Christmas and Advent
At Advent and Christmas, we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, we give praise and thanks, we reconnect with family and friends. Beginning the Church’s liturgical year, Advent, (from Latin adventus, “coming”), is the four week period of preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ at Christmas. It starts on the Sunday 3 December and ends on the fourth Sunday before 25 December.
What if you’re not religious?
Even though Advent has a special meaning in the Christian Church, it can be celebrated by everyone regardless of your religious beliefs. After all, this time of year can be particularly busy – the Advent celebration may help you to slow down and take a moment to ponder what is important in life. As times have been so difficult recently it has been easy to lose sight of the more important things. Why not use Advent to have everyone in the family remember to slow down, be more grateful and think of others?
College initiatives
The Primary Campus supported a Centacare Christmas appeal and Year 7 and 8 have drives to support the Henley Parish Vinnies Christmas appeal with food and Christmas items to improve Christmas time for the less fortunate in our community. Year 9 classes also assist The Adelaide Day Centre with items for their Christmas drive with a focus on sustainable items. Thank you to our community for supporting these important groups and teaching your children to have generous hearts and be conscious of others.
Advent Wreath
An advent wreath in our home or church is a reminder to prepare for the birth of Jesus at Christmas. When we light the candles on the wreath, it symbolises the coming of light (Jesus) into the world.
- Candle 1 (violet): represents hope
- Candle 2 (violet): represents peace
- Candle 3 (rose): represents joy
- Candle 4 (violet): represents love
- The central white candle is lit on Christmas Day and represents Christ
There is a link with guidance on how to make a wreath for your home and prayers you can say as a family.
Some interesting Advent and Christmas Websites
How to make your own advent wreath
What is Advent video
Lasallian Advent reflections including videos created by Br. George Van Grieken, FSC
- Advent Reflection Videos – Lasallian Resource Center (lasallianresources.org)
- Advent Prayers Caritas Resources: Advent 2023 Secondary or Primary
- School Resources for Teachers | Social Justice | Caritas Australia
Advent Calendar
How Christmas is celebrated in countries around the world
Catholic Archdiocese of Adelaide Web site for Christmas Mass times and advent resources
Robert Dempsey, Director of Mission
