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 1, 2024.
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December 2 & 3
Advent MissionPlease join us for our Advent Mission on Monday and Tuesday, December 2 & 3 in the church from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Our talk is “He is coming soon!” presented by Fr. Sergio Serrano, OP.
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December 4
Advent Penance SErvice
Our parish will have an Advent Penance Service on Wednesday, December 4 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
If you cannot attend our penance service, here are other parishes within our deanery that will also be offering penance services:
Georgetown/Round Rock Deanery
December 3, St. Helen, Georgetown, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
December 3, St. Helen, Georgetown, from 7 - 9 p.m.
December 4, St. Mary's Catholic School, Taylor from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
December 4, St. Joseph, Manor, from 6 - 8 p.m.
December 5, St. John Vianney, Round Rock, from 5 - 7 p.m.
December 10, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Taylor, from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
December 11, St. Mary of the Assumption, Taylor from 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
December 15, Holy Trinity, Corn Hill, 5 p.m.
December 17, St. Patrick, Hutto, from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
December 18, Sts. Syril and Methodius, Granger, 7 p.m.
December 19, St. Elizabeth, Pflugerville, 7 p.m.
December 20, St. William, Round Rock, from 1 - 6 p.m. -
Advent Resources
Download your Advent calendar: Advent Calendar
Children's Advent Calendar___ 
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Immaculate Conception 2024
Bishop Joe Vásquez dispenses the diocesan faithful from the obligation to attend Mass on Dec. 9, the Immaculate Conception: "This year the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, which would ordinarily be celebrated on December 8, is transferred to the following day, December 9, since December 8 will be dedicated to the Celebration of the Second Sunday of Advent.
"Considering the difficulties that may be posed to the faithful and to parishes by the obligation to attend Mass on two consecutive days, and considering also that many of the faithful will be engaged in celebrations of the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe on December 12, I hereby dispense the faithful of the Diocese of Austin from the obligation of attending Mass on December 9, 2024, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception."
Read Bishop's complete announcement HERE. -
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 Thursday, December 12.
