Giving Mass
Thank you to our Mini Vinnies for leading our Giving Mass last Friday. St Vincent de Paul representatives were over-joyed by the generosity of our St Benedict’s families. Fr Dan and Fr Rembert blessed the donations and prayed that they would bring Christmas spirit to those in our community who need it most. Mini Vinnies students Brigid, Grace and Michael engaged in a thoughtful empathy reflection exercise, considering how it would feel to be a person receiving a Christmas hamper, what their circumstances might be and how donations like ours can make a positive impact. They shared these very moving reflections with the school as part of our Mass.  We thank everyone for their generous donations.

Brigid, Michael and Grace’s Reflections:

Brigid (as Shanae):
My name Shanae and I’m not really feeling the Christmas spirit this year. 

We fled an unsafe home due to my husband’s actions 2 years ago. I’m barely covering the rent, and buying food for the kids is very difficult. I try to give my growing children more food, and often I go hungry so they can eat. We barely have enough food for one person, let alone 3. Due to our situation, I had to move the kids to a new school to maintain their safety. I know that they are struggling socially, and their grades are going down. They’re wonderful kids and they deserve better. I’m struggling to maintain the bills, and I’m trying to eat less to save up for Christmas presents for the kids. I don’t think we’ll celebrate Christmas this year. I feel hopeless, and I can’t find a light out of the tunnel. 

Grace (as Poppy):
My name is Poppy. Sometimes I feel like I don't fit in because I can't have lunch orders like my friends. It’s been really hard to watch mum go hungry so that she can feed us. Sometimes I lie to mum and tell her that I am not hungry and that I am full so that she can eat more. I feel like mum doesn't have that much and she always gives up everything for me and Sebastian. It’s hard to watch her do that all the time and forget about herself. Christmas just seems like any other day since Dad left and we have no money. I hope that Santa will come this year and bring us some food and something to play with and something special for mum. 

Michael (as Sebastian):
My name is Sebastian, I am feeling down about Christmas this year because the other kids at school are always talking about getting toys, going on holidays and eating Christmas food. At recess and lunch, I've been trying to make some Christmas presents for my mum, my sister and myself just to cheer us up and make us feel special and loved like everyone else.  I just want our family to be healthy and happy. Mum says Vinnies are coming to help us this year with a Christmas hamper. I can’t wait to eat and see my family happy, especially my mum and my sister. 

(Doorbell rings)

Michael (as Sebastian):
Mum! Poppy! Vinnies is here!
(Vinnies arrives with a Christmas hamper)

Brigid (as Shanae):
When I first heard that Vinnies was coming to give us a Christmas hamper and financial help, I was overjoyed. Because of the very generous, kind people giving donations, my family was able to celebrate Christmas, and get back on our feet. Vinnies and all the kind people that made donations brought joy back into our house. Thank you St Benedict’s! Thank you Vinnies!

Whole School Symbols of Christmas Art Exhibition
In response to our Advent Liturgy, each class will be creating an artwork based on one of the Christmas symbols presented. Families and guests will be invited to walk this art journey on the last day of school after our Christmas Concert. We look forward to sharing this with you!

End of Year Mass
Wednesday 18^th December 10am
Our school community will gather to farewell our Year Six students, other students, families and staff who will be leaving St Benedict’s this year. This Mass will include a passing-on of the ‘light of leadership’ to our Year Five students and a special blessing over all those who are leaving. All are invited to attend.

Volunteers Needed 
The St Benedict’s Parish Pastoral Council are looking for a team of volunteers to organise, set up and lead the Parish Family Christmas Mass on Christmas Eve (in the school hall). This vibrant family celebration has become a wonderful tradition in our parish. If you are able to assist or would like more information, please contact the Parish Office.     Daniel.Benedetti@cg.org.au (02) 6295 7879

Community Meals Program
The Community Meals freezer is one way we can assist families who are experiencing hardship. If you are able to cook a meal, please use disposable containers and label with ingredients and date. All meal donations can be brought to the Front Office. If your family requires temporary meal assistance, you can speak in confidence to any of our staff members.