With less than ten weeks to Christmas we are excited to spend time together with family and friends, for many this has not been the case over the last several years.
Advent invites us into a time of waiting with purpose.
Waiting is part of the human condition, we wait in line to be served, in traffic queues for the light to turn green, for internet connection to kick in, for many waiting is an exercise of frustration. While the leading up to Christmas can be coined as the silly season as people rush to purchase the perfect gift, we often lose sight of the true purpose of Advent.
As we continue our synodal journey we invite you to several opportunities between now and the end of the year for us to come together in prayer, reflection and learning.
The Pastoral Ministries Team invites you to engage with the Diocesan Waiting with Purpose Advent Reflection. To access this resource, go to:
https://www.mn.catholic.org.au/church-mission/catholic-life/liturgy/liturgical-year/
Over four weeks this resource provides the opportunity for us to encounter the mystery of Christ present in the Advent Gospels and our rich Catholic tradition. We are invited to encounter, recall, reflect, share, connect and consider how we will live differently as a result of what we have experienced.
For those wanting to connect via Zoom during Advent we will be hosting Waiting with Purpose Advent Reflection each Monday at 10am.
To register go to:
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/waiting-with-purpose-advent-2022-tickets-443044436837
As the liturgical calendar moves at the start of Advent from Year C to Year A from the Gospel of Luke to the Gospel of Matthew, we are excited to have Dr Michele Connolly, rsj, Associate Professor of Biblical Studies Catholic Institute of Sydney, visit the Diocese on Thursday 10 November.
The day will include both presentation and discussion around the literary structure, organisation, history and intended audience of the Gospel of Matthew. Issues for interpretation, comparison with other synoptic gospels; the ancient historical, cultural, and religious backgrounds and Matthew’s prominent themes will be explored. Several pieces of scripture will be unpacked and interpreted on the day.
We invite you to join us on this day in preparation for Year A and Matthew’s Gospel.
To register go to:
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/a-day-on-the-gospel-of-matthew-tickets-413966584197
You are invited to attend the Diocesan Reflection Day on our Spiritual Foundations marking the anniversary of Bishop Bill’s death. This will be held on Saturday 12 November, 9 between 10.00 am and 3.00 pm. There are various locations to choose from including, Victor Peters Suite-Newcastle West, San Clemente High School - Mayfield, St Pauls High School - Booragul, Catherine McAuley College - Medowie, St Joseph’s High School – Aberdeen and St Clare’s High School – Taree.
The six hubs will allow people to gather and enjoy fellowship with each other. Please bring a plate to share for morning tea and lunch with those attending.
The reflection’s purpose is:
- To gather and reconnect with our diocesan people
- To pray, reflect and engage with one another
- To reflect with our diocesan foundational principles
- To renew our sense of community after months of restrictions
Registration is open now by this link:https://DioReflectionDay.eventbrite.com.au
We are looking forward to reconnecting face to face before the end of 2022.
Image: Unsplash- by Mario Purisic