Pope Francis has encouraged Christians to make the most of the season of Advent, and to experience it as a time of “consoling novelty and joyous waiting”.
Bible Society Australia has brought a fresh retelling of the Christmas story, especially designed for children aged between five and seven, called The Really Good News of Christmas - for Me!
In my office, Ashleigh Banks is waiting for the birth of her first child. She is due 29 December. Ashleigh says she is “waiting for a new life in our family - waiting to see what the baby’s personality is, what their hopes and dreams will be in their life and nurturing that.”
To help us get into the festive spirit, the Catholic Development Fund recently held a Christmas gift card competition for all students enrolled at schools across the Diocese, as well as children enrolled at St Nicholas Early Education and participants in CatholicCare programs.
St Mary’s Cathedral in Sydney as well as other houses of worship will be floodlit red, the colour of martyrs, to commemorate Red Wednesday (28 November) to draw attention to the plight of those around the globe who have been persecuted for their religious beliefs.