Away in a cave near Greccio, Italy, St Francis of Assisi had the first Nativity scene – a live one – staged for the faithful on Christmas Eve in 1223.

For St Francis of Assisi, who had travelled to the Holy Land, “the caves of Greccio reminded him of the landscape of Bethlehem,” the Pope said. The saint asked that a donkey and an ox, some hay and a manger be brought to the cave on Christmas Eve and invited other friars and people from the village, “creating a living Nativity scene. Thus, the tradition of the Nativity scene as we understand it was born.”

Remembering Greccio , the Pope said, people should also think of Bethlehem. Whether the Nativity scene is in St Peter’s Square, in a church or in one’s home, the Pope said, people passing one should remember Jesus’ birth 2000 years ago and be moved to “silence and prayer in our often so hectic daily lives”.

“Silence to be able to listen to what Jesus tells us from the unique ‘cathedra’ of the manger,” he said.

“Prayer to express grateful wonder, tenderness and perhaps the tears that the Nativity scene stirs in us.” – From The Catholic Leader, 2023.

As we culminate our journey through Advent with the arrival of the baby Jesus, I pray your family has felt the love, peace, wonder and awe we receive in the birth of Christ.

Vinnies Christmas Appeal

Wow! What a generous and compassionate community SCA is. We have been able to produce hampers for at least 25 families in our conference, which will be gratefully received this Christmastime. Thank you so much for your thoughtful donations and your ongoing support.

Sacraments 2024 

Just an early diary notice for Sacraments in 2024.

Reconciliation: Term 4

First Eucharist: Term 3

Confirmation: Term 2.

Enrolments for all sacraments will open in Term 1 and I will provide further information regarding the process early next year. If you are looking to have your child participate in the Sacramental program, please don’t hesitate to reach out at any time to have a chat – this includes if you are hoping to baptise your child. Many children participate in the older child baptism program through our parish!  

Christmas Parish Events

Please see the below details regarding the Christmas events in our Corpus Christi Parish. Don’t forget to bring a blanket or picnic chair to the Christmas Eve Mass!

Regional Choir Nativity and Carols. 

Please join us for an afternoon of Christmas Carols by our Regional Christmas Choir and a Nativity Play followed by afternoon tea.

Saturday 16 Dec @ 3:30-5pm, Holy Family Church Gowrie
All Welcome.

Advent 2nd Rite of Reconciliation.
Wednesday 20th December at 7pm at Holy Family Church Gowrie.

Please come along and take the opportunity to celebrate this beautiful liturgy and sacrament before Christmas.  There will be several Priests in attendance.

Christmas Masses

Christmas Eve  Sunday 24 December

6pm (outdoors) at St Francis of Assisi School Calwell
(bring a chair or rug to sit on)

9pm—Holy Family Church Gowrie

Christmas Day   Monday 25 December

Midnight,   8am,   10am—Holy Family Church Gowrie

Wishing you and your family a very blessed Christmas and a wonderful New Year. May the break refresh you all and I look forward to working with you in 2024.

Rachel Kennedy

Religious Education Coordinator