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Lifelong Catechesis

Forming Catholic identity across generations
November 09, 2024
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Advent

The twofold character of Advent calls us to prepare for the remembering of the Word made Flesh at Christmas, and directs us to wait with alertness for Jesus’ second coming.

Activity of the Week

First Sunday of Advent

Choose one of the following activities as a way to further reflect on the Sunday readings:

  • As a family buy or create an Advent wreath. (You can create one using a foam ring and evergreen branches. Carve holes in the foam to fit four candles.) As you create or assemble it together, discuss the symbolism of the Advent wreath:
    • The circle reminds us of God’s everlasting presence among us.
    • The green of the evergreen symbolizes God’s promise of eternal life.
    • The four candles remind us of the weeks of preparation for the coming of Jesus.
    • The pink of the third candle is a sign of joy. It reminds us of the closeness of the Lord’s coming.
  • As a family, plan what you will do to be ready for the coming of Jesus. Ask each person to answer this question: “If we knew that Jesus was coming to our house to stay a few days, what would we do to get ready for him?”
  • Make or buy an Advent calendar to help your family prepare for Christmas. (To make one, use small sheets of scrap paper for each day. You might even use old Christmas cards or wrapping paper cut to size. On each sheet, draw a picture, find a magazine picture or write a message that will help the family prepare for the coming of Jesus. Roll each paper into a small scroll and tie it with a ribbon or string. Put the scrolls in a decorated basket and unroll one each day.)
  • Plan a family meal for each week of Advent, where you light the Advent wreath and mark the days that have passed on our journey to Christmas.