Advent begins this year on Sunday, November 29. Most Catholics know that Advent involves a wreath with candles in purple and pink, a calendar (possibly containing chocolates) and the untangling of Christmas lights. But Advent is so much more.
This season, experience the anticipation of the birth of our Lord into the World through convenient online mini-retreats, inspiring teachings and faith sharing with Parish friends. Pick and choose any or all of the holy days leading up to and beyond Christmas Day in our Parish “mission”.
Give yourself the gift of time, personal reflection and a Spirit of community. Though Christ has already come into the world, the Church invites us to renew our desire for the Lord more deeply into our lives. Join us. See our calendar of experiences for a Parish-wide “Mission” to welcome Jesus into your heart. Please RSVP for the session that you’re able to attend. Session links will be sent closer to the date.
Advent Mission Schedule:
Sunday 11/29 at 1:30pm – Zoom – Advent Wreath Making with Merry (registration for this event is closed)
Tuesday 12/1 at 7-8:30pm – Zoom – Advent: Why Begin with “The End”? with Leah Harris
The Season of Advent is designed to be a time of fine-tuning our Christian attitude of hopeful, joyful watching. While the darker days of winter and social distancing continues to encourage sluggishness, the Sunday readings for Week One and Two of Advent call us to be alert to both the end and the beginning. Why does that seem out of order? How do we come to grips with readings of doom and fear when we just want to get excited about Jesus’ birth? Jesus says, “Don’t be caught sleeping!”
Thursday 12/3 @ 7-8:30pm – Zoom – Advent: The Annunciation with Fr. Rene’ Lopez, PSS, guest scripture scholar
In these difficult times, Mary’s response to the announcement made by the angel Gabriel provides us with a model for discernment. God is present in the life and history of every person. It is possible to recognize his action and commit our freedom to his plan.
Monday 12/7 @ 7-8:30pm – Zoom – Advent: Gazing at Jesus through Mary’s Eyes with Linda Cunha-Ricchio
Tuesday 12/15 @ 7-8:30pm – Zoom – Advent: The Infancy Narratives with Fr. Ritche Bueza
Join us on December 15th at 7pm as Fr. Ritche Bueza, Holy Spirit Pastor, leads us into a prayerful contemplation of the Infancy Narratives in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke (why not Mark and John too?) Learn, pray and share with us! (You do not need to have attended previous sessions). All are welcome. Please register for Zoom Link.
Sunday 12/20 @ 2-3:30pm – Zoom – Mission Finale: The Incarnation with Fr. Rene’ Lopez, PSS
In the Incarnation, God has visited his people and set them free (the Song of Zechariah). He visits not to be hosted by us, but to invite us to a life of freedom, joy, and peace – to share in the life of God himself. All creation is gifted with “God-towardness” and God has undoubtedly “us-towardness” that leads to the divinity to spill out in the Incarnation and the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Tuesday, 12/29@ 7pm – Zoom – The Three Kings
In the quiet days after December 25th, embrace the peace offered by the continuing Christmas Season. Join us at 7pm on 12/29 for prayer and reflection as the story continues as the Three Kings travel from afar, guided by a brilliant star , bearing precious gifts to honor the newborn “kind of the Jews”. John McCarthy, parishioner and spiritual director, will lead us with the Magi in adoring Jesus.
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