Message from the Principal
Loving God
I give you thanks that you sent your son into our world.
A small child, lovingly accepted into humanity by Mary and Joseph. A child, not born into riches and wealth, but rather, born into poverty and simplicity.
I give you thanks God, that this child named Jesus became a sign of joy and peace, justice, mercy, and love.
God, help me to understand this great mystery.
May I come to know how great your love for us is, that you would allow your divine nature to be truly human also.
Dear God, I give thanks for the miracle of Christmas. May I come to celebrate its meaning each day.
Amen
(Brewer, 2017)
This is our final newsletter for 2024. How fast the year has flown. I am sure that you have marked the year in myriad ways both consciously and unconsciously that have shown the passage of time. It might be letting down a hem on a skirt or a pair of trousers, because your child has grown so quickly, it might be the sprouting of some/more grey hairs, or it could be that you have completed something this year that has been a long time in the making – painting the house, finishing a course, saving up for something or the like. In any event, time marches on despite us and yet hopefully, we become a little wiser as each year unfolds.
I am sure that your household is now gearing up for the festive season with plans being made for Christmas, perhaps the holiday period for some, gift purchases, and the endless shopping that comes with all of the preparations ahead of Christmas and the New Year. I sometimes get exhausted just thinking about Christmas!
Interestingly, our Church calls us to do the exact opposite of running around frantically organising, and busying ourselves with end-of-year stuff. Yesterday marked the first Sunday of Advent in the Church calendar. This is a time for preparing, waiting, and anticipation. Advent means “arrival” and of course we still our hearts and minds in anticipation of the birth of the Christ Child. We can prepare ourselves for the birth of Jesus by spending a little time each day in prayer. Just simply stopping what we are doing, finding a quiet space and stilling ourselves is a good way to centre: and to enter into a time of opportunity to speak to God, or conversely, to let God speak to us. It can be a welcome respite from the speed of our daily lives!
Advent is a time of joy, hope, and faith. We are getting ready to really celebrate when 25 December comes. Our faith is one of positivity – we are people of hope because of Jesus and his salvific act for all of humanity.
When Christmas does arrive, may it be a time of family, love, celebration, and joy for all our St John Paul II families. We also remember those who have little at this time of year, and extend our generosity through charity and good works.
Thank you to all families for your support of our College this year. I hope your holiday period is safe, wonderfully relaxing, and rejuvenating. Our staff no doubt is looking forward to some time to recharge and slow down. We look forward to seeing our families back at the College in February next year. Stay safe and may God richly bless you all this season.
The College Office hours during the holidays are below.
Dr Craig Wattam
