Religious Education News

The Importance of relationships

Relationships are essential to our experience of the world, and yet they can be one of the most difficult aspects of life to navigate. Human beings flourish when we experience healthy relationships. Healthy relationships involve communication, communication which is open, honest and respectful, and this is something we at St Peter Chanel consistently work on.  

Our Mission statement proclaims:

We Seek the Lord through our Relationships, Service and Humility, Hopes and Aspirations.

We foster partnerships that are meaningful, respectful and inclusive towards all members of our school, parish and wider community. 

We are restorative and reconcile differences in our relationships with each other, as we live in solidarity with one another and the planet. 

As Advent is about to begin, let us ponder on our own relationships and how Jesus related to people, how he showed his compassion for those in the face of disagreement and hostility. Respect for others does not simply happen, we need to work at it, and continue even when we feel we are failing. At this time, let us celebrate the birth and life of Jesus Christ.

Advent 

Advent, (from Latin adventus, “coming”), in the Church calendar is the period of preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ at Christmas and also of preparation for the Second Coming of Christ. In Western churches, Advent begins on the Sunday nearest to November 30th and is the beginning of the liturgical year. The four Sundays preceding Christmas, which is when Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, are recognised for four virtues. The candles on the Advent wreath symbolize hope, love, joy and peace. The candles are lit in that order, beginning Sunday, 28th November.

Heavenly Father, we look forward to the celebration of Christmas and to the coming of the Lord in glory. Bless this Advent wreath and all of us. As we pray daily around it, fill us with your life and strengthen us for our daily tasks. We ask this through Christ our Lord.  

Amen.

Christmas Art Competition 

Last week families received the attached flyer for the Christmas Art Competition. Students art work will be displayed in the Church and winners selected.