On Sunday we celebrated the first Sunday of Advent, the “Sunday of Hope” in God and His Son, Jesus Christ, through whom God has promised to save and redeem His people. Advent signals for all of us, that Christmas is just around the corner.  If my loaded letterbox and email inbox is any indication, our consumer society places a great deal of effort on doing everything possible to keep our attention away from the true meaning of Christmas and instead, firmly fixed on our wallets and on spending.

When we reflect on the Christmas story it was the Three Wise Men who seemed to have grasped the true understanding of the Christmas event. They spent many weeks in anticipation as they travelled from their homeland to Bethlehem.

When they arrived, their purpose was to honour the newborn child and, out of courtesy they each brought a gift. Last week a representative from the St Vincent de Paul Society needed to make two trips to transport the huge amount of donations collected by our community through the Mini Vinnies Christmas Appeal. We are grateful to all members of our community for your generosity and for sharing the true message of Christmas to the members of our wider community who are in desperate need of the gifts of compassion and care.

Although we have the opportunity for a period of anticipation during the season of Advent we do in fact live our own lives in a constant Advent state. We are continuously waiting to become, to discover, to complete, to fulfil, to hope, to struggle and to overcome fear. Advent invites us to prepare for the commemoration of God’s coming by taking time to have a closer look inside ourselves away from the busy outside. This looking inside is not about remorse or regret, nor about listing ways life over the past year could have been different; it’s not about wishing we were better people. It’s about forward movement, getting new bearings, relying more on God for directions. It’s about a fresh start.

As we embark upon our 2021 Advent journey, may we all be open to the opportunity for a fresh start and to allowing God’s grace to guide us and work within our lives.

Enjoy your week and be watchful for opportunities to live out the messages of Christ’s way and life.

Tina Murray

Principal  

Congratulations are extended to Mr Chris McInerney who has been appointed as 3-point co-ordinator at John the Baptist Primary School, Bonnyrigg. Chris will leave a wonderful legacy at Mary Immaculate through the contribution he has made to building of the collective capacity of staff to support the diverse learning needs of our students. The John the Baptist community will be greatly blessed by Chris’ contributions, and I know Chris will embrace the opportunities for personal and professional growth in a new school community.

We wish Mrs Alyssa Galvez-Salonga every blessing as she prepares to welcome her third child in January.

Further announcements regarding staff changes and appointments will be made as they become available. 

HOLY COMMUNION PROGRAM

At the end of the week the Parish Sacramental Program for Holy Communion culminates with the reception of the sacrament at four masses. We thank our wonderful priests and the dedicated members of the Parish Sacramental Team which includes members of school staff for their commitment to supporting parents in the faith development of the young members of our parish. 

CLOTHING POOL

The Clothing Pool provides a wonderful service for the families in our school.

We wish to thank our Clothing Pool managers, Ni San and Lenni Pasaribu for the management of the Clothing Pool. We are extremely grateful for their commitment to this very important initiative.

Any donations to the Uniform Pool for 2022 will be very gratefully accepted through the Office.