This weekend, we will officially enter into the season of Advent and begin the liturgical calendar year of 2026. Advent is the season of active waiting in joyful hope for the coming of Jesus. In the words of the Prophet Isaiah, it is the season of the outpouring rain of God’s redemption—the rain of grace and blessings: “[the rain that] waters the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater” (Isaiah 55:10–11).
On this Southern Land of Australia during this season, the imagery Isaiah uses is particularly meaningful as it evokes a powerful sense of quenching thirst—the thirst of the earth, the trees, the flowers; the thirst for new life in the dry land. This image of rain of redemption indeed brings freshness and new life to God’s creation.
This image of rain bringing forth freshness and new life also draws us into Advent as a season of hope and joy: the outpouring of God’s love to humanity through His Son, and at the same time, humanity reaching out to one another. It is a season of looking outward beyond ourselves. For this reason, every year, as members of a community of faith, we reach out to one another and offer a helping hand to our sisters and brothers—especially those in need—with the hope of bringing comfort and care.
Once again, our parish community will place Advent Giving Trees across our churches. Through these visible signs, we invite you to support three of our partner organisations: the Brigidine Asylum Seekers Project (BASP), CatholicCare and our St Vincent de Paul Conferences. To learn more about our partnerships explore them here.
This year, the tree begins undecorated and we will decorate it together through our giving.
Parishioners are invited to choose the organisation they wish to support and make their contribution by cash or credit card. A corresponding gift tag will then be provided by our Parish Life Team members at the Mass you attend. You are welcome to write your name on the tag if you wish, and you are invited to place the gift tag on the tree.
In addition, for parishioners who are unable to attend our churches but wish to participate in the Advent Giving Tree, we invite you to make a donation via bank transfer. Our bank account details are:
Our Lady of Pentecost Church Account
BSB: 083 347
Account: 68679 0501
Reference: Organisation to which you wish to donate (e.g., BASP, CatholicCare, SVDP)
Your gestures of care and love will bring much joy to the faces of the children we are reaching out to, and we thank you for your kindness and generosity as we enter this Advent season together.
By: Fr Sang Ho
19 Brenbeal Street, Balwyn VIC 3103
Telephone: 03 9816 9291
Email: [email protected]
Office Hours:
Tue - Fri 9:00am – 5:00pm