At Loyola Prep, we enter the season of Advent with a spirit of reflection, preparation, and hope. Advent is a very special time in the Catholic Church, marking the four weeks leading up to Christmas. It is a period of waiting and anticipation, as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, while also reflecting on His promise to return.

During Advent, our school community engages in meaningful ways to live out our faith. We begin each day with prayer, celebrate acts of worship together, and take part in special activities that help the boys understand the true meaning of Christmas. These include service initiatives, reflective assemblies, and creative projects that connect our learning to our Catholic faith.

Advent Service

At Loyola Prep, our Advent Service is a special moment for the whole school community to come together in reflection and prayer. During the service, we focus on the meaning of Advent, preparing our hearts for the celebration of Jesus’ birth. Through readings, prayers, and music, the boys are encouraged to think about hope, generosity, and faith, living out our Catholic values in a meaningful and shared experience.

Jesse Tree

One of the traditions we follow at Loyola Prep is the Jesse Tree. This is a unique way to journey through Advent, linking the stories of the Old Testament with the promise of Jesus’ birth. The Jesse Tree traces the family line of Jesus, beginning with Jesse, the father of King David, and including other important figures from the Bible. By decorating the tree with symbols representing these people and their stories, our boys learn how each story points towards the coming of Christ. The Jesse Tree is both an artistic and spiritual way to help our pupils see the connection between scripture, faith, and the celebration of Christmas.

Through these traditions, the boys at Loyola Prep experience Advent as a time of preparation, reflection, and giving—deepening their understanding of Catholic values and the importance of community, service, and faith.

Advent Calendars for Noah's Ark

Our School Council proudly delivered 72 Advent calendars to Noah’s Ark. They were warmly received by Amanda and her team, who expressed their gratitude for the boys’ generosity and initiative. The visit also gave the boys an opportunity to spend time learning about the range of Advent calendars available and to join together in a prayer for the families who will benefit from the donations.