Pondering the Good News

This is what the churches in Dalkey are offering together in Advent.
Each Thursday evening – (December 5th, 12th and 19th) –
parishioners and friends are invited to Our Lady’s Hall on Castle
Streer to explore together the Gospel (Good News) for the following
Sunday. No “teaching” as such, no “sermons” – just reading and re-
reading the Gospel passage together and then sharing what phrases
or images stand out for us – and then exploring why. The practice,
known as “Lectio Divina” (sacred reading), helps take us deeper into
what the gospel means to us and how it can affect our lives. This
Advent the passages are all from the early chapters of Luke’s Gospel;
copies will be available.
Jayne Courtney (parish co-ordinator of the Church of the Assumption),
Sr. Helen Grealy of Loreto Abbey and Revd Ginnie Kennerley will
facilitate the sessions and the parish clergy will attend if they are free.
The late Claire Conroy, who ran weekly Lectio Divina sessions in her
home until her death earlier this year, will be remembered with
thanksgiving at the gatherings, which will begin with refreshments at
7.45pm and start formally at 8.15pm, closing by 9.30pm.

PREPARING FOR CHRISTMAS?
What does Christmas mean for us?
Hopefully a bit more than festive meals and generous presents.
If Christmas is to be truly meaningful, we need to become more aware
that we need Christ in our lives – born in obscurity yet growing to reveal
the fullness of God’s love to each person who is open to him, both two
thousand years ago and today.
So you are invited each Thursday evening in Advent to join in a
one-hour “Pondering the Good News” session in which we read and re-
read the week’s Gospel passage together and then share what phrases
or images stand out for us – and then explore why.
That way, we’ll be ready to worship and welcome the Holy Infant,
along with the Shepherds and the Kings!
Please join us on the Thursdays 5th,12th and 19th at Our Lady’s
Hall in Castle Street for refreshments at 7.45pm, reading and reflection
at 8.15pm, and closing chat by 9.15pm. Ginnie Kennerley, Jayne
Courtney and Sr Helen Grealy will facilitate and copies of the texts will
be provided.