WHY?

The aim of this material is to provide opportunities for priests and parishioners to make connections between the Sunday gospel and how they live as Christians among the "pots and pans" of daily life. The material can be used as a strategy for "Whole Parish Catechesis" the ultimate aim of which is to help nurture communities where faith is shared through lived experience.

For Advent 2009 we reflect on the theme "Seeing things differently" with the intention of providing opportunities for parishioners to let the Christmas message "Emmanuel; God is with you" influence how they see themselves both in relationship with God and also as Christians in their parish communities,

WHEN?

During Sunday mass the priest introduces the theme for the week, elaborating on the theme in the homily and encouraging parishioners to take home the THINK-DO-PRAY ideas provided. (Printed in bulletin or in separate booklet). Suggestions for prayers of the faithful are provided. Themes can also be picked up at other appropriate times in the liturgy - before opening prayer, lighting advent wreath, after communion, in the music.

The "take home" booklet or bulletin mateiral encourages parishioners to reflect on the ideas at home. All or part of each week's suggestions can be used as part of the meeting and activity of parish groups. Booklets can also be taken into parish schools for the use of both pupils and staff.

WHAT?

For each week, material provided includes: key message(s) to use as basis for homily together with THINK-DO-PRAY ideas for inclusion in bulletin or distribution in the form of a small booklet and also a few prayers of the faithful. The themes for each week are:

Advent 1 A Happy Life ...The kind of life that you are meant to lead; the life that God wants _{Thessalonians 3}

Advent 2 A Better Person All flesh shall see the salvation of God _{(Luke 3)} The one who began his good work in you will see it finished. _{(Phil 1)}

Advent 3 A Fuller Life Rejoice, exult with all your heart. The Lord your God is in your midst. _{Zephaniah 3}

Advent 4 God in You Give us life and we will call upon your name _{Psalm 80}

Christmas Joy in God's Presence They shall name him Emmanuel, which means God is with us _{Matt 1}

You can download the Homily Notes in pdf format here.


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