Collections for Advent

These prayers, faithful translations of the Latin Collects, or opening prayers, may be said every evening when the Advent wreath is lit.

First Week

Stir up thy power, O Lord, and come, that by thy protection we may be rescued from the dangers that beset us through our sins; and be a Redeemer to deliver us; Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Sp[rit, ever one God, world without end. Amen.

In English-speaking countries, this Sunday was called "Stirrup Sunday", because the "stir-up" of the Collect was the signal to begin to "stir-up" the fruits for the baking of Christmas cakes and puddings.

Second Week

Stir up our hearts, O Lord, to prepare the paths of thine Only-begotten Son: that we may worthily serve thee with hearts purified by His coming: Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit, ever one God, world without end. Amen.

Third Week

We beseech thee to listen to our prayers, O Lord, and by the grace of thy coming enlighten our darkened minds: Thou who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.

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On the third Sunday in Advent, Gaudete Sunday, the Church can no longer contain her joyful longing for the coming of the Savior. We light the rose candle and rejoice that our redemption is so close at hand. Gaudete comes from the Latin Antiphon, which begins, "Gaudete in Domino semper: iterum dico, gaudete.." [Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say, rejoice...]. On this day, rose-colored vestments are worn, and flowers may decorate the chancel of the church.

Fourth Week

Pour forth thy power, O Lord, and come: Assist us by that mighty power, so that by thy grace and merciful kindness we may swiftly receive the salvation that our sins impede: Who livest and reignest with thee in the unity of the Holy Spirit, ever one God, world without end. Amen.

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Advent & Christmas 2023

Begins Sunday December 3, 2023

Ends on Sunday December 24, 2023

"And the angel answered her, 'The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God.'"

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Christ the King

Sunday, November 26, 2023

Christ the King Day is a Catholic celebration that takes place on the last Sunday of the liturgical year in the Catholic faith. continue reading

Advent 2023 starts on Sunday December 3, 2023

Advent starts four Sundays before Christmas every year.

Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary
[holy day of obligation]

Friday December 8, 2023

Blessed Virgin Mary in the first instance of her conception, by a singular privilege and grace granted by God, in view of the merits of Jesus Christ, ... continue reading

Advent 2023 ends on Sunday December 24, 2023

Advent ends on Christmas Eve, the day before Christmas, every year.

Christmas
Birth of Our Lord Jesus
[holy day of obligation]

Monday December 25, 2023

Christmas is an annual festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. continue reading

The Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God
[holy day of obligation]

Monday January 1, 2023

The Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God is a feast day of the Blessed Virgin Mary under the aspect of her motherhood of Jesus Christ. continue reading

Epiphany

Saturday January 6, 2023

The Epiphany signifies the visitation of the Biblical Magi to the Baby Jesus. continue reading

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Advent Reflections

Reflection for every day of Advent

Advent is a period of waiting, like Lent. We are called to obtain the Sacrament of Reconciliation, to pray and fast, as we await the arrival of our ... continue reading

Advent Calendar

Every day of Advent

An Advent calendar has become a tradition for many families when celebrating Advent and the Christmas season. continue reading

Advent Candle

24 Days of December

An Advent candle is a neat way to mark off the days until Christmas. Such candles are commonly found in churches and sometimes in homes. continue reading

Advent Wreath

Each Sunday of Advent

The wreath's symbolism of the advent (coming) of Light into the world is clear. The gradual lighting of the four candles, one on each Sunday of the ... continue reading

Advent & Christmas Classes

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You’re joining our global classroom. Thousands of students from all over the world, each with their own unique story, learn at their own pace on ... continue reading

Advent & Christmas PDFs

FREE - Printable - Catholic

Free Advent & Christmas PDFs for anyone, anywhere; Use in your Parish Church - School - Bulletin Inserts. continue reading

Christmas Gifts

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Make This Christmas Special with Gifts from Catholic Online Shopping. continue reading

Nativity Scene

Holy Family

The Nativity Scene is a meaningful expression for our religious faith. With it, we provide a captivating visual focus during the Christmas season. continue reading

St. Nicholas

December 6th

The true story of Santa Claus begins with Saint Nicholas. continue reading

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Advent? What is it all about

The word Advent derives from the Latin word meaning coming. The Lord is coming. We may reflect that every year at this time we celebrate his coming... continue reading

More Advent

Why is it Important
Advent Conversion
Advent Prayers
Advent Reflections
An Advent Search for God
Collections for Advent
Divine Preparations
The Lord Will Come
Time for Preparation
What the Catechism says

The Christmas Story

To become the mother of the Savior, Mary "was enriched by God with gifts appropriate to such a role." The angel Gabriel at the moment of... continue reading

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O Antiphons
Last Eight Days
12 Days of Christmas
Origin of 12 Days
The Epiphany
Christmas Prayers
The Manger and the Cross
Christmas Cookies
A Blessed Christmas
The Christmas Gift

Advent Daily Readings

The weeks of Advent remind us to set aside some of the hectic business of the holiday season, and to quietly reflect on the promise of the baby... continue reading

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Mother of our Lord
Jesus Family Tree
About Isaiah
Christmas Gift Guide

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Mary Speaks From the Heart
A Young Mother Gives Birth
Mary Remembers
A Life of 'Yes'
Jesus’ Mother is Our Mother

A Birth Foretold
The Witnesses Gather
The Plan Unfolds
Redeemer in the Womb
The Real Christmas Gift

Ideas to Make Your Christmas Special
Traditions From Around The World
Christmas Quotes
How to Handle Christmas Stress

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Feast of the Epiphany - A Sunday Letter by Deacon Keith Fournier

My friends, brothers, and sisters in the Lord,On Sunday January 7, 2024 in the United States and many other Nations, we celebrate the Feast ... continue reading

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The Deacon Saint Stephen the Proto-Martyr is a Model for all Christians

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St. Benedict Door Hang 15% off

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Love is Born on Christmas Morn, and the World is Born Anew Watch

The Gospel passages proclaimed at the Vigil and the Midnight Mass of Christmas root the Nativity of the Lord, in the family history and ... continue reading

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5 Ways to keep Jesus in your Christmas celebrations this year

Christmas is a magical time of year when decorations line the streets, children are suddenly behaving and the Post Office struggles to keep ... continue reading

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Advent Reflection - Day 22- The Fourth Sunday of Advent Watch

Advent Reflection - Day 22 - The Fourth Sunday of Advent  This is the last day of this year's Advent preparations. Tonight, we greet the ... continue reading

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Advent Reflection - Day 21 - The Third Saturday of Advent Watch

Advent Reflection - Day 21 - The Third Saturday of Advent Within Mary's womb, our Savior stirs. The moment is near! The Holy Family turns ... continue reading

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