As we start another Advent season, we begin again to look forward to the birth of the Saviour by reflecting on the importance of this event, how we have been affected by it and how we respond personally to the great gift which manifests itself as a unique personal relationship with Jesus.

Many parishes will be conducting Advent Reflections using the Advent lectio divina Booklet which has been provided throughout the Diocese of Broken Bay and beyond.

The interest in this Booklet in particular, and lectio divina in general, has grown enormously over the past 24 months.  I encourage you to consider taking part in one of the Parish Groups or using the Booklet to spend some time each week of Advent to do lectio at home or in your workplace. If you do not yet have a copy there is one available online at the Diocesan website www.dbb.org.au.

I am hoping that this interest in lectio divina will again be developed in Lent 2010. With the support of the ACBC, I am pleased to announce a special Lenten Program which will be available on the Internet at www.thereflection.vividas.com.  A new segment will be available each week during Lent and which will feature a number of Bishops from around Australia giving their input into the readings of the upcoming Sunday.  Using a lectio divina format The Reflection can be undertaken in groups, in the parish or importantly, as families in your home.

I would encourage you all to now make a commitment to “Do The Reflection” in Lent 2010.  More information will be available through our parishes and schools as we move closer to the beginning of Lent.

Our Diocese has been blessed with many highlights during 2009 including: Two eConferences - one on St Paul and the other on St Luke, during which thousands of people across Australia, and in other parts of the world, took part in wonderful learning opportunities; the commencement of our unique Parish Internship Program - where over 126 young people have committed themselves to 500 hours ministry over the next 2 years; the acceptance of The Broken Bay Institute into the University of Newcastle; and receiving over $90 million from the Federal Government for refurbishment of our school facilities under the Building Education Revolution program.

Further more we have just received advice that another 7 priests from India and Africa will be arriving shortly.  This will mean that each parish will have at least 2 priests as we begin 2010.

Many of our newly arrived priests will be undertaking a 2-month inculturation program during February and March.  I would ask that you keep them in your prayers during this important time of learning and adjustment as they begin their ministry in Broken Bay

In closing I wish to thank all who work tirelessly in any way for the pastoral care of the people in Broken Bay.  In particular to our Priests, Deacons, Ecclesial Women, all those who work within the Curia and all those who undertake the myriad of ministries which occur every day in every parish.

My prayer for you all is that the peace, joy and renewed confidence which Christmas brings will fill your heart with the desire to continue to care for those you come in contact with in 2010 and the years ahead.