Religious Education 

Christmas Eve Children’s Mass at 6:30pm

This year we are in search of angels, shepherds and the Three Wise Men for our Nativity Scene.

Would you like to join us with our celebration?

The costumes will be provided.

All we need is you and your happy smile.

Please email Annette if you would like to participate.

Email address:  stkilians@sandhurst.catholic.org.au

Thank you for the wonderful contribution from the 

St Kilian's community.

WEEKEND GOSPEL

GOSPEL     John 1:6-8. 19-28

A reading from the holy Gospel according to John

There stands among you, unknown to you, the one who is coming after me.

A man came, sent by God.

His name was John.

He came as a witness,

as a witness to speak for the light,

so that everyone might believe through him.

He was not the light,

only a witness to speak for the light.

This is how John appeared as a witness. When the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, ‘Who are you?’ he not only declared, but he declared quite openly, ‘I am not the Christ.’ ‘Well then,’ they asked, ‘are you Elijah?’ ‘I am not,’ he said. ‘Are you the Prophet?’ He answered, ‘No.’ So they said to him, ‘Who are you? We must take back an answer to those who sent us. What have you to say about yourself?’ So John said, ‘I am, as Isaiah prophesied:

a voice that cries in the wilderness:

Make a straight way for the Lord.’

Now these men had been sent by the Pharisees, and they put this further question to him, ‘Why are you baptising if you are not the Christ, and not Elijah, and not the prophet?’ John replied, ‘I baptise with water; but there stands among you – unknown to you – the one who is coming after me; and I am not fit to undo his sandal-strap.’ This happened at Bethany, on the far side of the Jordan, where John was baptising.

 A beginning point for discussion of this week's Gospel with children:

• If someone asked you ‘Who are you?’ What would be your answer?
• Was one of your answers ‘I’m a follower or disciple or friend of Jesus’?
• What are some of the ways we normally get ready for a birthday?
• How is the celebration of Jesus’ birthday different from a normal birthday?
• What are some things we all can do to get ready for the celebration of the day Jesus was born?