Last weekend we celebrated the first Sunday of Advent. Advent marks the start of a season of preparation that looks forward to the celebration of Christmas and the second coming of Christ. It is a time of reflection in preparing our hearts for the coming of Christ—we remember how our Saviour humbled Himself to be born as a baby and live among those He would save. We remember the perfect life He lived doing the will of His Father, His sacrificial death on the cross, and how He was raised from the dead three days later, in order to save all who would believe. Christians remember Jesus' promise to return again one day and restore everything fully. This season invokes feelings of expectation and hope!

The word Advent comes from the Latin adventus, meaning “arrival” or “coming” from the word advenire (ad- “to” venire “come”). Advent is a reminder of how the Jewish people waited for the Messiah and how Christians and Messianic Jews wait for the second coming of Christ, today.

The use of the wreath and candles during Advent are a longstanding Catholic tradition that was originally adopted by Christians in the Middle Ages as part of the spiritual preparation for Christmas.

The wreath and candles are full of symbolism tied to the Christmas season. The wreath itself, which is made of various evergreens, signifies continuous life. The circle of the wreath, which has no beginning or end, symbolizes the eternity of God, the immortality of the soul, and the everlasting life we find in Christ.

Even the individual evergreens that make up the wreath have their own meanings that can be adapted to our faith. The laurel signifies victory over persecution and suffering. The pine, holly, and yew signify immortality and the cedar signifies strength and healing. The pine cones that decorate the wreath symbolize life and resurrection. The wreath as a whole is meant to remind us of both the immortality of our souls and God’s promise of everlasting life to us through Christ.

The candles also have their own special significance. The four candles represent the four weeks of Advent, and one candle is lit each Sunday. Three of the candles are purple because the colour violet is a liturgical colour that signifies a time of prayer, penance, and sacrifice.

The first candle, which is purple, symbolises hope. It is sometimes called the 'Prophecy Candle' in remembrance of the prophets, especially Isaiah, who foretold the birth of Christ. It represents the expectation felt in anticipation of the coming Messiah.

The second candle, also purple, represents faith. It is called the 'Bethlehem Candle' as a reminder of Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem.

The third candle is pink and symbolizes joy. It is called the 'Shepard’s Candle,' and is pink because rose is a liturgical colour for joy. The third Sunday of Advent is Gaudete Sunday and is meant to remind us of the joy that the world experienced at the birth of Jesus, as well as the joy that the faithful have reached the midpoint of Advent.

On the fourth week of Advent, we light the final purple candle to mark the final week of prayer and penance as we wait for the birth of our Saviour. This final candle, the 'Angel’s Candle,' symbolises peace. It reminds us of the message of the angels:

“Peace on Earth, Good Will Toward Men.”

STAFFING CHANGES 2020 - I would like to inform our School Community that Mrs Kylie Booth has accepted a full time temporary teaching position at St Paul’s Catholic Parish Primary School, Camden. I take this opportunity to thank Kylie for her commitment, work and support during her time at Mary Immaculate and wish her all the best for the years ahead.

FEAST OF MARY IMMACULATE - On Sunday 8 December we celebrate the Feast Day of Mary Immaculate. I believe our school and parish name day feast to be a most significant event in the year. Our Mary Immaculate School Community will be celebrating Mass on Friday 6 December at 10.45am. Our Parents and Friends Association will provide a sausage sizzle lunch after mass. After lunch the children will be presenting a Christmas Play. All parents and friends are most welcome to join in this significant school celebration.

SWIMMING PROGRAM - A reminder to Kindergarten, Year 2 and Year 4 parents that the Swimming Program commences next week. The students will walk to and from the pool each day. Students are encouraged to wear their sport uniform to school each day. They will change at school and wear their swimming costume, a t-shirt and thongs to and from the pool. Swimming caps, goggles and towels will be carried to the pool. The students may choose to wear their swimming costume underneath their uniform, however, please be mindful that some classes will be attending swimming later in the day.

WOOLWORTHS EARN AND LEARN - The school purchased three of the outdoor Connect 4 games and some car mats and cars with our Earn and Learn points this year. I thank all Mary Immaculate families for your support with this.

 

PUNCTUALITY - I understand that the end of the school year is fast approaching and children and parents may be getting a little tired. It is important, however, that the children continue their school routines and learning. There have been recent occasions when up to 30 children have arrived a significant time after the morning assembly. I ask parents to please be mindful of punctuality. The school day commences at 8.25am. Thank you for your support.

Have a great week and let Christ be our way and life.

Mrs Lillian Del Giudice

Acting Principal