Last evening, I took my 6th graders to church for an Advent Reconciliation service which turned out nicely. Here are some observations: Our DRE, Arlene, has been out tending to her husband who has had some serious health issues (but appears to be on the mend, thank you, Jesus) so we gathered in church with a bit of uncertainty as to how to proceed. Quite understandable, given the circumstances, and quite manageable. The kids’ biggest […]
This past Monday turned out to be a very prayerful evening and a good way to begin Advent with my 6th graders! We met in church for the Advent Prayer Service which I put together a couple of years ago. I love when the bell ringers (hand chimes) call the assembly to order by slowing walking down the aisle and sounding their chimes. It really creates a sense of reverence and all the kids quieted down beautifully. […]
This evening’s session will be an Advent Prayer Service in the Church and my guess is that by the time all is said and done, it’ll be at least 45 minutes before we get back to the class room. This, of course, does not leave me with too much time, so instead of trying to cram in a lesson on the Old Testament, I plan to spend the remainder of time focusing on Advent. I […]
One of the lines I miss most from the Mass (in the wake of the Third Edition of the Roman Missal) is “we wait in joyful hope for the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ.” I love the concept of waiting in joyful hope and I believe that is what is at the heart of Advent. This hope is joyful because it’s not just wishful thinking; it is confident hope. We confidently hope in the […]
This Sunday, we celebrate the beginning of a new liturgical year with the First Sunday of Advent. This is one of my favorite seasons of the year because it calls us to renew our hope. Christian hope is not some random wishful thinking. It is the anticipation of something that we KNOW is coming and that something (someone) is Jesus Christ who comes to us in history, in mystery, and in majesty. Here are links to […]
Here is a very helpful Advent/Christmas Calendar that is very appropriate for grown ups…it includes very substantive information and background as well as links to more resources when you click on each day’s link. This comes to us from the Institute for Christian Formation. Advent/Christmas Calendar: Year of Grace 2013
Preparing for Advent during October? Really? Really! This is the perfect time to begin thinking about Advent which is just 6 weeks away! Beginning Monday, October 22, a new resource will be available that you’ll find especially helpful: How are you preparing your faith community for Advent? How are you preparing yourself? Faith formation leaders across the country answered these questions in anticipation of the joyful season of Advent. All next week, Catholic Faith Formation’s Facebook […]
In this segment of Catechists in Action, we see 7th grade catechist Dan Ward talking to his class about Advent and the introduction of the Roman Missal changes. Watch for the following as Dan… directs the young people to open their text books and look at the liturgical calendar talks about Advent as the beginning of the Church’s new year asks the young people about their experience of the changes in the Mass invites a […]
With the wonderful season of Advent upon us, I thought it would be good to share some links to some great Advent resources. If you have some great Advent resources you’d like to pass along, pass ’em along! Advent Activities (Classroom, Family, Parish) Jesse Tree Adent Calendar for Adults Advent Calendar for Children Prayers for Advent An Advent Retreat An Online Advent Calendar Calendario Adviento para Niños USCCB Advent Resources Jesse Tree Ornaments Jesse Tree […]
In just a few short weeks, we will begin using the Third Edition of the Roman Missal. I do hope that you’ve taken advantage of the number of resources I’ve made available over these past few months! Here are a few more resources: A 4-page blessing/prayer service outside Mass done by LTP based on the Book of Blessings: Blessing of Missal. A blessing from the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops. It is for use on the First […]
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