Why Do Catholics Have a Tradition of Making & Lighting an Advent Wreath?
The Advent wreath is part of our long-standing Catholic tradition. However, the actual origins are uncertain. There is evidence of pre-Christian Germanic peoples using wreaths with lit candles during the cold and dark December days, as a sign of hope in the future warm and extended-sunlight days of Spring.
By the middle Ages, the Christians adapted this tradition and used Advent wreaths as part of their spiritual preparation for Christmas. After all, Christ is “the Light that came into the world” to dispel the darkness of sin and to radiate the truth and love of God (John 3:19-21). By 1600, both Catholics and Lutherans had more formal practices surrounding the Advent wreath.
The symbolism of the Advent wreath is beautiful. The wreath is made of various evergreens, signifying continuous life. The circle of the wreath, which has no beginning or end, symbolizes the eternity of God, the immortality of the soul, and the everlasting life found in Christ.
The four candles represent the four weeks of Advent. Three candles are purple and one is rose. The purple candles in symbolize the prayer, penance and goods works undertaken at this time. The rose candle is lit on the third Sunday, Gaudete Sunday, the Sunday of rejoicing. The progressive lighting of the candles symbolizes the expectation and hope surrounding our Lord’s first coming into the world and the anticipation of his second coming to judge the living and the dead.
The light signifies Christ, the Light of the world. In family practice, the Advent wreath is most appropriately lit at dinner time after the blessing of the food. Since Advent is a time to stir up our faith in the Lord, the wreath and its prayers provide us a way to augment this special preparation for Christmas. This tradition helps us to remain vigilant in our homes and not lose sight of the true meaning of Christmas. Please join us on Sunday, November 29 at 6 pm on Zoom. Sign up here.
Cedar House Retreat
Fr. Francis invites all of us to participate in a 26-day joy-filled free digital retreat led by Cardinal-elect Raniero Cantalamessa & Chris Stefanick, starting November 29th. You may recognize Cardinal Cantalamessa from Alpha, and he has been the Official Preacher to the Papal Office since 1980. (So you know he's good :-). The "retreat" provides daily videos and reflections that fit into your busy day, and their focus is to help us learn how to have joy, no matter the circumstances of life. Fr. Francis and the Senior Leadership Team have committed to participating. Sign up here.
The Giving Tree
In past years, St. Josaphat parishioners and school families have generously participated in our annual Giving Tree, providing donations and gifts to local organizations and needy families at Christmastime. We support the families of St. Agatha (our sharing parish!), Marillac St. Vincent Services, the Courage Program and our own Don's Helping Hands ministry. This year we are also adding Wentworth Elementary School. We are determined to continue our tradition - but in a different way this year, to comply with coronavirus safety requirements. Instead of selecting a wish list tag off the tree in the back of church, you can select a recipient online. The link will be available on our website this weekend.
Little Blue Advent/Christmas Books
Reflections begin November 29, 2020, end January 10, 2021. Each Little Book has been carefully crafted to help you explore the depths of scripture and deepen your relationship with Christ. We have them available for you in our church, but if you are not attending in person, Little Books can be ordered directly from the website at littlebooks.org. You can also get all the seasonal books on the Little Books app on littlebooks.org/app.
Kolbe House
Have some extra Christmas cards at home? Or maybe pick up an extra box at the store. Perform a corporal work of mercy and give them to Fr. Francis who is collecting Christmas Cards and stamps for Kolbe House Jail Ministry. They are distributed to those imprisoned who are separated from their families and loved ones. Please drop off your cards and stamps at the back of church or at the parish office before Friday, December 18th.
Nativity Nights
Beginning December 1st, Nativity Nights are an opportunity for you to come and spend some time with Jesus in Eucharistic Adoration. The church will be open from 7 pm to 8 pm every Tuesday night leading up to Christmas. The Eucharist will be present on the altar in the monstrance surrounded by candlelight. The lights in the church will be dimmed and there will be Advent music playing in the background. It will be a wonderful atmosphere for you to come and spend some quiet time in prayer with our Lord. Fr. Francis will also be available for the sacrament of reconciliation if you would like to go.
Faith Sharing Groups
How can we stay connected with our faith and our faith community during these times of social distancing amid a pandemic? Join our Faith Sharing Groups on Zoom! We meet Tuesdays at 10 am for Breaking Open the Word and Wednesdays at 7 pm for Bible Study: The Book of Matthew. Invite a friend or two and sign up here!
Receive Weekly Advent Reflections from Seminarians
Prepare your heart for Christmas by receiving a weekly Gospel reflection throughout Advent written by seminarians from the Mundelein Seminary community. Sign up to receive reflections via email: https://usml.edu/advent-reflections/
