In most cases, when I have asked this question to members of the diocesan community their answer has usually been no. Tucked away in the parish hall at the Our Lady of Lourdes Beresfield in the Chisholm Parish region, the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd have been in operation since 2017.
One of my friends asked the question of why different cultures also participate in Carnival around the same time of the year, this led me to further explore its historical roots and its connection to Lent.
During the first week of Advent in this liturgical cycle scripture encourages us to stay awake and to be alert to everything in the present and into the future. It is also the week that places an emphasis on hope with the lighting of the prophecy candle to remind us that God will fulfil his promise through the birth of Jesus.