Our churches are open and we look forward to welcoming everyone across our communities to join us in parish life as we begin the new Liturgical Year (Year C). The Church year is organised into particular seasons with their own unique symbols and colours, inviting each of us to be drawn deeper into our relationship with God.

The Season of Advent begins the new liturgical year and is a time of preparation and anticipation celebrated over the four weeks leading up to Christmas. At each of our Masses this weekend, the Advent Wreath will be blessed. The wreath symbolises the everlasting life promised to us through Christ with the four candles representing hope, peace, joy and love. These candles will be lit progressively over the Advent Season expressing our expectation and hope for the coming of Jesus at Christmas.

We invite you join us for the many opportunities to participate in the liturgies and events during the Advent and Christmas Season.  Please pass on the word by reaching out to family and friends to invite them to join us as we gather together again across our parishes.

Mass Schedule

Spread the word that Masses are being celebrated across our five churches and all are welcome.

Lighting of the Candles on the Advent Wreath

Each Sunday during Advent, the candles will be lit progressively as we anticipate Christmas.  Please speak to the Sacristan if your family would like to assist with the lighting of the candles.

Children’s Liturgy of the Word

Will resume this Sunday at 9.00 am Mass at Our Lady of Perpetual Succour Church. School aged children are invited to join and to listen to the Gospel of the Day adapted for children, followed by a reflection activity to deepen their understanding of the scripture reading and what it is revealing to them about God.

This weekend, 2022 Prep and New Families will be welcomed at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church. Children’s Liturgy will take place at the 10.30 am Mass at Deepdene commencing on 5 December, the Second Sunday of Advent.

Nativity Scene and Christmas Eve Family Mass

Share the anticipation of watching the crib scene emerge over the coming weeks of Advent.

Families are invited to be involved in the Christmas Eve Family Mass at OLGC Church.  For children who would like to be involved during the Christmas Eve Family Mass at OLPS Church, a rehearsal will be held on Wednesday, 22 December with further details to be provided in the Newsletter next week.

Individual Confessions

Will be heard during Advent at:

• 10.00 am on Saturdays at Our Lady of Victories Basilica
• 4.45 pm on Saturdays at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church and
• after 9.15 am Mass on Tuesdays at All Hallows Church.

Advent Penitential Service

Will be held on Tuesday, 21 December at 7.00 pm at Our Lady of Perpetual Succour, Wattle Park.

We look forward to gathering together to worship and prepare for Christmas.

A prayer for Advent

God of this Advent time
As we watch, wait, long and hope,
Awaken our hearts to your presence in our community
Inspire hearts for leadership
Give us discerning hearts as we continue our journey of being parish together.
We ask this in the name of Emmanuel— God-with-us. Amen