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Beginning the Church’s liturgical year, Advent (from, “ad-venire” in Latin or “to come to”) is the season encompassing the four Sundays (and weekdays) leading up to the celebration of Christmas.
The Advent season is a time of preparation that directs our hearts and minds to Christ’s second coming at the end of time and also to the anniversary of the Lord’s birth on Christmas. The final days of Advent, from December 17 to December 24, focus particularly on our preparation for the celebrations of the Nativity of our Lord (Christmas).
Join us throughout Advent for the following:
FREE Gift for all families! Don’t forget to pick up this great devotional!
Pick up an Advent Booklet as you leave this weekend, November 30 & December 1. This is a gift from the parish to each family as you journey through the Advent Season. Please take one booklet per family so there are enough for everyone! Thank you!
Advent EVENING OF PRAYER AND FELLOWSHIP
It’s with much joy that we invite you to join us in a wonderful event to kick off the Advent Season as a parish family. Hallow, the #1 Catholic prayer app. The event occurs on Friday, December 6th at 6 PM in The Parish Life Center. Be sure to download the Hallow app (free to download) so you can take part in the parish’s Advent Prayer Challenge. For more information contact Donna Scimeca at dscimeca@oviedocatholic.org or 407-365-3231 x121.
Click below to register online!
Spiritual Opportunities for Advent
Click Here are some events and activities you and your family can do this Advent season as we await the coming of the Lord.
A prayer resource from Ascension Press that offers daily reflections on the Sunday Mass readings that will help you enter more deeply into the season of Advent. Together with the weekly videos, this journal will help you to grow in your understanding and appreciation for the incredible gift of Christ’s Incarnation. As you slow down and meditate on the readings each week, you’ll find your experience of Advent transformed. By contemplating the coming of the Prince of Peace at Christmas, you’ll find your own heart filled with his peace and joy. Order your copy today at: https://ascensionpress.com/pages/advent-and-christmas?_pos=1&_sid=044296f0a&_ss=r
Through an exploration of the mystery of the Incarnation, the Virgin Birth, and the events surrounding the arrival of Jesus, this FORMED Advent study offers an opportunity to experience the joy of the true meaning of Christmas. Sign up for free at watch.formed.org/advent-1
Is your soul shining as brightly as you—and God—want it to?
Advent begins on Sunday, December 1, 2024! Join Matthew Kelly for an engaging and insightful BEST ADVENT EVER to help you avoid the things that can ruin your Christmas and focus on the things that lead to an amazing Christmas. Sign up today for free. To sign up go to:https://www.dynamiccatholic.com/advent/best-advent-ever.html
This Advent, meditate on the daily Gospel with Bishop Barron’s Advent Gospel Reflections. This book includes the Gospel passage for the day, a reflection by Bishop Barron, journaling space, and the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary. Order your free copy and just pay shipping at: https://books.wordonfire.org/advent-reflection-books-2024
Prepare for Advent on the Hallow app. This Advent, journey through the powerful writings of C.S. Lewis, author of the Chronicles of Narnia and one of the greatest Christian apologetics of all time, with daily readings, reflections, and meditations leading up to Christmas. Download the app for free from the app store or go to hallow.com for more information.
Also new this Advent, Kids’Advent challenge, Mary on the Mantel! Inspired by Be A Heart’s alternative to “Elf on the Shelf,” Mary will share how she was chosen by God, what a gift Jesus is to the world, and encourage children of all ages to pray with her.
The Advent Wreath’s Meaning
One of the most popular Christian symbols used in churches and family homes to celebrate the meaning of Advent is the Advent wreath. The Catholic Advent wreath has four candles (three purple and one rose) evenly spaced along a circle of evergreen branches. Each component of the Advent wreath has special meaning for Christians who use it as a part of their preparation for Christmas.
Advent devotions including the Advent wreath, remind us of the meaning of the season. Our Advent calendar above can help you fully enter into the season with daily activity and prayer suggestions to prepare you spiritually for the birth of Jesus Christ. More Advent resources are listed below. ( from usccb.org)
Advent Resources from usccb.org
(United States Conference of Catholic Bishops)
