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 adventus 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. In 2024, Advent begins on December 1 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 Tuesday, any Mass celebrated after 3 PM that day  must be the Vigil Mass for Christmas (Christmas Eve Mass).

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

Community and Family Prayer