Year Six Graduation Mass

On Wednesday evening, we gathered to celebrate the end of Year Six’s primary schooling. Year Six’s chosen theme for their Graduation was ‘growth’. All students, over the course of their primary schooling, have demonstrated immense growth by means of countless experiences and their eagerness to harness opportunities to learn and grow. This growth journey will continue as they embark upon their next chapter in high school and, of course, will continue throughout their lives. May God bless each graduate with happy memories of their time at St Joseph’s School, which they will take forward with them into the future. Thank you to all families who joined us for this very special Mass.

School Christmas Food Drive - Grenfell Food Hall

Earlier this week, our Mini Vinnies group presented all of the donations that had been collected to representatives of the Grenfell Food Hall and shared some Christmas cheer with a beautiful rendition of ‘We Wish You a Merry Christmas’. Well done, Mini Vinnies!

Kindergarten and Year One Nativity Play

Students in Kindergarten and Year One performed a beautiful Nativity Play to a large gathering of their parents on Tuesday. The students had been practising the play in class for a number of weeks and all of their hard work paid off in spades. Well done to all involved!

Sunday Gospel Reflection (December 17)

Gospel             John 1:6-8, 19-28

In the Sunday Gospel we are reminded of two things; first, the power of the Light of Christ, and secondly, the call to be a witness to this Light. The striking image of Light and Dark is ever-present throughout the Bible. Light provides direction, it is a guide, and it radiates most powerfully in the darkness.

Scientifically speaking, there is great power in light: One candle (measuring one lumen), can be seen in a perfect line of sight up to 12 kms away in pitch black darkness. In today’s Gospel we are reminded of the power of our witness that has the capacity to change lives, and to give hope! Like that lone candle shining into complete darkness, when we place Christ at the centre of our own lives, His light is able to shine its brightest into the lives and hearts of those whom we lead. Our world, and the human heart, can harbour great darkness at times in the form of suffering, sickness, trauma, anxiety. Our humble witness to the truth

has the potential to shine the Light of Christ into this darkness, and be a guide to those in our communities and schools.

Lord of Light,

We pray that you would give us the grace to live a life that places You at the centre. May our relationship with You, through the power of the Holy Spirit, be a light that shines in the darkness.

Amen.

Student Prayer of the Week

Prayer for the End of School Year

At the end of this school year, we give thanks to God:

For all the teaching and learning that has taken place in our school, both in and out of the classroom. For the talents and gifts that have been shared and the challenges that have been faced.

For the burdens that have been lifted and the hurts that have been healed;

For the respect and care that has been given.

We give thanks for the friendships that have just begun and for those that have grown.

For the faith that has been lived in our daily struggles;

For the hope that has lifted our hearts on the dark days and for the love that has kept us going.

We give thanks for the community that we are, and we ask you Lord - Bless our students;

May your Spirit inspire them with confidence and calmness;

Bless our families as we take our holidays, may our time together leave us with memories to cherish. Pour out your love on us that we may return renewed and refreshed to continue our journey together.

We make this prayer through Christ our Lord.

Amen

Final Christmas Message

I wanted to take this opportunity to wish you all, together with all those you love, a very Merry and Blessed Christmas. May it be filled with faith, joy, and treasured memories. I also pray that all students enjoy the summer holiday period (I am sure they will!), whatever it is they may get up to. I look forward to visiting everyone next year during my maternity leave.

Yours in Faith,

Danielle McFarlane

Religious Education Coordinator

Christmas Timetable Mass Times

Weekend Masses:

Sat. 23rd Dec              - Young Vigil                           - 6.00pm

                                  - Boorowa Vigil                      - 6.00pm

                                   - Grenfell Vigil                       - 6.00pm

Sun. 24th Dec             - Young Mass                          - 10.00am 

Christmas Eve:         - Young Vigil (outdoors)          - 6.00pm

Sun. 24th Dec             - Boorowa Vigil                       - 6.00pm

Christmas Day:         - Grenfell Mass                      - 8.00am

Mon. 25th Dec            - Binalong Mass                      - 9.00am

                                 - Young Mass                          - 10.00am