St. Patrick Catholic High School Theology Newsletter – December 2018
Beginning the Church’s liturgical year, Advent (from, “ad-venire” in Latin or “to come to”), is the season encompassing the four Sundays (and weekdays) leading up to the celebration of Christmas.
Since the 900s, Advent has been considered the beginning of the Church year. This does not mean that Advent is the most important time of the year. Easter has always had this honor.
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. The final days of Advent, from December 17 to December 24, focus particularly on our preparation for the celebrations of the Nativity of our Lord (Christmas).
“Advent is a journey towards Bethlehem. May we let ourselves be drawn by the Light of God made man.” – Pope Francis
Advent Family Ideas
- Shop for a Christmas present for a needy child.
- Family reading of the Christmas story from the Bible.
- Visit a home for the elderly and had out homemade treats.
- Make and decorate a birthday cake for Jesus.
- Visit friends’ houses to sing Christmas carols and hand out candy canes.
- Create and mail a Christmas card to a family member, friend, or soldier.
- As a family enjoy your favorite Christmas movie with some popcorn.
- Decorate your Christmas tree and arrange your family manger scene.
- Wear Santa hats and take some treats to your local pet shelter.
- Family bell ringing for the Salvation Army
- Visit a “live” Nativity scene or Christmas concert.
- Attend your parish Advent Reconciliation Service.
Email family photos from the Advent ideas to Mrs. Rosetti for our social media sites!
Read more in our December 2018 Theology Newsletter found below.
December 2018