2019 comes to an end this week for school. Certainly finishing one school year brings mixed emotions; we have loved our year, change is coming and “I am” moving to a new year, a new start and an adventure I’m not sure about! For us all we need to embrace the experience as an opportunity to grow, thrive and be our best, good luck!

 With the above in mind I share a Christmas Blessing.

 “May all be filled with the wonder of Christmas, the courage of Mary and Joseph, the eagerness of young children and the beautiful peace of the Christ child. Almighty God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit bless us all over this special time that is Christmas.”

 I also shared the following with our Grade 6 students, staff and families at last week’s Graduation Mass. The following reflection is related to preparation of 2020. 2020 is a new decade and a chance for us all to thrive.

 “I hope that in this year to come, we all make mistakes. Because if you are making mistakes, then you are making new things, trying new things, learning, living, pushing yourself, changing yourself, changing your world. You're doing things you've never done before, and more importantly, you're doing something.    

Quote by Neil Gaiman as shared by Michelle O’Bama at a Graduation Speech in the USA.

Season of Advent and St Joseph’s Parish Liturgical Opportunities

Advent

This liturgical season of the Church has a two-fold purpose:

• to prepare for Christmas when Christ’s birth is remembered
• to await Christ’s second coming at the end of time.

Supporting others at this time of the year

Any Christmas donations received over this time will be shared between St Vincent de Paul and victims of the recent bush fires. St Joseph’s Parish envelopes can be placed on the collection plate at mass or leaving at our Parish Office.

Communal Celebration of God’s Mercy and Forgiveness; invitation from Fr. John.

Forgiveness: This Tuesday at 7:30pm all are invited to listen to the Word of God to examine our conscience to recall our mistakes, to seek forgiveness of Almighty God. This is an excellent way to prepare for the up-coming feast of Christmas.

Christmas Mass Times

Christmas Mass Times at St. Joseph’s Parish

Vigil - The night before Christmas Day

Tuesday 24th December, 5:00pm, 7:00pm and 9:00pm

(8:30pm at Purnim)

Christmas Day

Wednesday 25th December, 9:30am

Parish Christmas Day Lunch 

Christmas is a time for sharing with family and friends, but for some this is not possible. You are welcome to share a luncheon on Christmas Day (St Joseph’s Hall) 12noon to 1:30pm.

Bookings essential, contact Mary (0409 158 177) or the Parish Office (5562 2231).

Experience of a Lifetime; an escorted Tour of Israel and Jordan

A wonderful opportunity to visit Petra, Jericho, Jerusalem, Bethlehem, the Dead Sea and many other places. The pilgrimage is being led by Fr John Fitzgerald, 29th May - 20th June 2020.

Brochure and booking form available from our Parish Office or contact info@harvestjourneys.com

Caritas Australia

This Christmas buy a ‘Global Gift’. The Gift of Water, the Gift of Food, the Gift of Sustainable Livelihoods, to help the most vulnerable people in the world transform their lives.

Further information in the St. Joseph’s Parish Gathering Space or Office.

Regards
Michael Gray, Principal