Come and join the Sisters for
talks by
GAVIN D’COSTA
(Professor of Catholic Theology at Bristol University)
Tues 13th January Vatican II on Ecumenism
Tues 20th January Vatican II on Jews
Tues 17th February Vatican II on Muslims
3 p.m. talk
followed by questions then tea/coffee
(4.45 p.m. Vespers)
Exploring the future of interreligious relations in the modern world …..based on the doctrinal foundations that will serve Catholicism in the 21st century.
Please join us in prayer....here are our intercessions at Midnight Mass:
Let us pray for the Church. We pray for Pope Francis, Bishop Declan and all bishops and priests as they lead their people in the celebration of Christ’s birth. May they always model their ministry on that of the Servant King, born this night in a stable.
Let us pray for all Christians throughout the world. May we all witness in our lives to the simplicity and humility of Christ’s birth and may the love of God, that Christ came to reveal, break down the barriers that keep us apart.
Let us pray for our world. We pray in thanksgiving for all those who will spend this season spreading joy and peace, and we ask that those who are embittered and can think only of violence and hatred will be touched by the spirit of peace that only Christ can bring….we pray especially for the conflicts in the Middle East.
Let us pray for all families. May the Holy Family be our inspiration today so that we may spend the time generously making the happiness of others our priority. We remember, too, all those families who have been affected by the tragedy of war, natural disaster and accidents, thinking very especially of those involved in the Glasgow road accident.
Let us pray for those who have been bereaved this year and feel a deep sense of loneliness this Christmas and for those who are seriously ill. May we remember them as we celebrate in the warmth and love of our homes.
We ask our Lady to pray with us that the message of unconditional love brought to us by her Son may inspire us to witness to the world that we are indeed His disciples by the way we love one another.
Midnight Mass.....at Midnight !
Christmas morning at 10 a.m.
Boxing Day morning at 10 a.m.
Our first card making day was fun and we were delighted to welcome Sharon Elliott who shared with us her enjoyment and experience of hand made greetings cards
..........so we are offering another on Monday 10th November. This will focus on Christmas cards. Sharon will not be with us but will send some demonstration ideas.
The day starts at 10.30 a.m.
To book: please contact Sr Mary Johanna on 01453 883084 or brownshillbookings@bernardine.org
Suggested offering: £15 - includes cooked lunch
Sr Anastasie returned to us after three months back with our Community in Goma (DRCongo), having successfully renewed her UK visa.
We are delighted to have her with us again and she has been warmly welcomed by our many friends.....for those of you coming to the guesthouse, she is waiting to serve you with a smile!
Please pray for Sister Philomene who died yesterday at our Community in Goma.....she is the first of our African Sisters whom the Lord has called to Himself.
Please keep the Community at Goma in your prayers too..........
Today is the feast of the great Cistercian saint, St Bernard. A favourite quotation from his writings is:
'The reason for loving God is God Himself. The measure of loving God is to love without measure......'
We were entering the final week of our General Chapter. There are sisters present from all our Bernardine Communities. Sister Mary Philippa and S Elizabeth Mary are attending from Brownshill.......please continue to keep us in your prayers.
Following Sr Mary Helen's re-election as Prioress General, the sisters participating in the Chapter meetings have elected the new General Council.............
Top row: Sr Elizabeth Mary, Sr Marie Nicole
Bottom row: Sr Marie Daphrose, Sr Mary Helen, S Christine
“The radical gift of oneself to God, loved and served for Himself alone, listening to His Word, and a humble attentiveness to His presence in all human beings and in events, are the characteristics of this life; its sole aim is the search for God, lived out in Community.”
