This weekend marks the beginning of the season of Advent. Advent is a term from the Latin word ‘adventus’ which means “arrival”. It is a time of waiting for the arrival of Christmas, the coming of Jesus to earth when he was born as a baby at Bethlehem about two thousand years ago.
Advent is the time when Christians remember that Jesus came into the world in Palestine 2000 years ago and that Jesus also promised one day to return in all His glory.
Priests typically wear royal purple or royal blue vestments during Advent. Many churches also include an advent wreath (sometimes called an Advent ring or crown) in their Advent services.
The Christian year follows the life of Jesus. It begins with Advent Sunday – which in the Christian church, is ‘New Year’s Day’. The most important
day of the year will be Easter Sunday, the day on which Jesus came back to life – but before that festival, there will be other special days to look forward to. At theend of Advent, there will be Jesus’ birthday (Christmas Day). Advent begins on the Sunday nearest to 30th November (St. Andrew’s Day) and lasts until midnight on Christmas Eve. Advent Sunday is the first of the four Sundays before 25th December. During the season of Advent, Christians across the world prepare for the celebration of the arrival of the Lord into the world through the birth of his Son Jesus Christ. The beginning of Advent is when the preparations for Christmas really begin – the festive menu is planned, gifts are chosen and wrapped, carols sung, cards are written and posted and houses decorated.
Classes at school will be learning about Advent during Religious Education. Some will be making Advent Wreaths so please ask your children what they are doing so that you can share in this special getting ready time.

Coming up:
School Cultural Festival 5 p.m. Friday 7 December

End of Year School Mass at 9.15 on Friday 14th December