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Journey with us to the manger.
"Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life."
This Advent, we're inviting you to stop. To not get caught up in the anxieties of daily life to the point where your heart becomes drowsy and you lose sight of the goal of this busy season. But it is a busy season, and we know you may not find the time you need at home or at work.
Instead of adding one more thing to your December to-do list, we're simply asking you to come to Mass. Come to Mass every Sunday, just like you would anyway, but treat each of the four Sundays of Advent as a retreat. Notice the music that calms your mind as you enter the Church. Notice the pauses for reflection as you pray through the Mass. Hear the readings from Scripture. Every Mass prepares us for Jesus's return, and at every Mass, we receive Him and His peace in the Eucharist.
Click here for this Sunday's readings.
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"There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars."
It's Week One of our parish Advent retreat, and the focus is on creation. During Advent, we prepare our hearts for the coming of our Savior, but what did He come to save? Remember that God created everything good. All creation is made to glorify God!
This week, take a couple minutes to do nothing but contemplate something in Creation.
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Questions for Reflection
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What in the universe fills you with wonder and awe? What does it reveal about the Creator?
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When did you last delight in a particular aspect of creation? What was it, and what did it tell you about God?
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What in creation most clearly speaks about God? What does it say?
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Looking for more chant?
We're playing soft Gregorian chant prior to Mass throughout the Advent season. If you enjoy this sort of music, check out the playlist we are using!
Gregorian Chant (album by the Monks of the Abbey of Notre Dame)What about Christmas Carols?
Christmas carols are great--and proper to the Christmas season! Try listening to Advent-themed music in these weeks of preparation and then bring out the carols on December 25th!
If you're not sure what "Advent music" is, here are some recommendations! Notice the focus on anticipation and preparation as we approach the Christmas season.
The Advent of Christmas (album by Matt Maher)
Advent at Ephesus (album by Benedictines of Mary
The Oh Hello's Family Christmas album
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Thank you to Acts XXIXWe are drawing from Acts XXIX's Advent Guide this season. Among other ministries, Acts XXIX has produced the Rescue Project. After three successful Rescue Project sessions at St. Monica, we are incorporating this Advent guide to allow our whole parish to experience benefits from this program. Click here to learn more about the Acts XXIX .
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