Assistant Principal - Mission - Staff and Student Wellbeing

In our liturgical calendar this Sunday begins the new liturgical year and the season of Advent. Advent is observed with the lighting of advent candles, display of wreaths and special ceremonies. Advent also anticipates the coming again to earth of Jesus Christ. Advent (meaning ‘to come’ in Latin) is the period before Christmas when Christians prepare for and celebrate the anniversary of the birth of Christ. It is an ancient tradition that dates from the first century after the birth of Christ. Based on the modern advent calendar, most people assume that Advent runs from December 1 – 24 December. Advent as a religious period actually begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas, or the Sunday nearest the Feast of St. Andrew on 30 November if you prefer. This means the date can vary depending on the year from 27 November (an Advent that is 27 days long) to 3 December (an Advent of only 22 days).

As Catholics we engage in Advent to prepare for the coming Jesus. There are simple ways in which we can do this.

Get an Advent Wreath

While a seemingly minor gesture, displaying an Advent wreath serves as a visual reminder of the preparatory season. By lighting the candles each week and reflecting on their specific meanings, you can better focus your prayers.

Be charitable

We all know Christmas as a holiday of giving. Be it with friends, family, or coworkers, there is a natural expectation to give and receive gifts around the holidays. While there’s no specific attribution to this custom, this “giving tradition” is actually in honor of Jesus Christ Himself. Since He lives in all of us, we are taught to see Christ in each other—which is why we exchange gifts for His birthday! However, we are not called to see Christ in only our friends and family, we are called to see Christ in every single person we encounter.

A practical way to become involved in a giving activity would be to donate to the College’s annual Christmas appeal on behalf of St Vincent de Paul. As we all know “Vinnies” always battle to meet their needs and this would be especially so at Christmas time. Each Homeroom is being asked to donate money so as the College can buy gift cards to donate to this wonderful organisation. Please give all you can.

Start a daily devotional

Advent is a great time to pick up a new spiritual habit. You can use these four weeks as a time to grow closer to Christ by reading His Word and familiarizing yourself with scripture. 

Spend time with Christ

The most important thing you can do this Advent season is to spend time with Christ. He is the true reason we celebrate this holiday! As you reflect back on the past year, thank God for the blessings. 

Advent offers us a twofold vision for our Catholic lives. It allows us to look back to the first coming of Christ at Bethlehem, and then to the future when Christ will come again. In the interval between these two events we find meaning for our life as a supporter of Christ The King.

Until next time: