Social Justice - Advent Appeal

Advent, in the Christian tradition, is a time of longing and hope. Our pastoral presence to another is so needed in these Covid to post-Covid times as we head toward the Christmas season, through Advent. Sharing our presence rather than presents can seem like a difficult task when we are busy.

Advent provides a wonderful reminder to instead share our presence every day through a letter, a visit, a phone call, or a conversation – something that helps warm and transform someone else’s life.

With Christmas only mere weeks away, this should be a time of sharing and celebration, but for many it is a time of hunger, stress, and hardship. Christmas can be a very stressful and tough time for many people who are experiencing poverty, loneliness and hardship. During Advent we are called to prepare ourselves for the coming of Jesus. The 2021 St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal has not been forgotten in the lead up to Christmas.

Prior to COVID restrictions, students at St Mary’s School enthusiastically support the Vinnies Christmas Appeal and the work of Joseph’s Corner. By reflecting on the things that are most important to them and by looking back on the year, they were reminded of the many things to celebrate, be thankful for, and of the ways they can help those in the community. School families donated gifts for school-aged children whose families are not able to provide them with a Christmas gift as well as bringing non-perishable food items to assist families to have a lovely Christmas meal and enable them to celebrate the Christmas season.

This year again as we reflect upon the wellbeing of our community, we are filled with a desire to enable all people in our community to celebrate and again take up the call to donate. These donations will help many vulnerable people in our community to enjoy this special time of year. In our final week of school, our Social Justice Leaders will then collate all donations and organise to deliver them to Joseph’s Corner and St Vinnies.

Donations may be sent in with the children as each class has been allocated a basket to fill, or alternatively, donations may be dropped off at the office.

Your gift could change lives. Through your support, many individuals and families will be able to have the Christmas they deserve, a Christmas of hope and joy.

With thanks

Gisella and Ruby

Social Justice Leaders

Yours in Faith
Matthew Taylor

Leader of Religious Education
mtaylor@smaltona.catholic.edu.au