A Snapshot from the RE Classroom
In Religion in Year 5, students are currently exploring the connection between charity and wellbeing and how, as christian leaders, we are called to look after the wellbeing of others. The students have delved into the four areas of wellbeing and the importance of each of these in helping to contribute to a balanced, healthy and happy lifestyle. Students are beginning to investigate and explain, using scripture, the connection between charity and the wellbeing of all and understanding that charity is not just about giving material goods; it is also about caring for the whole person—physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. We look forward to putting our faith in action as we lead into the very special season of Advent.

In Year 2 students have been learning about the Church as a house of prayer and other places we can pray. Students had many big questions about the role of a Parish Priest, so students wrote to Fr George to invite him to their class so they could speak to him about his role in our Parish and Moruya community. 

Year 2 were very excited to also be able to select a prayer cloth made by one of our Sacred Heart Parishioners so they could set up their own personal prayer space at home. Students then collected other sacred items to create a space for their family to pray.

The season of Advent is here!
A special season of the church began last week. Advent is the opportunity to slow down, to reflect, to take the time to prepare our hearts for Jesus once again. It is time to think about how we may truly receive Jesus, God-with-us (Emmanuel) this Christmas. Advent is a wonderful time for us all to live the gifts of waiting, patience, anticipation, and hope. The liturgical colour for Advent is purple. The colour purple is the colour of kings and queens and reminds us of the importance of Jesus’ birth. In each classroom we change our prayer space to purple to reflect this colour, and if you visit our Sacred Heart Parish Church you will see the prayer cloth colours have changed as well as Fr George wears this colour when presiding at Mass. 

Traditionally we use an Advent Wreath during our preparation. The Advent Wreath is a circle of greenery that symbolises God’s never-ending love for us. Each week as we light a candle the light grows stronger; we grow stronger too in our reverence for and commitment to Christ. The growing light helps us recognise Christ not only in the historical event we celebrate at Christmas, but in our daily lives and in the hope, we carry as we prepare to welcome Jesus into our hearts.

The First Purple Candle is called the ‘Hope Candle’ or ‘The Prophet's Candle’. It reminds us of the prophets, especially Isaiah who reminded the people to always live in hope for the coming of Jesus. Last weekend we lit the “Peace Candle.  This reminds us not only to pray for peace in our world, but to ensure we find and make time for peace in our own hearts. Many classes have made Advent wreaths for children to take home. We have attached a link to an Andrew Chinn song that you might play as you light a candle each week at home. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A43QdNMBK14 

Christmas Nativity Assembly - Vinnies Christmas Appeal
Each year, St Mary’s students collect non-perishable food items or new toys/games for the St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal. The relentless cost-of-living crisis is forcing many families to have to make unimaginable choices; whether to keep the lights on or put food on the table. Collecting some extra things in our shopping trolley will provide vulnerable families with the urgent relief they desperately need this Christmas. Each classroom has a basket to be filled with donated items. The baskets will be presented to St Vincent de Paul at our Christmas Assembly on Monday 16 December at 2pm.

Parish Christmas BBQ
Today our Sacred Heart Parish is hosting a special Christmas BBQ in the Church grounds at 5.30pm. Families are warmly welcomed to come along for this and join for dinner and some fun activities for children. 

Parish Twilight Christmas Markets 
On Sunday 22 December, the parish will be holding a special Christmas Market at the grounds of St Edmund's Catholic Church in Bodalla. The market will run from 3pm - 7:30pm. There will be many stalls including: a sausage sizzle, cake stall, plants and painted rocks; and a gift stall. Raffle tickets for the Christmas Hamper can be purchased after Masses and tickets are $2 each or 3 for $5. All are welcome so please come along with family and friends if you can!

Christmas Eve Mass 
On Christmas Eve we always welcome children to come and reenact the Nativity story as part of the Mass. A note is coming home next week asking students if they are available to come and participate in this special celebration.

Qualities of Kindness
We were never meant to do life alone. We need the love and care of others, as much as others need us in the same ways. As Christians, we are called to offer our time, resources and strength to those in need. That need might be as seemingly insignificant as helping a friend put a sock on a damp foot, or getting knots out of hair after swimming. We have exceptionally caring students at St Mary’s and see examples of this at school every day.

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfil the law of Christ.”
GALATIANS 6:2

Mrs Jessica Afflick & Carla Durnan
Religious Education Coordinators