MISSION statement:

We are a group of Catholics, some of whom are ordained, brought together by our love of Christ's Church and our anxiety about its future. Still inspired by the Second Vatican Council, we want to contribute fully to the life of our Church so that we may be a more effective sign of the Kingdom of God. To do this, we believe that an atmosphere of openness and dialogue both with each other and with our church leadership needs developing. Accordingly, we aim to supply channels of free and frank communication. We desire to help create a climate of trust and respect for all where this dialogue may be fostered.

THEOLOGY statement:

ACTA is a movement built from below by clergy and laity alike in every diocese in England and Wales. It exists to give those people an effective voice. It is an instrument to establish and promote space for a trusting dialogue within a hierarchically structured people’s Church.
 
ACTA believes that the reforms of the Second Vatican Council are the only way forward for mission to modern society. It is not a small chapel of selected followers; it believes in the Church as a “big tent”, with open doors. As a free and representative association of believers, it seeks to liberate the expertise in the ranks, so as to bring added energy and witness to the Church in the world.

Four Haikus for Advent, a journey of anticipation

Written by: Chris McDonnell

La Croix International

Four Haikus for Advent, a journey of anticipation

Advent through poetry: Reflecting on the journey of anticipation and preparation leading to Christ’s birth, these short verses capture the season of waiting, the hardship of travel, the warmth of light in darkness, and the sacred moment of Christ’s arrival on earth.

 

By Chris McDonnell 

Haiku, a Japanese poetry structure of 17 syllables arranged in three lines, is a short, poetic form that captures moments in nature, emotions, or experiences. It evokes a sense of simplicity, mindfulness, and reflection. Here are four haikus for Advent, set within a brief commentary.

 

Advent 1 

Fog found Autumn days

 

in chill expectation

 

of the Lord's Advent 

 

Advent in the Northern Hemisphere is associated with the onset of winter, frost, and dark evenings. It is the precursor of the mid-winter solstice, which the Western church adopted to celebrate the Nativity of Christ. Advent is a time of preparation.

 

Further reading: The experience of hope

Advent 2 

Days of waiting

 

In anticipation of the birth

 

Of him who comes.  

 

Augustus called for a census, and each family had to return to their own place to be counted. Mary, well on with her pregnancy, traveled with Joseph to their hometown of Bethlehem. It wasn’t an easy journey, Mary on the back of a donkey, led by her husband Joseph.             

 

Further reading: Advent journey

Advent 3

Four flames shape my song

 

that this very earth must sing

 

fire in the desert. 

 

Distant townhouse lights fleck the sand, and the chatter of the travelers fills the air as they journey through difficult country, step by step and week by week, hoping to find somewhere to rest for the night. They are offered straw in the stables, which they share with the animals and gladly accept.    

 

Further reading: Advent resolution

Advent 4

Touch again the stones

 

that your open hands wear smooth

 

each silent morning.

 

There, the Christ child is born amid the bales of hay to lay his head on his mother’s breast and cry his first tears of life. Later, he was presented in the temple, then lost for 30 years until he called a group of men to follow him as they walked along the smooth stones of Galilee.

 

Chris McDonnell is a retired headteacher from England and a regular contributor to La Croix International.