Advent 2019

Last Wednesday, I attended a Parent Information Evening at De La Salle College. My son, Jeremy, is transitioning to Year 9 attending the newly refurbished campus of De La Salle at the former Holy Eucharist School. At the start of the evening, as is customary at De La Salle events, we began with a prayer. The director of the campus told us that the "Prayer For Change" was one that the boys prayed together on this, their first day at the campus transitioning from Year 8 to Year 9. In fact they had arrived at the Malvern East Holy Eucharist campus on foot following their "pilgrimage" from Tiverton (the Year 7 & 8 campus in High St, Malvern). The boys prayed this prayer as they are about to embark on a new way of learning; one that is challenging, innovative and hopefully engaging in a totally new environment.

As we, the parents, said this prayer together I was reminded of Advent and how we are on the cusp of its beginning. Like the students at De La Salle College, we at Sacred Heart and St Columba Parish, foster a culture of belonging and contributing. Advent is our season of preparation for Christmas. It is transformative. Our parish theme this year in Advent is "The Grace to Change". As we prepare for the birth of Jesus, we are invited to be open to new beginnings, unexpected graces and to recognise Jesus in one another. "For whenever two or more of you are gathered in My name, there am I in the midst". In our joys, sorrows, hardships and celebrations we are there for one another, knowing that Jesus is present on the journey with us. Let's look to the season of Advent with renewed hope for peace in our world, love and acceptance of one another. Here is the inspiring De La Salle prayer:

Prayer For Change

Let me be the change I want to see

To do with strength and wisdom

All that needs to be done…

And become the hope that I can be

Set me free from my fears and hesitations

Grant me courage and humility

Fill me with spirit to face the challenge

And start the change I long to see

Today I start the change I want to see

Even if I’m not the light, I can be the spark

In faith, service and communion

Let us start the change we want to see

The change that begins in me.

The De La Salle boys always complete their prayer with:

St.John Baptist de La Salle:

Pray for us

Live Jesus in our hearts:

Forever

We may well pray this in earnest too and add heartily, may the Sacred Heart of Jesus and St Columba pray for us!