We personally invite you to review A Guide to Advent formation guide to supplement your Advent. This Advent resource was created by many across our Diocese; priests, religious, directors of ministry, Department of Communications and the Department for Evangelization team.
The focus is on prayer during Advent: Learn, Deepen & Lead.
Use this Advent Guide with parish groups, families, or colleagues
Introduction to Advent
What is Advent?
- The word Advent is from the Latin ad-venire for “coming” and is associated with the four weeks of preparation for Christmas. Advent begins on Sunday closest to November 30, Feast of St. Andrew the Apostle, and continues until December 24. This year Advent begins on November 30 and ends on December 24 (Christmas Eve) as the Mass of the Lord’s Nativity begins. Christmas day is December 25.
- Since Christmas Eve falls on a Wednesday, any Mass celebrated after 3 PM that day must be the Vigil Mass for Christmas (Christmas Eve Mass).
- Each Sunday of Advent has a liturgical theme focusing on virtues and qualities that serve to prepare us for the celebration of the Nativity on Christmas. These themes are represented by the four candles on the Advent wreath.
- First Sunday: HOPE – Reflecting on the hope of Christ’s coming, past and future, and God’s promises of redemption.
- Second Sunday: PEACE – Embracing the peace that Christ brings into the world and seeking peace within our hearts and relationships.
- Third Sunday: JOY – Rejoicing in the anticipation of Jesus’ arrival, especially celebrated on the third Sunday (Gaudete Sunday- Pink Candle).
- Fourth Sunday: LOVE – Remembering God’s love for humanity in sending his Son and reflecting that love to others.
- Each Sunday of Advent has a liturgical theme focusing on virtues and qualities that serve to prepare us for the celebration of the Nativity on Christmas. These themes are represented by the four candles on the Advent wreath.
- Advent Calendar (USCCB)
Click here for original source.
Advent Prayer &
Reflections
It can be challenging to figure out ways to slow down and focus on the beauty of Advent amid the rush of the secular version of the Christmas season. This season of Advent, we invite you to Learn, Deepen or Lead prayers as you prepare your faith journey to Christmas. Below you’ll find links to prayers and other spiritual nourishment to guide you through Advent and beyond as well as some fun and beautiful ways to celebrate the weeks leading up to Christmas.
Self-guided Prayers and Resources
LEARN
What are we preparing for this Advent?
Catholic Prayers – Learn How to Pray the Hail Mary,
Read the Daily Readings,
Rosary how-to
Adoration how-to
Bible in a year
Hallow APP-Free Trial
LEAD
For Small Groups: Justice-Centered Advent Series
Lectio Divina
A Different Kind of Advent: Introduction to Sunday Reflections- Renewal & Restoration Advent 1 Advent 2 Advent 3 Advent 4