Liturgical Calendar

Overview

Christmas

Sisters of the Holy Family 2012 Reflections:

• January 1, 2012 Mary, Mother of God

Advent

Beginning the Church's liturgical year, Advent (meaning, "ad-venio in Latin or "to come to") is the season leading up to the celebration of Christmas. The Advent season is a time of preparation that directs our hearts and minds to Christ’s second coming at the end of time and also to the anniversary of the Lord’s birth on Christmas. Advent devotions remind us of the meaning of the season. Special Advent devotions include the lighting of the Advent wreath; the Advent calendar which helps remind us of the season with daily thoughts and activities; Advent prayers that prepare us spiritually for the birth of Jesus Christ. 

Sisters of the Holy Family Advent 2011 Reflections:

• December 19, 2011: Monday of the Fourth Week of Advent
• Sister Gladys’ Reflection for the Third Sunday of Advent
• Reflections on the liturgical readings for the Second Sunday of Advent 2011
• 1st Sunday of Advent Reflections, by Sister Carol Crater, SHF

You find links for daily Advent activities, prayers or reflections on the USCCB's general calendar and links to other Advent resources below.

Advent Resources:

• About Advent Wreaths

• Blessing of an Advent Wreath

• Blessing of a Christmas Tree

• Blessing of a Christmas Manger or Nativity Scene

• Excerpts from Pope Benedict XVI's Spiritual Thoughts Series: Christmas

• The "O Antiphons" of Advent

• Additional Advent Links & Resources on our Calendar

Vocations 

Vocation Prayer.pdf – suitable for printing, bookmark style.