in judgment to Old Testament passages about the expectation of the coming Messiah to New Testament passages about the announcements of Christ’s arrival by John the Baptist and the Angels.

Let us use this time to prepare our hearts for the celebration of the birth of Jesus and show acts of kindness and charity to others around us.

Prayer is a beautiful way to help cut away from distractions of the season and open your heart to prepare for the joy and hope of Christ's birth.

This Advent, Lord, come to the manger of my heart.

Fill me with Your presence from the very start.

As I prepare for the holidays and gifts to be given,

Remind me of the gift You gave when You sent Your Son from Heaven.

The first Christmas gift was the greatest gift ever.

You came as a baby born in a manger.

Wrapped like the gifts I find under my tree,

Waiting to be opened, to reveal Your love to me.

Restore to me the wonder that came with Jesus' birth,

When He left the riches of Heaven and wrapped Himself in rags of earth.

Immanuel, God with us, Your presence came that night.

And angels announced, "Into your darkness, God brings His Light."

"Do not be afraid," they said, to shepherds in the field.

Speak to my heart today, Lord, and help me to yield.

Make me like those shepherd boys, obedient to Your call.

Setting distractions and worries aside, to You I surrender them all.

Surround me with Your presence, Lord, I long to hear Your voice.

Clear my mind of countless concerns and all the holiday noise.

Slow me down this Christmas, let me not be in a rush.

In the midst of parties and planning, I want to feel Your hush.

This Christmas, Jesus, come to the manger of my heart.

Invade my soul like Bethlehem, bringing peace to every part.

Dwell within and around me, as I unwrap Your presence each day.

Keep me close to You, Lord. It's in Your wonderful Name I pray. 

Amen.

~ by Renee Swope, “The Manger of My Heart” from Proverbs 31 Ministries

  Full excerpt adapted from Christianity.com

2025 First Eucharist date - N.B. much earlier than usual

For 2025 there are a number of changes to the Sacred Heart Parish Sacramental program and the timeline for the year. Please note that the Sacrament of First Eucharist (Communion) will be held in Week 8 of Term 1 Sunday 30th March. This sacrament is for students in Year 4 or anybody older who has made their First Reconciliation inthe Catholic church and may have missed the sacrament or wish to make it in 2025.

Sacred Heart Parish Sacraments Parent Meeting for all 2025 candidates & First Eucharist Parent Meeting 

A special meeting will be held early in Week 2 of Term 1 to explain the changes to the Sacred Heart Parish Sacramental program for 2025. This meeting will take place Tuesday 11th February at 6pm. All parents of candidates wishing to make a Sacrament in 2025, either their First Reconciliation (Year 3 and above), First Eucharist (First Communion - Year 4 and above)  or Confirmation (Year 6 and above) are required to attend this meeting to meet Father Alex Osbourne the new parish priest for 2025 and to learn about the changes.

Following the general Sacraments meeting parents for First Eucharist are asked to stay for the additional information about First Eucharist. A reminder will also be sent out early in Term 1.

Presentation Day 2024 & Opening School Mass 2025

Please note that students who will hold positions of leadership in the school for 2025 have already been voted and will receive their badges at this year’s presentation day. At the Opening school Mass at the Town Hall on Thursday 6th February 2025, these students will give their dedication pledge and receive a blessing from Fr Alex to begin their new roles.

N.B. Parents are invited to attend both events, but to expedite the process they will not be required to pin the badges on.

Reminder about Christmas mass volunteers

Please remember to volunteer your children for the Parish Christmas Eve Mass. Please contact Anne-Maree Sleigh who is coordinating the readers and offertory roles at amsleigh@gmail.com to express your interest or you can leave your child’s name and your contact details at the front office to be passed on to Anne.

Narraburra visit

A huge thank you is extended to Years 7 & 8 who did an amazing job today spreading some Christmas cheer when they visited the residents of Narraburra Lodge to wish them a Merry Christmas with their singing and dancing. It was also wonderful top once again spend time interacting with the residents. It was clearly a highlight for all involved. A huge thank you to all of our staff who joined the students with such enthusiasm. We are truly blessed to have such giving individuals in our community.