Faith News 

We are very excited that we can come together as a school community for our final mass of the school year in St. Anthony’s church next Wednesday, 15th December. You are invited to join us for an 11.00 start.

As we reach the end of our school year, please remember that we are taking part in ‘Christmas Food Parcel Appeal 2021’ for St. Vincent de Paul Society, Holy Trinity Parish. Any items that you can contribute would be much appreciated. 

Gospel

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light.

This is the testimony given by John when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, ‘Who are you?’ He confessed and did not deny it, but confessed, ‘I am not the Messiah.’ And they asked him, ‘What then? Are you Elijah?’ He said, ‘I am not.’ ‘Are you the prophet?’ He answered, ‘No.’ Then they said to him, ‘Who are you? Let us have an answer for those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?’ He said,

‘I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness,

“Make straight the way of the Lord” ’,

as the prophet Isaiah said.

Now they had been sent from the Pharisees. They asked him, ‘Why then are you baptizing if you are neither the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the prophet?’ John answered them, ‘I baptize with water. Among you stands one whom you do not know, the one who is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandal.’ This took place in Bethany across the Jordan where John was baptizing.

John (1:6-8, 19-28)

Reflection

As we prepare our minds and hearts in the lead up to Christmas, take some time to create silence amidst the busyness of daily life. Ask the Lord to help you with making space for him and to be patient with you in this special time of waiting before Christmas.

Think of the people in your life who need help in preparing for Christ’s birth, or for welcoming and making space for His presence in their lives. 

Ask Jesus and Mary to give you holy boldness in your life, that you could be more like John the Baptist – the voice for God’s Word. 

Where can you take opportunities to speak Christ’s Word into the world and into the hearts and minds of those you come in contact with, using your own unique gifts?