The Feast of the Immaculate Conception which we celebrated on 8 December is the most prominent Marion Feast Day of the Catholic Church. 

It is a day in which we acknowledge that Mary was conceived and came into the world without the stain and corruption of original sin, as through the Sacrament of Baptism we are freed from sin.

The Angel Gabriel appeared to Mary, “Hail Mary, full of grace! The Lord is with you.” Luke 1:28.

We all strive to be full of “grace”, to be pure in our thoughts and actions. A goal which can be difficult to achieve in our modern world, which champions the individual over the common good.

Even though Mary was chosen by God and was a pure and sinless person, she was afraid and felt unworthy of what was being asked of her. She felt the same anxiety and lack of confidence that we all feel at times.

 “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God.” Luke 1:30.

In recent times we have all faced fear and continue to struggle with anxieties as we journey through the global health crisis.

In our fear and anxiety and as our plans go awry, we may ask, ‘What does God want from us? Why is this happening to me? Why are our lives being disrupted?

We need to listen, as Mary did, to God’s call. To do what is being asked of us, to do what is right and good for all of society. To show patience and understanding of others, to shoulder disappointments gracefully and to show kindness and support for one another. 

 As Catholics, we ask our Blessed Mother Mary to intercede for us, to pray for help and guidance, as she bestows the many graces from God.

“Hail Mary, full of grace! The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death, Amen.”

May I take this opportunity to sincerely thank you for another wonderful and productive school year, despite the ongoing challenges of the global pandemic. I am particularly appreciative of everything you did as parents and carers to assist with remote online learning; adhering to the many COVID-19 procedures so that everyone in our community remained safe and healthy; and for supporting the countless restrictions that have been placed on schools, particularly primary schools who are deemed as high risk environments.

A huge thank you to the St Brigid’s leadership team, teaching and support staff who are extraordinary professionals, assisting me each and everyday to create a culture at St Brigid’s that is welcoming, life giving and where excellence in faith and learning is our goal. 

A final word to the St Brigid’s students:  Thank you for all your hard work throughout the school year.  I am grateful for your joy, intelligent insights and amazing talents. Best wishes to our graduating Year 6 students, whom we will miss greatly. 

Until we meet again for the 2022 school year, I wish you a blessed Christmas and lots of love, laughter and good times in the New Year.

Yours in Faith, Justice and Learning