Advent
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What is Advent?
Advent is the Catholic liturgical season of preparation leading up to Christmas Day. The word advent is derived from the Latin word adventus, which means coming. During Advent we anticipate the coming of Jesus as a baby. It’s a penitential time full of reflection, excitement, and hope as we prepare to celebrate his birth.
When Does Advent Begin?
Advent officially begins four Sundays before Christmas and ends on December 24. It marks the beginning of the Catholic Church’s liturgical calendar year. This year Advent begins on Sunday, December 3, 2023. Christmas Eve is the Fourth Sunday of Advent, with Christmas falling on a Monday. Four weeks isn't long, but that still leaves plenty of time to spend some quiet time preparing for Jesus’ coming.
Is Christmas Day a Holy Day of Obligation in 2023?
Holy Days of Obligation are days Catholics should attend Mass and do their best to avoid unnecessary work. All Sundays and other important feast days, like Christmas, are Holy Days of Obligation. To fulfill this requirement Catholics can attend a vigil the evening before or a day of Mass.
Christmas falls on a Monday in 2023. This means that a vigil Mass on Saturday, December 23 or a morning Mass on Sunday, December 24 fulfills the Fourth Sunday of Advent obligation. A vigil Mass on Sunday, December 24 or Mass on Christmas Day fulfills the Holy Day obligation.
The Mass is essential to Catholic spirituality. Holy Days of Obligation, sometimes jokingly referred to as Holy Days of Opportunity, provide chances to deepen our faith and grow in our relationship with God through worship and reflection.
Download your Advent calendar:
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Advent Resources
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Advent Reflections by bishop barron
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Upcoming Liturgies
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December 8
Immaculate conception
We invite you to join us for Mass at 6:30 p.m. (bilingual) on Friday, December 8 for the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, holy day of obligation. Please note: Our parish office will be closed and we will not have Friday Adoration this day. -
December 12
Our Lady of Guadalupe CelebrationAll parishioners are invited to take part in the special activities planned here at St. Joseph in honor of the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe on Tuesday, December 12. We will have mañanitas, Mass, and more.
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December 14
Advent Penance SErvice
Our parish will have an Advent Penance Service on Thursday, December 14 beginning at 6 p.m. in the church. Before celebrating the Sacrament of Penance, one should prepare oneself with an examination of conscience, which involves reflecting prayerfully on one's thoughts, words, and deeds in order to identify any sins.There are various types of examinations of conscience but regardless of which one you use to prepare yourself for the Sacrament it should be rooted in Scripture; particularly, the Ten Commandments and Beatitudes.
Click for examples of Examinations of Conscience that can help you prepare for the Sacrament
