NDCYS launches a FREE Advent resource

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As Advent arrives swiftly this year, much like a fleeting moment in our busy lives, a group of 25 young people aged 14-18 gathered at The Briars Retreat this weekend to intentionally step into the season's sacred mystery. Amid the rush of holiday preparations, the retreat offered a vital pause, inviting participants to explore Advent's Scripture readings with renewed hope and expectancy.

The event marked the official start of Advent for these teens, providing an immersive experience focused on the season's themes of anticipation and spiritual preparation. Organisers emphasised that every retreat at The Briars is the fruit of deep prayer, careful reflection, and thoughtful planning.

This Advent retreat introduced participants to a specially crafted journal, designed as both a companion for the retreat and a guide for the weeks ahead. Through guided sessions, the youths were introduced to the ancient practice of lectio divina—Latin for "holy reading"—a method of prayerful engagement with Scripture that fosters personal encounter with God. The journal includes selected readings, reflections, and simple instructions to help continue this practice throughout Advent, turning daily devotion into a habit of the heart.

In a generous extension of the retreat's spirit, the NDCYS is making the journal available as a free gift to youth—and even adults eager to join in the journey. For more details on obtaining the Advent journal or upcoming retreats, visit the NDCYS page: https://www.ndcys.com/advent2025/#