unday, December 3, marked the beginning of Advent, the four-week liturgical season preceding Christmas. During Advent, the Church prepares to celebrate the birth of Christ while also anticipating his second coming. The First Sunday of Advent is also the first day of the new liturgical year.
Advent has a two-fold character:
1 - as a season to prepare for Christmas when Christ's first coming to us is remembered; and
2 - as a season when that remembrance directs our mind and heart to await Christ's second coming at the end of time.
Advent, thus, is a period of devout and joyful expectation.
Liturgies during the final week of Advent focus on the approaching birth of Christ, with the role of the Blessed Mother receiving special emphasis. The observation of a preparatory season prior to the celebration of Christmas dates back to the fourth century.
The Feast of the Immaculate Conception will be celebrated on Friday, December 8. The Immaculate Conception is the belief that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was graced by God in such a way that she was preserved from sin from the first moment of her existence.
Visit these resources for more information about Advent and suggestions on how to celebrate the season.
Archbishop Dolan's Advent Letter
Archbishop Dolan's 2006 Advent Messages - Audio Links
Advent and Christmas Activities in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee
Archbishop Dolan's Christmas 2006 Messages - Audio Links
Archdiocese of Milwaukee Parishes
Find a Mass in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee
Advent Traditions
Archdiocese of Milwaukee Adult & Family Ministry Office Advent Resources
Christmas Blessings
Advent/Christmas Books
Waiting for Jesus in a Hurry Up World
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