St Mary's Catholic Primary School - Ysgol Gynradd Gatholig y Santes Fair

Advent

Advent is time for us to prepare for the birth of Jesus at Christmas. Although he was born over 2000 years ago, we wait and prepare alongside Mary and Joseph as if he was coming to us for the first time. This is because as Catholics we believe that Jesus will return to us again one day and we want to be prepared for when this happens.

In school, we focus on how we can prepare for Jesus's coming. We try our best to keep a balance between Christmas celebrations and the keeping of Advent as a time when we wait patiently.

Advent Prayer Bags

Every Advent, our Advent prayer bags go home with a different member of each class each night. Inside the advent prayer bags are a candle, a felt heart, a felt star, a pipe cleaner, a prayer card, a piece of purple cloth, a book about the Nativity (younger classes only) and a notebook in which children can write their own reflection. They provide an opportunity for families to pray together and reflect on the true meaning of Advent.

Advent Prayer Bag instructions

Advent Wreath

Every time we come together for a school assembly, we light candles on our Advent wreath, depending on which week it is. When we say our prayers in the morning, we light the candles on our class wreath.

In week 1, we light one candle and remember the theme of hope. We ask God to bring His light and hope to people who are finding life hard.

In week 2, we light two candles and remember the theme of peaceThe wise men followed the star to search for Jesus. We pray for all those who are searching for peace in a troubled world.

In week 3, we light three candles (including the pink one) and remember the theme of joy. We ask God to help those who are sad to feel His joy.

In week 4, we light four candles and remember the theme of love. We say thank you to God for all the people we love and who love us.

 

 

Advent Calendars

We have advent calendars in every class that remind us of the countdown to Christmas Eve, the last day of Advent.

Reconciliation

During Advent, Canon Adrian comes into school so that children in Years 4,5 and 6 and any staff can receive the sacrament of Reconciliation. Through receiving reconciliation, we become closer to God.

Nativities

In class, all of the children study the story of the Nativity of Jesus Christ in an age- and stage-appropriate way. Our children perform the story of the nativity for parents and carers.

Images from the most recent productions are here:

Year 1/Reception/Nursery Nativity 2024

Nursery/Reception/Year 1 Nativity 2024

 

Year 3/2 Bethlehem Bake Off 2024

Y2/3 Bethlehem Bake Off 2024

 

Year 6/5/4 Herod the Musical 2024

Herod the Musical 2024