A Call To Prayer For Those Affected By The Bushfires 

God of life and death, our prayers today are where our hearts and minds have been during these last days and where they have been drawn so early in this season; with those communities and individuals whose lives have been damaged in differing ways by the bushfires. 

We pray for all those who have been affected; for the families and friends of those who have been killed.  We pray for those who are missing, for their safety, for the fears of those who love them; bring each one home safe, we pray. 

We pray for those who have been injured and survived: for physical and emotional trauma; for the fear and helplessness experienced; for the anger and frustration at the injustice of unavoidable disaster. 

We pray for those who have lost their home and property or are facing such loss: for those who have been forced to leave their memories and belongings; for the fear & disorientation of all involved; Heal them from their nightmare memories. 

We are aware of those who have lost stock, or are watching their stock suffer sometimes with inevitable consequences; we are conscious of those who are struggling to find feed and water for the stock under their care. 

We pray for all involved in fighting the fire: for our Rural Fire Service and their leadership and all those we know and those we do not know; we pray for courage in a place of fear; for new strength in the face of exhaustion; for people who have travelled distances in order to resource those who experience fatigue. 

We pray for all who offer support and care at this time: for the various agencies, churches and community groups; for disaster response chaplains; for government services as they are activated; for friends and neighbours, known and unknown; for providing a shoulder upon which to lean, or weep; we give thanks too, for the generosity of many, in small and large ways, to those who are struggling. 

We are mindful of the days, weeks and months ahead, for many dangerous days yet to come, for seasons of recovery and rebuilding, of homes, farms, lives and communities; we pray for strength, courage, patience and hope as grieving continues, as frustrations rise and inevitable changes occur. 

We pray, too, knowing that we are entering a harsher climate, less predictable and more volatile; as we care for each other, help us to care for your creation, to be worthy stewards and advocates of all which you have made. 

Keep us faithful and alert in our praying and our action In the name of Jesus Christ,

Amen 

Mini Vinnies Christmas Appeal 

This is the last Week to bring in your donations for the St Vincent de Paul’s Christmas Appeal.  We look forward to presenting St Vincent de Paul with amazing hamper supplies again in 2019.  Donations can be placed in the College Office or in Classrooms until Week 8. 

Immaculata Mission School 2020 - To Know God, To Love God, To Make God Known 

"My experience at the Immaculata Mission School allowed me to meet new people from all over the country and to journey deeper in the faith with them all". Year 10 student who attended in 2019  

What is it: A ten-day live-in formation school for young people, with talks on the faith from awesome speakers, daily Mass & prayer, Eucharistic Adoration, praise & worship, fun & fellowship & lots more! 

When: 1-10 January, 2020 

Where: The Glennie School, Toowoomba QLD 

Who: 15-35 year olds 

Special guest speaker: Dr Ralph Martin (USA), Professor of Sacred Theology, international speaker on evangelisation and the spiritual life.  Dr Martin is a consulter to the Pontifical Council for the New Evangelisation and has spoken in over 30 countries. 

Other guest speakers: Archbishop Julian Porteous, Vince Fitzwilliams, James Parker, Jess Leach, Paul Elarde, Sisters of the Immaculata & more. 

How much: $390 (cost includes all accommodation, food, speakers and activities) before 18 Nov, $450 after 18 Nov  Funding support available from St Joseph’s Parish see Mrs Brennan or Fr Jim for details. 

For more info or to register: www.sistersoftheimmaculata.org.au/ims or 0406 372 608 

Christmas Carols  

Friday, 29 November from 6:00 to 8:00pm, we begin the Christmas season with our College Christmas Carols.  This will be a great way to celebrate the year of 2019 and spend time together singing a few carols.  Battery powered candles will be available for sale on the night.  Don’t forget to bring a chair or picnic blanket to sit on.  We look forward to you joining us for this occasion as we prepare for Christmas. 

Cate Brennan

Deputy Principal Religious Education