The First Sunday of Advent

Amigos,

This Sunday marks the beginning of Advent (ad-venio in Latin or "to come to"). You will see some changes in Church this weekend. The first candle in the Advent wreath will be lit to mark the beginning of this holy season. Advent is the beginning of the Church's liturgical year. It is the season 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. Advent devotions remind us of the meaning of the season. Special Advent Devotions: the lighting of the Advent wreath; the Advent calendar helps remind us of the season with daily thoughts and activities; Advent prayers prepare us spiritually for the birth of Jesus Christ.

O come, desire of nations, bind
in one the hearts of humankind;
bid ev’ry sad division cease
and be thyself our Prince of peace.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
shall come to thee, O Israel.