Lent
The seasons and days of penance in the course of the liturgical year (Lent, and each Friday in memory of the death of the Lord) are intense moments of the Church's penitential practice. These times are particularly appropriate for spiritual exercises, penitential liturgies, pilgrimages as signs of penance, voluntary self-denial such as fasting and almsgiving, and fraternal sharing (charitable and missionary works). (CCC 1438)
Lenten lectio divina Resource
Each year, the Diocese of Broken Bay offers a Lenten Resource based on the practice of lectio divina ("sacred reading") which is a prayerful way of reading Scripture that leads to transformation.
Visit the lectio divina webpage
The Light is On
During Lent, churches of the Diocese of Broken Bay are open on Friday evenings, 7pm - 8pm, for quiet time, prayer and the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
The symbol of light represents the light of Christ - a light received at Baptism to be kept burning brightly all our lives. The light in our churches during these Lenten evenings represent a warm welcome. You are very welcome as part of a parish family. The light also represents the light of the confessional: a light that says, 'come and receive healing and forgiveness'.
You can experience God's light and peace in your life. The light is on for you.
Please visit: www.thelightisonforyou.org.au
Advent
St. John the Baptist is the Lord's immediate precursor or forerunner, sent to prepare his way. "Prophet of the Most High", John surpasses all the prophets, of whom he is the last. He inaugurates the Gospel, already from his mother's womb welcomes the coming of Christ, and rejoices in being "the friend of the bridegroom", whom he points out as "the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world".
When the Church celebrates the liturgy of Advent each year, she makes present this ancient expectancy of the Messiah, for by sharing in the long preparation for the Saviour's first coming, the faithful renew their ardent desire for his second coming. (From CCC 523-4)
Christmas
Jesus was born in a humble stable, into a poor family. Simple shepherds were the first witnesses to this event. In this poverty heaven's glory was made manifest. The Church never tires of singing the glory of this night:
The Virgin today brings into the world the Eternal
And the earth offers a cave to the Inaccessible.
The angels and shepherds praise him
And the magi advance with the star,
For you are born for us,
Little Child, God eternal! (CCC 525)
Christmas Mass times for all parishes of the Diocese are available on this website in the weeks leading up to Christmas.