Celebrating 
From the beginning, the Christian Church has understood that Christmas is more than just the commemoration of Jesus’ birth on 25 December. For nearly 2000 years, Christians have celebrated Christmas from December 25 through to the Epiphany. The church calendar today extends this celebration until the feast of the Baptism of the Lord.
Christmas in fact celebrates the beginnings of the mystery of salvation – Jesus’ birth, his revelation to the Jewish shepherds and the Gentile magi, his baptism by John in the Jordan and his first miracle: the changing of water into wine at the wedding feast in Cana.
While it is natural to focus on Jesus’ birth at Christmas time, we should not stop there. When we celebrate someone’s birthday, we reflect on the life of that person in its entirety, not just the day of their birth. Similarly at Christmas we remember not just Jesus’ birth, but his life, death and resurrection and what it means for us.
Christmas is above all a celebration of the fact that, through the Incarnation, God is present in our everyday lives. The Jesus, whom we adore at Christmas, is no longer the infant in the manger; he is the risen Lord of the universe.
Christmas celebrates not only the light of the star over Bethlehem, but Jesus as the light of the world.
By Elizabeth Harrington
St Vincent de Paul 
Members of the St Vincent de Paul conferences would like to thank all parishioners and friends for supporting this year’s annual Christmas appeal. Your generous support enabled Vinnies to once again reach out to those most in need within our communities over Christmas.
Fr Gerard blessed the hampers and the Vinnies members, who will distribute the hampers from the shop.
Merry Christmas & Thank You!
The Parish office would like to thank each and everyone of you for all your hard work and commitment to our Parish. The support in your chosen ministry does not go unnoticed and we thank you very much. Wishing you and your families a very Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy and God-willing, a prosperous 2024.
From all the team in the Parish Office.
The priests of the Sunshine Coast say
“Thank you” and
Merry Christmas
to you and your family.
What’s On Around our Parish
Check out our What’s On Page or upcoming events here: https://linktr.ee/olrcatholicparish
In Transition
We welcome Lucie Hudson, Lincoln Emeny, Luca & Xavier McHugh who will be baptised at OLR this weekend.
We pray for Emily Saad who died last week and her funeral was on Friday.
May the souls of our deceased priests, religious and parishioners Rest in Peace.
Lectio ‘EUCHARIST’ Bible Study: Discovering the Mass in the Bible
The 10-Thursday-session video & discussion bible study course presented by Dr. Brant Pitre commences on 18 Jan 2024 at Kawana’s Good Shepherd Centre (opposite Centrelink & Kawana Library) Nanyima St, Buddina (off Pt Cartwright Dr) from 8am-9:30am.
The presentation is free but participants are requested to donate $15 towards offsetting the cost of the extensive Bible Study Guide for those that can afford it.
This Study of the Old and New Testaments scriptures will enlighten your understanding of liturgy and Jesus’ real presence in our Eucharistic celebration. This will enable you to more fully participate and appreciate our worship/thanksgiving time together.
Registrations & enquires are open. Please contact John Manion on 0416 154 144 or
email: [email protected]
Course numbers are limited to 16. The first 39 enquires will receive a copy of Bishop Robert Barron’s latest book, ‘This Is My Body – A Call to Eucharistic Revival’.
Safeguarding in our Parish
The Safeguarding Commitment for the Archdiocese of Brisbane and Caloundra Catholic Parish is: Zero tolerance for all forms of abuse and strives to safeguard all who interact with its ministries & services. Special priority is given to the safety & wellbeing of children & adults at risk. In an emergency, please call the Police 000 or information can be provided to STOPline anonymously.
Phone: 1300 304 550
Email: [email protected]
Online:www.bnecatholic.stoplinereport.com
Or Brisbane Safeguarding 07 3324 3752
Our Local Safeguarding Officer: Judy Moir 0421 873 060
Communing with God Retreats – 12 – 14 January 2024
