This Advent, as the church embarks on a new liturgical cycle, we turn our attention to the Gospel of Luke. It is timely, then, to pause and reflect on some of Luke’s rich insights, and to acquaint ourselves better with a gospel that speaks directly to our humanity, consistently reminding us of the joy and mercy to be experienced not only during Advent and at Christmas, but throughout our journey of discipleship. On a rainy October evening, parish and school liturgy teams from across the Archdiocese of Melbourne gathered to do just that in the first of two Advent preparation sessions. Their guide was Ria Greene.

Rev. Dr Michael Trainor AM is a lecturer at Catholic Theological College and is a member of the Department of Biblical Studies. Here he provides an overview of the readings for the Sundays of Advent. "Luke’s story celebrates God’s beloved disposition upon all beings of our planet revealed in Jesus’ birth. This is the essential truth and mystery in the angelic chorus sung to the shepherds and the repeated sign, of Jesus ‘wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger’. Jesus’ presence in a manger (a product of Earth) and surrounded with Earth’s cloth highlight Jesus as Earth’s child. Ecological implications to celebrate with our planet flow from this and provide a wonderful opportunity to reflect on Jesus’ birth in the light of Pope Francis’ Encyclical, Laudato Si." 

Cathy Jenkins reflects on the opportunity we have in Advent to take a ‘Holy Pause’, and gives some practical guidance on how we might plan Advent liturgies that renew and deepen our sense of joyful anticipation as we prepare—amid all the bustle and activity of the festive season—for ‘the greatest mystery’.

Fiona Dyball offers some advice for all those planning graduation Masses, encouraging careful planning and consideration of these important moments for evangelisation. "The music and sung prayer in these Masses will ideally reflect and honour this preparation and commitment by the extended school community. So sufficient time needs to be allowed for graduation Masses to be consultatively planned, carefully prepared and thoroughly rehearsed. The music on these occasions can offer a fitting tribute to the character of a community, while also staying true to Catholic identity and to the liturgy itself."