Dear Parents and Carers,

Lord Jesus,

Master of both the light and the darkness, send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas.

We who have so much to do and seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day,

We who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us.

We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your kingdom.

We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence.

We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light.

To you we say, "Come Lord Jesus!'

Amen.

This Sunday marks the beginning of the Advent season, a significant period of time in the church's calendar. Advent means a period of waiting and preparations. Waiting can give us the opportunity to see and hear and feel things we’re often too busy to notice. And while we wait, we may see other waiting people, pensioners, parents, disabled people, teenagers, young children, and notice the look in their eyes, the joy, the pain, the hope, the despair; we may see beautiful things, ugly things; we may hear a kind word, a cruel word, a baby’s cry, a shout of rage, a snatch of music… Such experiences are all part of the Advent journey.

The scripture readings of Advent invite us to recall our faith history, to hear of the expectant people of Israel, waiting in joyful hope for the coming of a saviour. Seeing what is happening in our world today, we realise that we have a very real need of a Saviour. So words like waiting, yearning, hoping, longing, listening, praying, and staying awake are Advent words. Through them, we enter into the hope-filled atmosphere of the Advent season. I pray that you and your family enjoy a peaceful and joyous Advent season.

Paul Moroney

Principal