Advent: A Time of Preparation

Advent, which comes from the Latin word for "arrival" or "coming," is a period of preparation for the birth of our Lord. Advent begins four Sundays before Christmas and is the start of the Christmas season, which lasts through the Baptism of Our Lord. 

The first Sunday of Advent, November 29th this year, also marks the beginning of the liturgical year, the Church's "New Year's Day," at which time we change the cycle of readings we are using at Mass.  We are now in Cycle C of our readings.

Advent is a time of joyous anticipation, but also of penance and preparation for the great Christmas feast. The liturgical colour of the season is purple, a sign of penance, which is also used during Lent.

In preparation for Christ's birth at Christmas we celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation on December 3th from 9:00am until 2:00pm.  Students and staff will have the opportunity to receive the grace that God's offers through this peace-filled Sacrament.

We often miss Advent's power because these December weeks are full of secular Christmas parties and preparations for Christmas.  Each year, the busyness of this season serves to distract us from having an Advent season that truly prepares us for the celebration of Christmas, with all its meaning. 

We pray...

Creator God in heaven, 

our hearts desire the warmth of your love 

and our minds are searching for the light of your Word.

Increase our longing for Christ our Saviour during this Advent Season 

And give us the strength to grow in love, 

that the dawn of his coming may find us rejoicing in his presence 

and welcoming the light of his truth. 

We pray that all our families find hope, love, joy and peace this holiday season.

We ask this through Christ our lord.  Amen.

Good Ste. Anne. Pray for Us.