Over the last two weeks, Proclaim: The Office for Mission Renewal has been hosting online formation sessions to assist parishes in their preparations for the Season of Advent.
The first two sessions, led by Ria Greene (Deputy Principal, St Bede’s College Mentone), have focused on the Gospel of Mark and the readings for the Sundays of Advent.
Ria Greene’s talk exploring the Gospel of Mark is available to view online (below), and offers participants an overview of the background to the gospel, its structure and how it focuses on the key themes of identity, mission and discipleship.
Ria invited those listening to embrace the context within which we have been placed. ‘We gather in a context that is like no other,’ said Ria, ‘we’re gathering in this COVID context, and we have been guided and comforted by our religious leaders.
‘Pope Francis writes … that despite the suffering and challenges posed by COVID-19, the Church’s missionary journey continues.’ It is within this context that we are called to mission – it’s an invitation to step out of ourselves for the love of God and neighbour.
Upcoming sessions
Next week’s session (4 November) will focus on developing a musical repertoire, led by Fiona Dyball, and then the last week will focus on the practicalities of preparing for the Season of Advent – particularly given the further easing of restrictions in Victoria.
Session 3: ‘Musical repertoire’, Wednesday 4 November 2020, 7.30pm-9.00pm
Session 4: ‘Practical tips for parishes to navigate the Advent/Christmas journey, ‘Tuesday 10 November 2020, 7.30pm-9.00pm
The Zoom link will be sent upon registration.
For further information, contact Proclaim: The Office for Mission RenewalTeresa Rhynehart: teresa.rhynehart@cam.org.au or Lorraine McCarthy: lorraine.mccarthy@cam.org.au
