Advent

Welcome to Advent!

Many people spend the time leading up to Christmas feeling overwhelmed, stressed, and stuck.  

Yuk!  That's not the right way to do Advent.

Here's a 2 minute recap of what Advent is:  VIDEO

This year, do Advent a better way.  

We encourage you to add one or more of these opportunities to your Advent:

  • Worship - Attend Mass on the Holy Day of Obligation - Immaculate Conception or a devotion.
  • Penance - Prepare the way of the Lord in your heart by attending an area penance service.
  • Service - Give generously during this season by getting involved in a service project.
  • Devotion - Take time each day / week to focus on the coming of the Lord by subscribing to a daily/weekly devotion.
  • Formation - Learn about your faith with fellow parishioners or independently.

 More information and links can be found below for each item. 

Worship

Spend some special time with Jesus in Mass or Devotions.

Immaculate Conception -  Join us for Reconciliation and Mass on Dec. 7 (vigil) & Dec. 8 - a HOLY DAY OF OBLIGATION

1st Friday Holy Hour -  Every 1st Friday of the month, we set aside an hour for evening prayer and adoration. 

1st Saturday Devotion - Every 1st Saturday of the month, we set aside a day for adoration. 

Exposition & Benediction worship aid:  Exposition & Benediction

7 Biblical Reasons for spending One Hour with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament:  7 Reasons for Adoration

3rd Sunday Rosary - Every 3rd weekend of the month, the Knights of Columbus lead us in the rosary 30 minutes before each weekend Mass.

 

Penance Services

Reconcile your relationship with God this Advent:

St. Cecilia's penance service is 6:30 pm on Thursday, Dec. 13.

There are many other penance services in the area:  PENANCE SERVICES.

 

Service Projects:

Get involved in these service projects:

CHRISTMAS CAROLS - Join us for caroling on Sun. Dec. 17.  Meet at the FLC at 1:15 pm.

CHRISTMAS CRIB - Purchase baby items for A Beacon of Light Pregnancy Center.

 

Online Devotions

We also encourage you to sign up for one of these online devotions:

FORMED - Use this interactive calendar to enjoy FREE content for ALL ages.  AND enjoy the 2 new Advent series and last year's Brother Francis series as well:

ROOTED: Rediscover the Jesse Tree this Advent - This new 22-episode series guides Catholics through a daily Advent reflection using the Jesse Tree model traditionally practiced by families.  Each 7-minute episode introduces the ancestors of Jesus Christ, shares a Scripture passage, and offers and engaging, practical reflection.

DRAWING CLOSER TO GOD: A Catholic Art Show for Kids - Join art teach Ms. Kim as she teaches children to draw different scenes from the Christmas story.  With compelling storytelling, Ms. Kim points out key details from Scripture and Catholic tradition.  As kids follow along, they see the connections between the big picture of God's story and their place within it.

BROTHER FRANCIS:  THE DAYS OF ADVENT - Join Brother Francis as he leads kids on a daily journey in this special season celebrating the coming of the Lord!  In addition to daily video reflections with Brother Francis, FORMED provides a guide for parents to walk with their children through Advent.

ADVENT ADVENTURE - Holy Heroes provides fun, faithful, and free activities for kids and families for every day during Advent.

BEST ADVENT EVER - Discover what the radical and relevant wisdom of Jesus can mean for your Christmas…and the rest of your life.  Sign up for Dynamic Catholic's Advent online devotion.

SHINING LIGHT TO THE WORLD - "My Daily Visitor" invites you to pray and reflect with their daily Advent video reflection from Fr. Patrick Mary Briscoe, OP.

LOYOLA PRESS: Advent and Christmas resources and activities for the whole family from Loyola Press.

 

Formation

Spend some time learning about your faith this Advent:

FORMED - Use this interactive calendar to enjoy FREE content for ALL ages.  

RENEW - Join us as we read and discuss the readings for each Sunday.

ADVENT - Learn about the Liturgical Year and Advent.

FORGIVEN - Learn about the transforming power of Confession.

 

We recommend you to slow down and enjoy the Advent & Christmas content on FORMED.org.

(This app is FREE for our parishioners!)