Advent

Beyond the glittering lights and festive decorations, the holy season of Advent is a time to prepare our hearts and homes to welcome the birth of Jesus Christ. In the midst of the hustle and bustle, there are numerous activities that families can engage in to make this season more meaningful and spiritually enriching.   Advent wreath lighting A beautiful tradition during Advent is the lighting of the Advent wreath. Each Sunday leading up to Christmas, a new candle is lit, symbolizing hope, peace, joy, and love. Our family gathers around the wreath in the ev...

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Celebrate with us! The Feast Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe Tuesday, 12 December 2023 Cathedral of St. Patrick 213 Broadway, Norwich, CT 6:30pm Bilingual Rosary 7:00pm Eucharistic Celebration (Bilingual) The Most Rev. Michael R. Cote Bishop of Norwich Principal Celebrant Please join us as together we honor Our Lady and ask her intercession for those who cannot speak for themselves: the unborn, the poor, the marginalized, and those overwhelmed by despair. Fiesta following the liturgical celebration. A free-will offering will be asked to cover the cost o...

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Holiday Greetings from the Communications Office!     In 2023, the world commemorates the 800th anniversary of a timeless Christmas tradition— the Nativity scene, or Christmas crèche. In the year 1223, St. Francis of Assisi brought the Nativity to life in Greccio, Italy. This historic event marked a pivotal moment, as St. Francis created a tangible representation of the birth of Jesus Christ, emphasizing the humility and simplicity of the moment.   As we celebrate this 800th anniversary, the Nativity scene remains a cheris...

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An Advent Family Blessing   In the name of the father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit…   Loving Father,   We ask that you bless this family and all the families who are faithfully trying to build your Kingdom here on earth.    Help them know and experience your love through their interactions with one another.  In turn help them share that love with the people who come into their lives every day searching for hope and peace.   Help them to exemplify the virtues of the Holy Family and never lo...

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Blessing of a Christmas Tree   The day after Thanksgiving, many people eagerly embrace the tradition of setting up Christmas trees. Families gather to transform their homes into festive wonderlands, adorned with twinkling lights, ornaments, and cherished decorations. The scent of pine and the glow of holiday lights permeate homes, contributing to the joyous anticipation of the Advent season.    The use of the Christmas tree is relatively modern. Its origins are found in the medieval mystery plays that depicted the tree of paradise and th...

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“Beloved, now is the acceptable time spoken of by the Spirit, the day of salvation, peace and reconciliation: the great season of Advent. This is the time eagerly awaited by the patriarchs and prophets, the time that holy Simeon rejoiced to see.” - St. Charles Borromeo                                 December 3rd marks the beginning of the Advent season. As Advent approaches, we as Catholics eagerly anticipate the spiritual journey leading to Chr...

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The word “Advent” derives from the Latin adventus, meaning “coming.” During Advent, we await the anniversary of Jesus’ coming in human flesh as a baby born to Mary. We also wait vigilantly for the second coming of Christ, who could arrive at our doorstep at any moment. Because we “do not know when the lord of the house is coming,” we are asked to stay awake and alert spiritually. (Mk 13:35)    Advent helps us “prepare the way.” (Is 40:3)   Advent is an official part of our Church calendar, but ...

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