Advent is a busy time in the calendar, in which we prepare for Christmas following the four themes - hope, peace, joy, and love. Read on to find about about the various activities that have been taking place.
The start of Advent saw the arrival of our Christmas tree from the Methley Estate farm which was covered in decorations made by each tutor group.
In addition the tutor reps from each group chose a charity to support to either raise money or provide food and clothes. The three charities this year are all Leeds based, they include PAFRAS (providing support for refugees and asylum seekers), St George's Crypt (offering care to homeless and vulnerable people) and Zarach (helping children who are growing up in poverty).
The chaplaincy organised a 'Retreat in Daily Life' with 5 minute talks on the theme of Advent given by some excellent speakers including, Sr Laurentia John OSB from Stanbrook Abbey, Sr Silvana Dallanegra RSCJ from Caritas Westminster and Fr Timothy Swinglehurst until recently one of our governors. Staff and students were invited to come together to hear the talks or to listen to them in their own time. You can hear all three here.
PTE our Core RE programme organised a lesson on Social Justice and Gratitude. Students created Christmas cards for the elderly in local care homes or to send to the recipients of the Advent charities to remember that the mission of the college is not just preparing for qualifications but to serve and support others, especially those in need.
The season was joyfully celebrated with an Advent carol service held in our beautiful chapel. The staff and chamber choirs led by Nuala Illand, deputy head of Learner Support and Lizzie Leather from Diocese of Leeds music along with some singers from the cathedral. The carols included 'O Radiant Dawn' , 'O Holy Night' and 'Silent Night'. The event was rounded off with the final hymn 'Come All Ye Faithful'.
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