Make this Advent a time of renewal for you and your family.  Advent invites us to slow down, pray, and prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ. Here are simple ways to keep the season focused on Jesus:

Grow in Faith at Home

• Light your Advent wreath and offer a prayer together
• Pray a short Scripture verse each night
• Choose one charitable act each week as a family - Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy
• Attend a weekday Mass (9:00 AM – Tuesday through Saturday) or spend quiet time with the Lord during Wednesday Holy Hour (following the morning Mass until Benediction at 6:00 PM)

Invite Christ Into Your Christmas Traditions

• Bless your Nativity scene (link page 5) as you set it out 
• Bless your Christmas tree (link page 6-7) and ask God to fill your home with His joy
• Read the Nativity story together (for younger kids and for adults: Matthew 1:18-25 ) before opening gifts

Opportunities for Advent Giving
 Be a sign of Christ’s love to those in need:

• Support the Parish Giving Tree
• Donate to our food pantry collections
• Visit or call someone who is sick, homebound, or feeling alone this season

Return to God’s Mercy
 Confession is a beautiful way to prepare for Christ’s coming:

• Advent Confession times:  During Advent, we will have a communal Penance Service on Tuesday, December 9th from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm. There will not be a formal prayer service, but through the hour there will be over 10 priests available throughout the church to hear your confession. Please take advantage of this chance when we will have so many priests available to celebrate the Sacrament. Additionally, confession will be available: Every Saturday from 9:45 am to 10:30 am and 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm; Tuesday, December 23rd from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm.