Christmas Message – Jennifer Oaten

Celebrating our Advent Mass is a special way for us to come together as a Catholic community to share the Eucharist and to conclude the academic year, one that has been challenging in many ways. It is also a time of thanksgiving for a year of many achievements, challenges and opportunities.

The word ‘Advent’ is derived from the Latin word adventus, meaning ‘coming’. Advent, which begins the Church’s liturgical year, encompasses the four Sundays and weekdays leading up to the celebration of Christmas. It is a time of preparation for our hearts and minds for the anniversary of the Lord’s birth at Christmas, and it is a time of new beginnings. 

The wreath and candles used during Advent are a Catholic tradition that was originally adopted by Christians in the Middle Ages as part of their spiritual preparation for Christmas. The wreath, made of evergreens, signifies continuous life. The circle of the wreath, which has no beginning or end, symbolises the eternity of God and the everlasting life we find in Christ.

Christmas is a time when we remember Jesus Christ’s birth and everything that His life means to us. It is also a time when we reflect on the year that has passed and look forward to the coming year.

I love Christmas because it is a time of coming together with family, celebrating with those we are closest to and feeling the peace and joy that comes from being surrounded by loved ones. It reminds me how lucky I am to have them in my life.

My question to our students was, can you write a list of things you can do for others this Christmas rather than writing a list of what you want?

Time is our most precious commodity we have, so let us all consider how we can give our time to others.

I thank all the staff at the College for their work in this challenging COVID year and acknowledge all those who have contributed in any way to supporting the College in 2022. We are grateful for the support of our families, which allows our girls to flourish.

This year has been challenging for many people – it is important to remember that no matter the challenges, we have much to be thankful and grateful for. May this season bring you happiness, and may 2023 be filled with good health.

I wish all in our Santa Maria community a happy and holy Christmas and hope that you and your family enjoy some special time together over the holidays.

Stay safe, stay well, and God bless.

Jennifer Oaten | Principal

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