Dear Parents and Carers of Good Samaritan,

I don’t know about you, but I  am having difficulty believing that in a month’s  time I will again be celebrating  Christmas  Day with my  family. It doesn’t seem that  long ago  that we were packing the  Christmas decorations away and now  we are getting them out again! 

The end of this year is one like no other - the end of  a year where we have faced challenges of a pandemic! Certainly there have been challenges but there have also been successes and, for both,  I am very grateful.

I recently came across this writing of Pope Francis and I’d like to share it with you for reflection, as you too, approach the end of what has been a remarkable year.

This life will go by fast.

Don't fight with people, don't criticize your body so much, don't complain so much.

Don't lose sleep over your bills. Look for the person that makes you happy. If you make a mistake, let it go and keep seeking your happiness.

Never stop being a good parent. Don't worry so much about buying luxuries and comforts for your home, and don't kill yourself trying to leave an inheritance for your family. Those benefits should be earned by each person, so don't dedicate yourself to accumulating money.

Enjoy, travel, enjoy your journeys, see new places, give yourself the pleasures you deserve. Allow dogs to get closer. Don't put away the fine glassware. Utilize the new dinnerware; don't save your favorite perfume, use it to go out with yourself; wear out your favorite sport shoes; repeat your favorite clothes.

So what? That's not bad. Why not now? Why not pray now instead of waiting until before you sleep? Why not call now? Why not forgive now? We wait so long for Christmas; for Friday; for Reunions; for another year; for when I have money; for love to come; when everything is perfect...look...

Everything perfect doesn't exist. Human beings can't accomplish this because it simply was not intended to be completed here. Here is an opportunity to learn.

So take this challenge that is life and do it now...love more, forgive more, embrace more, love more intensely and leave the rest in God's hands. Amen.

As we journey together, with Jesus, into the season of Advent,

Toni Sillis

Principal