31 December. 7th Day in the Christmas Octave
As well as recalling the struggles of the past year, new year’s eve invites us to give thanks for the blessings that have enhanced our lives…
30 December. 6th Day in the Christmas Octave
When Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the Temple, Anna praised God and spoke of the child to all who looked forward to salvation…
Presider’s Page for Sunday 29 December (Holy Family)
The Holy Family is the focus on the first Sunday after Christmas, so we honour Jesus, Mary and Joseph today. We worship God who shared the life of the human family, and thank God for all the gifts we continue to receive in each other.
29 December. The Holy Family (Sunday)
Whenever families are happy, it is where love and respect are highly prized among them. We pray for an outpouring of those qualities in our families today…
28 December. The Holy Innocents, Martyrs
Many such figures litter political history, rulers prepared to sacrifice any number of people to ensure that they stay in power. ..
27 December. St John, Apostle and Evangelist
John’s fervour brought him to the empty tomb quicker than Peter; his fervour gave him the insight to realise the meaning of the empty tomb before anyone else.
26 December. St. Stephen, the First Martyr
On this feast of Saint Stephen, we pray for a fresh outpouring of courage to bear witness to what we believe.
Presider’s Page for 25 December (Christmas Day Mass)
We celebrate today an amazing mystery — God is born in time. The eternal God shares our nature, he has pitched his tent in the midst of humanity. With joy in our hearts, we contemplate the mystery of the Word made flesh.
25 December 2019. Christmas (Midnight & Midday)
In some sense we too can bring Christ to birth, by fully embracing God’s will, as we perceive it in our own lives…
Presider’s Page for 24 December (Christmas Night Mass)
In the dark of this winter night, we proclaim the new light that has shone on the world: Jesus Christ is born! With the angels, we worship God who saves us — for through the life, death and resurrection of this child Jesus, salvation is ours.
23 December. Monday of Advent, Week 4
Different people have different preferences for naming their children; but in the end it is the choice of the parents…
Presider’s Page for 22 December (Fourth Sunday of Advent)
The Season of Advent ends on Tuesday, so the celebration of the birth of Christ is now very close. We gather in preparation for that great event, worshipping God who was made flesh to bring us to glory.
22 December. 4th Sunday of Advent
In our encounters with people who reflect Christ and his gospel we can find signs of God to confirm our faith…
21 December, 2019. Saturday of Advent, Week 3
We need to share what we have felt, and it can benefit both ourselves and those with whom we share our deepest experiences…
20 December. Friday of Advent, Week 3
The young woman, Mary of Nazareth, is not simply the mother of Jesus; she is his perfect disciple also, living by his Gospel vision for humanity.
19 December. Thursday of Advent Week 3
What we celebrate with Elizabeth is that the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, has become God-with-us, Emmanuel, in Mary’s son, Jesus…
18 December. Wednesday of Advent, Week 3
The conception of Jesus was a miracle of grace that raised questions in the hearts of those most directly affected, Mary and Joseph…
17 December, 2019. (Tuesday)
Some of the people mentioned in Jesus’ family tree were anything but saints. All shades of human nature were mixed there…
16 December, 2019. Monday of Advent, Week 3
Because Jesus is God-with-us, he has the right to say how God’s Temple should be run. He knew that it was not being run with due faith and reverence.