O God of all beginnings and endings,
We praise and thank you for the gift of this school year.
It has been a time filled with grace and blessings,
With challenges and opportunities, joys and sorrows.
The days have passed quickly, O Lord.
The weeks, the months, the seasons, the holidays and holy days,
The exams, vacations, breaks, and assemblies,
All have come forth from your hand.
Give us the rest and refreshment we need this summer.
Let our efforts of this past year bear fruit.
Bring all of our plans to a joyful conclusion,
And bless us, according to your will,
With the fulfillment of our summer hopes and dreams.
Watch over us in the weeks of rest ahead,
And guide each day as you have done this past year.
Help us return to school with a new spirit and a new energy.
May Christ enter our hearts this Christmas season.
Amen.
The Joy of the Christmas Season
As a child I remember this time of the year as being a time of anticipation and excitement. It felt like the days leading up to Christmas Day went so slow. As an adult the days leading up to Christmas Day can often be hectic and tiring. Attending various Christmas parties, shopping for Christmas presents amongst the rush of the crowds and attending family gatherings. By the time Christmas comes around many people are already over it. It is important to remember the idea of waiting and preparation of Advent (coming from the Latin word Adventus – meaning the coming). The purpose of the season is to help us focus on the Second Coming of Christ; to take time for prayer, stillness and sacrifice. It is only by doing this that we can reduce the stresses of planning for Christmas and magnify the real meaning of Christmas. Let us enjoy the Christmas decorations, let us sing with intent the traditional Christmas carols and focus our attention on the nativity.
I would like to thank all staff and students who have ministered in the various Masses over the past couple of weeks and this year. These are wonderful times to gather to celebrate the Eucharist and give thanks to God as a Catholic Community. Our End of Year Mass was also an opportunity to give thanks for our year.
May you experience a joyful and holy Christmas with your families.
End of Year 7-9 College Mass
On Tuesday we celebrated our end of year Thanksgiving Mass. The Mass was an opportunity to gather as a Catholic community of faith and celebrate the Eucharist in thanksgiving for all the blessings God has bestowed on us in 2022. Fr Joel (assistant Parish Priest, St Catherine of Siena Caroline Springs) was the main celebrant of the Mass. In his homily Fr reminded us of the great love Christ has for us. He challenged us to make room for Christ this Christmas season and to ensure that we have a place in our hearts for him so we may grow in loving relationship. It was a wonderful way to end the school year.
World Youth Day 2023 Information Night
Dear Parents/Carers of 2023 Year 10 Students,
An information night will be held for families of students interested in attending 2023 World Youth Day in Lisbon Portugal. For more than 30 years, World Youth Day has been an opportunity for the youth of the world to go on pilgrimage. This event is open for students who will be 16 years of age and over from the 31st of July 2023.
Date: Wednesday 15 February
Time: 6:00 – 7:00pm
Place: Catholic Regional College, Caroline Springs
World Youth Day Promotional Video
Gospel Reflection
THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT YEAR A
John asks, ‘Are you the one who is to come?’
