Advent

A letter from Father Pat

Dear Parents / Carers

I look forward to celebrating Advent and Christmas with you at St. Hugh’s and St. John’s.

To truly enjoy Christmas we need to have a good Advent. It is a short season that can be made beautiful when we get into its rhythm – that of watching, waiting listening and looking forward to the coming of the special one – Jesus.   The actual Word Advent means coming.

Every Advent is different - it is a time for new beginnings, and not surprisingly it marks the start of the Church’s New Year.  A good way to get into the rhythm of Advent is in making a little time everyday to gather as family for prayer, a reflection - just to be together in love.

You may find the attached Advent Family Prayer helpful as well as the Advent Calendar and activity poster that comes as a gift to each family from the parish.  It reminds us that Jesus’ love is for everyone.   It is this makes your Home a Holy Place.  Some people find that a candle, an Advent wreath, a crib or some music helpful, and don’t forget the gift of silence!

During Advent I look forward to visiting each of the Classes, and for children in Years 4, 5 and 6 there will be a short Advent Service of Reconciliation with personal confession.  What makes this particularly special is that it affords me the opportunity to speak with each child.

Later on in Advent Christmas Cards with times of Services and Masses at St. Hugh’s and St. John’s Church will become available through the Church and School.  It is always a joy to meet with families at Sunday Mass, especially on the first Sunday of each month when children help with the prayers and readings at Mass.  Teas, Coffees and juices are served afterwards in the Parish Centre.

I am writing to you on the Feast of St. Andrew, the apostle in the Gospels who introduced people to Jesus. One of the many privileges of being a parent is in introducing your child to Jesus in prayer.

I wish you all a very happy and blessed Advent as we prepare for the Feast of Christmas.

Father Pat