Life is Advent
Begins Sunday, December 3 and ends on Sunday, December 24.
Advent is a period of holy and expectant delight. Advent means "coming," is a season of hope, love, joy, and peace that guides our hearts and minds to celebrate the birth of Jesus on Christmas and look to the end of time when Jesus will come again. It's a beautiful time of the year, one that is dear to us, vibrant and rich in memories and traditions, with sights, sounds, and smells all around that gladden one's spirit and inspire us on our Advent journey to encounter Jesus and be his disciples.
Advent
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Advent Reconciliation
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Parish OpportunitiesPrayers and Blessings |
Daily & Weekly ReadingsSlow down a bit, even for just 10 minutes a day to reflect on where Jesus is present on your path.
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Advent Candles
There are four candles in an Advent wreath, three purple and one pink. They represent the four weeks of preparation. As each candle is lit each week, we are reminded of the growing light of Christ's presence.
Week 1: HopeJesus is coming again. "Rejoice in your hope, be patient in tribulation." Hope responds to the aspiration to happiness which God has placed in the heart of every person. Open up your heart, relax, be positive and inspiring. Give words of encouragement. Help someone with a task that seems difficult to them. Send a get well card to someone that is ill. Express and nourish hope with prayer. Week 2: LoveMary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem. We rejoice in the endless love that God has for us, revealed in the birth of his Son. We love God above all things and our neighbor as ourselves for the love of God. Visit the homebound, bake cookies and share with your neighbors, take time to give your undivided attention to family members, include the poor in your gift-giving, tell your family you love them. Love is itself the fulfillment of all our works. |
Week 3: JoyWe are filled with joy for the near arrival of Jesus. How necessary it is to cultivate a spirit of joy. It is a psychological truth that the physical acts of reverence and devotion make one feel devout. Joy is contagious, and it is a call to the duty of delight. Smile, sing, celebrate with family and friends. Do your daily tasks cheerfully, always serve with a happy heart. Plan a fun activity to enjoy with your loved ones, create happy memories. Joy is a gift that the Holy Spirit grows in us as the first fruits of eternal glory. Week 4: Peace"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men of goodwill." We reflect on our lives and work on becoming better-versions-of-ourselves in preparation for Jesus' coming. Try to see things from another's point of view. Forgive and ask for forgiveness. Pray for those who trouble you. Show kindness to vulnerable people, speak out against prejudice and discrimination. Trust one another. We pray for the precious gift of peace and the grace of perseverance in expectation of Christ's return. |
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