Catholic Identity
Thank you to Bishop Shane, Fr John Paul and all of the teachers and families for the preparation for Confirmation and First Eucharist.
Children did an amazing job of preparing for their Sacraments. It was so nice to celebrate without restrictions. Congratulations on a wonderful day.
FIRST SUNDAY IN ADVENT
"Your redemption is near at hand."
Year C | Sunday 28th November | purple
Preparing to hear God's word
Can you remember a time when you had to get ready for a special celebration?
How did you prepare? How did it feel to wait for that special time?
The Gospel Story
Jesus predicts a time of destruction when some people may be frightened, but Jesus tells his disciples not to be afraid. He encourages the disciples (and us!) to pray for strength. We may have difficult times in our lives, but when we pray we find comfort and courage.
The Gospel
A Reading from the Holy Gospel according to Luke 21:25-28, 34-36
Your redemption is near at hand.
Jesus said to his disciples:
"Strange things will happen to the sun, moon, and stars.
The nations on earth will be afraid of the roaring sea and tides, and they won't know what to do.
People will be so frightened that they will faint because of what is happening to the world.
Every power in the sky will be shaken.
"Then the Son of Man will be seen, coming in a cloud with great power and glory.
When all of this starts happening, stand up straight and be brave.
You will soon be set free.
"Don't spend all of your time thinking about eating or drinking or worrying about life.
If you do, the final day will suddenly catch you like a trap.
That day will surprise everyone on earth.
"Watch out and keep praying that you can escape all that is going to happen
and that the Son of Man will be pleased with you."
The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
Reflecting on the Gospel - discussion
Talk about some of your hopes and dreams for the holidays and for Christmas.
Consider ways of making both the holidays and Christmas a time to think of others
SECOND SUNDAY IN ADVENT
"All people shall see the salvation of God."
Year C | Sunday 5th December | purple
Gathering
Create a simple prayer focus.
It might be a small table with a candle, bible, and perhaps some items from nature to suit the liturgical season.
Light a candle.
Be still.
Preparing to hear God's word
In today’s story, John tells the people to “Turn back to God!”
What do you think this might mean?
The Gospel Story
John the Baptist told all the people that they should start leading good lives and be Baptised.
He told them that Jesus was coming and that they should get their hearts ready.
The Gospel
A Reading from the Holy Gospel according to Luke 3:1-6
All people shall see the salvation of God.
For fifteen years Emperor Tiberius had ruled that part of the world,
and Annas and Caiaphas were the Jewish high priests.
At that time God spoke to Zechariah's son John, who was living in the desert.
So John went along the Jordan Valley, telling the people,
"Turn back to God and be baptised!
Then your sins will be forgiven."
Isaiah the prophet wrote about John when he said,
"In the desert someone is shouting,
'Get the road ready for the Lord!
Make a straight path for him!
Fill up every valley and level every mountain and hill.
Straighten the crooked paths and smooth out the rough roads.
Then everyone will see the saving power of God.' "
The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
Reflecting on the Gospel - discussion
Imagine you are a prophet with big eyes, big ears and a big mouth. In your imagination can you see anything in our world that God might want someone to change? Mention people who have no homes, no food, and no jobs. How would God would want us to help these people?
