The nine days before Christmas are marked in our liturgy with special prayers imploring Christ to come among us. Each day addresses him with a different title, drawn from the prophets. We begin with “O Wisdom” and conclude with “O Emmanuel.” The prayers of these days express more strongly the Advent attitude of thanksgiving combined with expectation. The Son of God has already come among us in the flesh; we wait for him to come again in glory.

The Bishop will observe the novena this year by offering Mass each day at various times in the churches of the Cathedral parish.

To join in at least one of these celebrations would be a good way, in the midst of the world’s distractions, to focus on what we are really preparing to celebrate at Christmas.

Wed 17th	6.00pm	St Patrick’s Church, Rockley
Thurs 18th	11.30am	Holy Family Chapel, Bathurst
Fri 19th	6.00pm	St Mary of the Cross MacKillop Church, Wattle Flat
Sat 20th	6.00pm	St Joseph’s Chapel, Perthville
Sun 21st	6.00pm	Assumption Church, Bathurst
Mon 22nd	10.00am	St Catherine’s Nursing Home, Bathurst
Tue 23rd	6.30pm	St Dympna’s Church, Burraga
Wed 24th	Midnight	Cathedral of St Michael and St John, Bathurst
Thurs 25th	10.00am	Cathedral of St Michael and St John, Bathurst