Word of God for the week: 1 Co 10:31
Whatever you eat, whatever you drink, whatever you do at all, do it for the glory of God.
Word of God for the week
“He got up and left the house, and went off to a lonely place and prayed there.” (Mk 1:35)
Word of God for the week
She wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger because there was no room for them at the inn. (Luke 2:7)
Word of God for the day: Romans 16:26
“It must be broadcast to pagans everywhere to bring them to the obedience of faith.”
Word of God for the week
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice. Indeed, the Lord is near. (Phil 4:4-5)
Q+A: How can we live Advent well?
The point of advent is to prepare for the coming of Jesus at Christmas, in Holy Communion, and at the end of our life and of the world. One way is to set up our crib, or nativity scene, in our home, leaving space for the baby Jesus to place on Christmas Day.
The English word “Advent” comes from the latin word “Adventus” which means “a coming” – that it is the time when we look to the coming of Jesus Christ, which of course happens at Christmas. While in Western Christianity the date of Christmas was not decided for everyone much before the end of the 300s, it had already been celebrated in Rome on 25 December a long time before this. During Advent we prepare ourselves spiritually for the coming of Jesus into the manger of our heart as a baby at Christmas, in Holy Communion, and as our judge at our death and at the end of the world.
Is it possible to be saved without Baptism?
Since Jesus died in order to save every human person, those people who die for the faith, even though they are not baptised, can be saved: this is called Baptism of blood. Catechumens, that is those who are preparing for baptism, and all those who, even without knowing Christ and the Church, still, led by grace, sincerely seek God and strive to do his will can also be saved without Baptism: this is called Baptism of desire. For those children who die without being baptised, the Church in her liturgy entrusts them to the mercy of God.
What are the effects of Baptism?
Baptism takes away original sin, all personal sins and all punishment due to sin. It makes the baptised person a participant in the divine life of the Trinity through sanctifying grace, the grace of justification which incorporates one into Christ and into his Church.
Following a substantial process, I am happy to welcome Ms Gabi Tobin as the new principal of our parish school at St Joseph the Worker from next year. Coming from the diocese of Wollongong, Ms Tobin will be bringing considerable gifts and experience into our parish. I would also like to thank Susie Mravunac for helping us as acting principal this year: She has been a reliable and passionate co-worker who has been easy to work with. May God bless her in her next position!
