"Advent is a season of devout and joyful preparation for the coming of Jesus" - Fr. Mike Schmitz
Many families and countries have different ideas and traditions on how to celebrate Advent versus Christmas. For example, some do not listen to any Christmas carols until Christmas Eve, in order to make sure that Advent celebrations don’t become Christmas celebrations.
But this doesn’t mean you have to pass up every Christmas party invitation you receive to make sure you are celebrating Advent properly! Instead, remember to keep the spirit of Advent in everything you do until Christmas Eve. This means having a spirit of hopeful longing, joyful expectation, prayerful penance, and spiritual preparation.
But this doesn’t mean you have to pass up every Christmas party invitation you receive to make sure you are celebrating Advent properly! Instead, remember to keep the spirit of Advent in everything you do until Christmas Eve. This means having a spirit of hopeful longing, joyful expectation, prayerful penance, and spiritual preparation.
To help us with our Advent spiritual preparation and prayerful penance, Eucharistic Adoration and the Sacrament of Reconciliation will be available at Holy Spirit on Wednesdays December 9, 16 & 23
from 5:30-6:30 PM.
Dec
12
Advent/Christmas
Trivia Night-Open to All Parishioners
Saturday, December 12 at 7:00 PM via zoom.
What's Fr. Tom's favorite
Christmas cookie? Which saint is believed to have set up the first nativity
scene? Name that tune: What song contains the line "that mourns in lowly
exile here?" Families can form their own teams, or get to know other
parishioners by being assigned to a team on Saturday night.
Zoom link will be sent to
those who RSVP Yes or Maybe.
Are you going?
Yes
No
Maybe
going.
not going.
might be going.
As we prepare to enter the second week of Advent, we are asked to prepare the way for Christ with a focus on Peace. The peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Phil. 4:7) In what ways can you encourage others to experience the peace of God? How can you be a peace maker-- in your family, with friends, in your community, and in our world?
Advent Wreath Prayer
Week # 2: Peace
Light the second purple candle on your Advent wreath, and pray:
"Lord God, may the light of this wreath be a sign of peace and tolerance to all people, who prepare for your coming. Let the truth of your Word lead us all toward your kingdom, for which we long. We ask it in the name of the one born in Bethlehem, Jesus our Lord. Amen"
Advent Calendars
There are a couple of Advent calendars offered, one is from the Catholic Health Association. It offers reflections from the perspective of caring for others. It includes short video reflections and a children's corner. The other calendar has activities for younger and older children as well as family activities. It is .looktohimandberadiant.com.
Advent Project:
Our Lady of Guadalupe Free Clinic
Holy Spirit has chosen Our Lady of Guadalupe Free Clinic (OLGFC) as the focus of our Advent project. Please pray for the clinic's patients, volunteers, and providers, especially during this pandemic.
Please see the Holy Spirit parish website for more information on this project, including how to make donations.