Advent Calendar Challenge 2024
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“To you, O Lord, I lift my soul.
Your ways, O LORD, make known to me;
teach me your paths,
Guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my savior,
and for you I wait all the day.”-Psalm 25
Join us at the Advent Parish Mission on Sunday, December 1st at 7pm in the church. Led by Father Paul, receive peace, comfort and joy as we prepare for the busy Christmas season.
ALTERNATIVE FOR CHILDREN & HOMEBOUND
This week, ask someone who attended the Advent Parish Mission about what message resonated with them as we head towards the Christmas season. -
Sending Christmas cards is a great way to let someone know how much you think of them and care. When filling out your Christmas cards add the residents at The Residence at Saint Peter's to your list, or a neighbor who wouldn't expect it.
“Brothers and sisters:
May the Lord make you increase and abound in love
for one another and for all,
just as we have for you,
so as to strengthen your hearts,
to be blameless in holiness before our God and Father
at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his holy ones. Amen.Finally, brothers and sisters,
we earnestly ask and exhort you in the Lord Jesus that,
as you received from us
how you should conduct yourselves to please God
and as you are conducting yourselves
you do so even more.
For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus.”-1 Thes 3:12—4:2
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Do you have a favorite Advent song? If you do, share it with a friend or family member. If you don't, listen to some Advent music and enter into the season!
Need a place to start? Here are some YouTube playlists of Advent songs:
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During Advent and the Christmas season we see many angels on cards, decorations, and wrapping paper.
When we see them in this way do we wonder about the miracle of Luke 1:26?
“In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary"
Do we stop to think of the enormity of Matthew 1:20-21?
“...the angel of the Lord* appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus,* because he will save his people from their sins.”
Angels are a part of our daily lives they protect us, guide us, help us heal. During Advent, in this season of angelic anticipation, take a moment to pray to your guardian angel in peace, in hope, in holiness, in love.
Did you know there are three angelic hierarchies, each with three choirs of angels? According to St. Thomas Aquinas angelic hierarchy is structured in this order:
Seraphim
Cherubim
Thrones
Dominions
Virtues
Powers
Principalities
Archangels
Angels
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In this season of giving, take the opportunity to intentionally share something good with someone else today. Maybe it's sharing the yummy snack mom packed in your lunchbox, or sharing treats at the Ladies' Christmas Tea. Maybe it's sharing a story or insight about yourself with a friend or family member, which you'd normally keep to yourself. Maybe it's signing up to help host a Community Saturday or Community Sunday. Maybe it's sharing a train seat instead of sitting at the end, or giving up the better parking spot for someone who seems more eager. And there's always sharing your gratitude, confessions and everyday thoughts with our Lord.
“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”
- Hebrews 13:16 -
Make a moment of peace in your week by spending some time with our Lord through the Blessed Sacrament. It's like your own personal FaceTime session with God. Come by for Eucharistic Adoration on Friday, December 6th anytime following the 9am Mass until 3pm in the chapel. Whether you pop in for 5 minutes or spend an hour, may you find comfort, connection and centeredness with Christ as we journey towards Christmas.
ALTERNATIVE FOR HOMEBOUND & YOUNG KIDS
Virtually join an online perpetual Eucharistic Adoration livestream to pray with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. -
What do Catholics believe? The Nicene Creed summarizes some of our most important beliefs. Take a moment to pray the it and if there is something that resonates with you, ask God to give you a better understanding and stronger faith.
I believe in one God,
the Father almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
of all things visible and invisible.I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ,
the Only Begotten Son of God,
born of the Father before all ages.
God from God,
Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father;
through him all things were made.
For us men and for our salvation
he came down from heaven,
and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary,
and became man.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate,
he suffered death and was buried,
and rose again on the third day
in accordance with the Scriptures.
He ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead
and his kingdom will have no end.I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son,
who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified,
who has spoken through the prophets.I believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church.
I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins
and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead
and the life of the world to come.Amen.
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As we prepare for the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, take a moment to think about a prayer you hold dear in your heart and ask Mary to intercede for you. End with a Hail Mary trusting that her Son will listen to your prayer.
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you;
blessed are you among women,
and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
pray for us sinners
now and at the hour of our death.
Amen. -
Take a few minutes to listen to "Hail Mary, Full of Grace" by the Notre Dame Magnificat Choir. While listening, meditate on what it means for Mary to be full of grace, without the stain of original sin.
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Make some special plans with someone important in your life — a dear friend, your children, your spouse, your parent, your grandparent, a classmate, someone close who you've lost connection with... Plan something fun to do together!
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As we continue our journey through Advent, let us take a few minutes to pray this simple prayer from Henri Nouwen.
Lord Jesus,
Master of both the light and the darkness,
send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas.
We who have so much to do and seek quiet spaces
to hear your voice each day,
We who are anxious over many things look forward
to your coming among us.
We who are blessed in so many ways long
for the complete joy of your kingdom.
We whose hearts are heavy seek
the joy of your presence.
We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light.
To you we say, “Come Lord Jesus!’
Amen. -
Every family has traditions that are important to them — especially around the holidays. Take a few minutes to think of how your family has celebrated the holidays over the years. What are your favorite memories? What traditions have developed over time? How will your family continue these traditions this year?
