19 January 2026 · 2026-01 newsletter
On 7 December – the second Sunday of Advent – 15 women joined Sr M. Rita and myself for an Advent Journey, a young women’s retreat aimed at preparing the women’s hearts for the coming of Christ into the world at Christmas.
Blessed with mild overcast weather, the day began with a bush walk at the end of Fairlight Road. Starting at the Rock Lookout, overlooking the stunning Blue Mountains and Nepean River, we walked 2.5km in silence to Riley’s Lookout. Along the way, we stopped at particular checkpoints where there were various reflections, intended to reflect on the year that has been and to look forward to the birth of Christ and the New Year. Many women made the comment that the walk was well worth the reward of the views, and that the reflections along the way, together with the opportunity to be in nature, brought them closer to the presence of their Creator.
Lunch followed at ‘Bethany’ where we all enjoyed making our own wraps and sharing in wholesome conversations with one another.
To end the day, we made our way to the Shrine for a Holy Hour where a devotion to Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament was prayed, together with the singing of Advent hymns. The young women were also given the opportunity to write a letter to Baby Jesus for Christmas, noting their petitions, their thanksgivings and especially their striving for the rest of the Advent season.
Each participant was then invited to approach the altar where a little Baby Jesus was waiting to be received by them with open arms, together with a heart where Advent striving could be written and serve as a symbol of preparing a manger for the Christ child. Overall, the young women were most grateful to be able to take time out of what is usually a very busy time of year for what is always most important – God.
Sr M. Olivia Lukaszewicz
Filed underNewsletter · Youth