Sunday Gospel: Second Sunday of Advent, Year B

This week’s Gospel captures beautifully the spirit of preparation and waiting that characterises the liturgical season of Advent. John the Baptist is portrayed as fulfilling the prophecies of Isaiah and others as the one who comes before the Lord preparing the way. He is a messenger, sent by God to ‘do the groundwork’ preparing the people for the coming of the Christ. Although this passage is used during Advent as preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus, we know that John was a contemporary (indeed cousin) of Jesus and the time of preparation was immediately prior to Jesus’ public ministry.

John appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism for forgiveness of sins. It may seem odd to think of going to the wilderness to try to influence people. Today we might think that the city centre or street corner might be the better venue to preach something. What is it about the wilderness? Reference is made to the wilderness several times in scripture. It is used as a place of preparation and encounter with God. The wilderness referred to was a vast expanse of emptiness on the eastern side of the Jordan River. It was not uncommon for wandering preachers like John and Jesus to go out into the wilderness as a way of making a break from their previous life and getting themselves ready in body and spirit to begin their ministry. The wilderness to the east of the Jordan was also the place in which many of the rebels based themselves. There was a sense that challenge and unrest came out of the wilderness. In many ways that is what Jesus – heralded by John – brought out of the wilderness as well.

(Gospel Reflection by Greg Sunter)

Sacrament of First Eucharist

Congratulations to the three Sts Peter and Paul children who received their First Eucharist over the weekend, the parish and school community are very proud of you as you take this important step in your faith journey, girls!

St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal

As mentioned last week, and in the attached note, students and staff at Sts Peter and Paul are asked to donate at least one item each towards the 2020 St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal.  These items will be combined to fill hampers for families in the Canberra region.  

Each class has been allocated a food type to put in a collection area in each classroom.

These donations will be presented to a St Vincent de Paul representative at Friday morning assembly in Week 10 (18th December).

Thank you so much for your support of this important fundraiser for the local community.

Children’s Liturgy

Children’s Liturgy runs on the 2^nd and 4^th Sunday of each month during term time at 9:30 Mass at Curtin.

Below is the final date for Term 4.

Sunday 13^th  December, 9:30 am at Holy Trinity Parish Centre

God bless, 

Stephanie Burns

Religious Education Coordinator