This special reflection is more a 'Thought for Christmas' in which our consultant on the Middle East North Africa region, Dr Harry Hagopian, delivers an authentic slice of what it's like to celebrate the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem.

Preparing a Room for God

Dec 24th, 2013 4m 8s

For the last day of Advent we have an excellent reflection from Monsignor James Cronin, the National Director of Missio - the Church's overseas missionary charity.

Teaching at the Centre of the Church's Mission

Dec 23rd, 2013 4m 5s

Today the Director of the Catholic Education Service, Paul Barber, looks at how teaching is at the centre of the Church's mission.

First Advent and Christmas with a New Baby

Dec 22nd, 2013 4m 53s

Marie Kato-Kmiec gave birth to her daughter Abigail two months ago. In this podcast she shares her experiences of waiting, hope and anticipation as we approach Christmas.

The Call to Fatherhood

Dec 21st, 2013 3m 56s

Father-of-five John Green, Director for Development for the charity Apostleship of the Sea, looks at the call to fatherhood as we approach the birth of Christ.

Remembering the Plight of Syrian Refugees this Christmas

Dec 20th, 2013 4m 27s

Archbishop Samir Nassar of Damascus has released a Christmas message called 'The Refugees before The Crib'. An English translation of the original Arabic version is read for this podcast by the Bishops' MENA consultant Dr Harry Hagopian.

Reaching out to the homeless and people in need

Dec 19th, 2013 2m 54s

Cathy Corcoran, Chief Executive of the Cardinal Hume Centre, manages to find hope this Advent despite the near-overwhelming challenges and heart-breaking stories.

The Gift of the Lord's Prayer

Dec 18th, 2013 5m 19s

Dr James Hanvey SJ gives us this excellent Advent reflection on the 'Our Father' from The Church of the Pater Noster on the Mount of Olives, Jerusalem.

Proclaiming the Good News

Dec 17th, 2013 3m 58s

This 'Thought for Advent' looks at the challenge of reflecting the Good News that was proclaimed at the very first Christmas. Dylan Parry, Editor of Oremus - Westminster Cathedral's monthly magazine - tells us how he lives out 'mini Advents' al

The Call to Parenthood

Dec 16th, 2013 4m 13s

The call to parenthood is one of the holiest of all callings. Today's podcast reflection is given by Breda Theakston. Breda works with couples and parents in the Diocese of Leeds.

Following the Example of St Joseph

Dec 15th, 2013 1m 51s

Dr James Hanvey SJ, outside the Church dedicated to St Joseph in Nazareth, looks at the enormity of what God asked of Joseph and the humble way in which he embraced his role without perhaps fully comprehending it.

Following the Example of St John of the Cross

Dec 14th, 2013 5m 35s

Jim McManus, Director of Public Health in Hertfordshire, tells us why following the example of St John of the Cross is a wholesome pursuit during Advent.

Hearing Christ's Words of Love and Truth

Dec 13th, 2013 5m 32s

In today's reflection, Clare Ward, our Home Mission Advisor, encourages us to be that Christmas apostle - bringing the priceless gift of faith to those around us.

Meeting the Needs of Vulnerable Women

Dec 12th, 2013 5m 59s

Offering love and support to vulnerable women is both a vocation and day job for Sr Lynda Dearlove, CEO of the charity 'Women at the Well'. This is her #Thought4Advent.

Forgiveness and Reconciliation this Advent

Dec 11th, 2013 3m

Forgiveness and reconciliation are at the very heart of Advent. In this reflection Bishop John Arnold talks about the chance to make fresh start - a new beginning - facing our faults and seeking the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Helping Parents and Children in Poverty

Dec 10th, 2013 5m 53s

Continuing the theme of dometic poverty, Dr Rosemary Keenan, Chief Executive of the Catholic Children's Society, Westminster, reminds us of the need to help and understand parents and particularly children living in poverty.

A Church for the poor - and not just for Christmas

Dec 9th, 2013 2m 11s

Today's reflection comes from Helen O'Brien the Chief Executive of Caritas Social Action Network (CSAN) and brings the focus back onto the most vulnerable and marginalised in our society.

Embracing the call to say 'Yes' to God

Dec 8th, 2013 3m 12s

For the Second Sunday of Advent, our podcast reflection comes from the Church of the Annunciation in Nazareth. Dr James Hanvey SJ talks about the call to say "yes" to God - just as Mary did.

Christ's call to Family Life

Dec 7th, 2013 3m 13s

Elizabeth Davies, our Marriage and Family Life Project Officer, offers her Advent reflection on why she's looking forward to getting the family together at Christmas despite the challenges.

Carving out time for Moments of Silence

Dec 6th, 2013 2m 56s

Benedictine monk Fr Christopher Jamison offers his Advent reflection on why we should all carve out time for moments of silence.

Christ's call to Religious Life

Dec 5th, 2013 3m 4s

For today's podcast, Sister Cathy Jones, a Religious of the Assumption, talks about her experiences of community life and how religious congregations are called to fulfill a specific role in the Church revealing an aspect of Christ to the world

Pray for Syria and the Peoples of the Middle East

Dec 4th, 2013 2m 42s

The Feast of St John of Damascene, 4 December, is the date in the Church's calendar when we look to the Middle East and pray for its peoples. Syria comes sharply to the top of our prayer list today with so many people killed and internally and

Care for Migrants and Refugees

Dec 3rd, 2013 3m 52s

3 December marks the Catholic Church's World Day of Migrants and Refugees. Today's #thought4advent comes from Bishop Patrick Lynch, the Chair of the Office for Migration Policy at the Bishops' Conference.

Wait Attentively for God

Dec 2nd, 2013 3m 15s

It's the first weekday of Advent and in today's reflection for our seasonal podcast series 'Thought for Advent', Dr James Hanvey SJ looks how Advent is a time to wait attentively for God. Recorded in the Holy Land.

Walk in the Light of the Lord

Dec 1st, 2013 6m 44s

In this reflection, for the First Sunday of Advent, Margaret Shepherd, a Sister of Our Lady of Sion, looks at the day's readings and encourages us to walk in the light of Christ.

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