Seasonal Resources |
| The season of Advent is a time of expectant waiting and a time of preparation. The beginning of the liturgical year, Advent is the season that includes the four Sundays and weekdays leading up to Christmas. The liturgical color for Advent is purple, a color that signifies that it is a time of waiting and preparation. There are many ways individuals and families can enter into the season of Advent and there are many common and familiar practices that can help us experience the fullness of the Advent season. |
| Holiday Mass Schedule Making plans for the holiday season? Be sure to add our Mass times in your calendar! See Mass times for Advent and Christmas seasons on this schedule! We hope you and your family will join us for these special celebrations! |
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| Advent Activity Booklet Click the image to the right of this text for an Advent Activity Booklet. Print it out for your family for some ideas and ways to celebrate Advent and Christmas! |
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| Advent Giving Tree: November 24 – December 17 Our Advent Giving Tree will be located near the front entrance of the church. Ornaments will be on the tree November 24 – December 17. Gift items benefit Beech Street Elementary School and Girls Inc. Gift Cards benefit our parish outreach (food pantry & community center). Gift items are due no later than December 17th and should be placed under the tree. Gift cards should be placed in the offertory collection or may be dropped off at our parish office. Questions? Contact Kate at kate.mcgrath@st-raphael-parish.org. Please return gifts and gift cards with giving tree ornament attached!! |
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| C21 Advent: Drawing God for Advent, Idea Kit Here is a resource from the Church in the 21st Century Center at Boston College with creative ideas for celebrating the Advent season. |
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| Advent Wreath Blessing: Traditionally, Advent wreaths have four candles, each marking the four weeks of Advent (three purple and one rose). The lighting of the candles symbolizes the hope of the Lord’s coming into the world at Christmas, and the anticipation of his second coming at the end of time. Advent Wreath Blessings are available in this prayer guide for you to download and print. Use this at home to mark the four weeks of the Advent season! |
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| Advent Calendar: One common practice individuals and families have is keeping an Advent Calendar. From the chocolate-filled Advent calendars to online Advent calendars, they help us look forward to what is coming and help us prepare for the season of Christmas. Check out our interactive online calendar that has recipes, family-friendly activities, music, and seasonal resources available each day throughout Advent! |
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Nativity Scenes:
Another tradition in many homes is setting up a nativity scene. Passed down from one generation to the next, nativity scenes become beloved pieces to display year after year. For the younger members of your family, check out this 3D-printable nativity scene from the McGrath Institute for Church Life. Once colored, the 12 nativity figurines included fold to stand on their own. This diy nativity scene is a great way to teach children about the seasons of Advent and Christmas! |
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| Advent Music: Instead of Christmas music right after Thanksgiving, tune into our Advent playlist on spotify! |
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| Online Resources: There are many online resources about the Advent season. See the following for some of our favorites!
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