Week of 20th - 28th December 2003

Advent Reflection

Advent is a long journey. We travel the road of the Old Testament - with the prophecies about the birth of the Messiah - Jesus Christ. We also join in the trek of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem. We are near the end of the way, our weariness only equalled by our hope; we have trusted in God. Most of our preparations for our festive celebrations are in hand. Now we await God's wonderful promise - his gift - his divine Son born as a babe in a stable. Only a short time now to wait. May each gift we wrap, each card we send, take our own gift of joy and peace with them.

• No Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Succour this week or next week.
• The Sanctuary Lamp will burn this week in memory of James Clark
• Deanery Masses at Christmas A card with prayers and blessings as well as times is available. Please take one and keep it by you.
• Choir Practice - Tuesday at 7pm
• Children's Christmas Gifts Each year, the children have been asked to wrap a small gift for the children of Romania. The difficulties and cost of transport have made it impossible to continue this custom. I would ask the children to bring a gift of £1 or 50p in an envelope for the children of Bethlehem. The Holy Land, and especially Bethlehem, has had little or no peace for three years. During Interfada the children have had no proper education, just some home lessons whenever possible. The gist of money will go to provide books and teachers for these children. Please, parents, do encourage your children to be generous on Thursday and bring an envelope to the Crib marked "Bethlehem".

Please pray for Les Owen and Hannah Naylor who have recently died and for their family and friends who mourn.

For further information or comments please contact info@ourladysbryn.org.uk