RELIGIOUS MATTERS- Megan Boyd

Gospel Reading
Luke 3 1-6 -  Jesus preaches repentance and baptises in the region of Jordan.

In this Sunday’s Gospel, we read about John the Baptist preparing the way for the Lord.  During Advent, we prepare to celebrate Jesus’ birth and we do this by making good choices. We should remember that when we make a poor choice, we can choose to turn back to God and ask for forgiveness. When we do this we will have peaceful hearts, and we’ll be ready to welcome Jesus this Christmas.

The 2021 Mini Vinnies Christmas Appeal has commenced. This year’s Appeal reminds us that we all have the capacity to - ”Do something About it” and make a difference, during these COVID times at Christmas. Together we can assist people experiencing disadvantage within our community during the festive season. 

This year each class will be given an empty basket to fill with Christmas items suitable to give to a needy family in the community. A special request from the Evans Head St Vincent de Paul is that we provide non-perishable food only! For example tinned food, packet food, rice, pasta biscuits drinks, etc (No perishables or out of date food please!) This opportunity is a simple way your child/children can give to others. Thank you for your anticipated generosity and support of this initiative. 

All Class hampers are to be filled before Monday 13th December as the St Vincent de Paul members will collect them on that day!

The Mini Vinnies Advent Challenge – During Advent it is important to spread joy and happiness in the World.

Our Mini Vinnies President Charlotte Kinsella has initiated an action plan for Random Acts of Kindness during the Advent Season. She has designed an informative brochure, poster and recording sheet. She has invited members of the school community to take up this challenge.

The following quote is in her brochure:

“Unexpected kindness

is the most powerful,

least costly. and

underrated agent

of humankind”

In the brochure she has included many possible acts of kindness for example: wish someone a good day, tell someone how much that they mean to you, help out your parents. We hope many students, teachers and parents give the Random Acts of Kindness Challenge a go!

MJR at St Joseph’s Woodburn encourages our students to be WEST people - that is WELCOMING, ENCOURAGING, SAY SORRY when needed and be THANKFUl.  Being more like Jesus is about thinking of others and being generous to others. During ADVENT we all can contribute generously to the Mini Vinnies Christmas Hamper appeal.