Take a moment to share your fond memories with those who have made Christmas so special. What a blessing it is to have family traditions!
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As Advent is a season of preparation, and Friday is the typical day of fasting within the Church, choose something to fast from today and offer it up. Give up red meat, social media, caffeine, cursing, all drinks besides water, desserts, etc., as an act of preparation and purification. Learning to wait well and patiently is difficult, but let us in this Advent season prepare our hearts for the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
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Today we challenge you to take a few minutes to think about what the Cross means to you. Then, think about why would Jesus die on the cross, and how can this be a sacrifice and an act of love?
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Bring a non-perishable food item to the St. Peter's Food Pantry bin in the Gathering Space which will contribute to making holiday meals and treats special for local families in need.
ALTERNATIVE FOR THE HOMEBOUND
Make a donation to a local home shelter, food pantry, or the Center for Food Action. -
Pick out a wholesome Christmas movie to watch sometime this week. Better yet, plan to watch it with friends or as a family movie night!
You might consider:
A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
A Christmas Carol (various adaptations)
Angela’s Christmas (2018— Netflix)
Dr. Seuss’ the Grinch (2018)
Klaus (2019)
Little Women (1994 & 2019)
It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
Miracle on 34th Street (1947 & 1994)
The Bells of St. Mary’s (1945)
The Family Stone (2005)
The Little Drummer Boy (1968)
The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
The Nativity Story (2006)
The Star (2017)
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We all have those moments when we can't help feeling heated about someone else — that driver who cut you off, the fellow shopper with a sour attitude, the classmate who wouldn't share, a neighbor who oversteps, a coworker who doesn't give credit, a friend or family member who doesn't always see eye-to-eye... Today, try to see that person through God's eyes, and pray for them.
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Take a break and treat yourself to a rest in the peaceful environment of silence and song, candlelight and stillness, prayer and contemplation. Encounter God through the quieting, mystical experience of our Advent Taizé Prayer Service on Wednesday, December 18th at 7pm in the Church.
ALTERNATIVE FOR CHILDREN & HOMEBOUND
Enjoy an Advent Taizé Prayer service video online, such as this one from St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. -
What's one way we get others to think about the real reason for the season? Nativity scenes! Today we challenge you to remind others what Christmas is all about by sharing a nativity. You could share a photo of your nativity on Instagram, create a nativity scene with your kids, take a walk with a friend to St. Peter's nativity scene, write a Christmas card with nativity scene artwork — be as creative as you'd like!
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It's Friday and Christmas is near! Time to take a break from your Christmas preparations and treat yourself to a cup of coffee, tea or hot cocoa and one of those delicious cookies you may have baked earlier this week. Find a comfy seat and ready yourself for Christmas by reading today's Gospel, Luke 1:26-38:
In the sixth month,
the angel Gabriel was sent from God
to a town of Galilee called Nazareth,
to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph,
of the house of David,
and the virgin's name was Mary.
And coming to her, he said,
"Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you."
But she was greatly troubled at what was said
and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.
Then the angel said to her,
"Do not be afraid, Mary,
for you have found favor with God.
Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son,
and you shall name him Jesus.
He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High,
and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father,
and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever,
and of his Kingdom there will be no end."
But Mary said to the angel,
"How can this be,
since I have no relations with a man?"
And the angel said to her in reply,
"The Holy Spirit will come upon you,
and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.
Therefore the child to be born
will be called holy, the Son of God.
And behold, Elizabeth, your relative,
has also conceived a son in her old age,
and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren;
for nothing will be impossible for God."
Mary said, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord.
May it be done to me according to your word."
Then the angel departed from her. -
Today when you're driving around the busy streets clogged with extra holiday traffic, take the extra time stuck at a light to say a prayer for someone you think needs it, and while you're at it, maybe let someone out of a side street trying to make a left turn onto Kinderkamack or another busy road 😉
ALTERNATIVE FOR CHILDREN, HOMEBOUND, ETC.
Today, say a prayer for drivers on the road to practice safety, patience and kindness towards one another. -
They feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, shelter the homeless, visit the sick, visit the imprisoned and bury the dead. They baptize us, confirm us, and enable forgiveness of our sins.
Pray for our priests and thank them the next time you see them.
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Notice those around you whose spirits seem low. Maybe it's someone you've never said hi to even though they seem lonely. Maybe it's a stranger who's clearly having a bad day. Maybe it's a friend or family member going through a tough time. Help lift someone's spirit through greeting them with kindness and care.
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
- 1 Thessalonians 5:11 -
The frenzy of decorating and shopping and gift wrapping and baking and all those things we do to make Christmas so special is finally coming to its end. On this final day of Advent, your challenge is to keep Christ at the center of all your Christmas festivities. Attend a Christmas Eve Mass of your choosing, and let it be known — or better yet, perhaps invite someone to join you who otherwise wouldn't attend.
Christmas Eve Mass Times at St. Peter's (at least one will be livestreamed):
4:30pm (with 4pm Children’s Choir program)
7pm
10pm (with 9:30pm Carols & Adult Choir)
“Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.”
- Matthew 18:19-20