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Advent is the time of preparation for the coming of Christ at Christmas. It is also the start of the liturgical year in the Roman Catholic Church. Find out more about this season, once known as the "little Lent," and incorporate traditional practices into your observance of Advent.
Scripture Readings for the First Week of Advent
An excellent way to focus our thoughts and deepen our understanding of the meaning of Advent is to turn to the Bible. In the Office of the Readings, part of the Liturgy of the Hours, the official prayer of the Church, the Church turns to the Old Testament book of the Prophet Isaiah for passages that are appropriate to every day of the Advent season.
Scripture Reading for the Second Week of Advent
An excellent way to focus our thoughts and deepen our understanding of the meaning of Advent is to turn to the Bible. In the Office of the Readings, part of the Liturgy of the Hours, the official prayer of the Church, the Church turns to the Old Testament book of the Prophet Isaiah for passages that are appropriate to every day of the Advent season. These readings are for the second week of Advent.
Scripture Reading for the Third Week of Advent
An excellent way to focus our thoughts and deepen our understanding of the meaning of Advent is to turn to the Bible. In the Office of the Readings, part of the Liturgy of the Hours, the official prayer of the Church, the Church turns to the Old Testament book of the Prophet Isaiah for passages that are appropriate to every day of the Advent season. These readings are for the third week of Advent.
Scripture Readings for the Fourth Week of Advent
An excellent way to focus our thoughts and deepen our understanding of the meaning of Advent is to turn to the Bible. In the Office of the Readings, part of the Liturgy of the Hours, the official prayer of the Church, the Church turns to the Old Testament book of the Prophet Isaiah for passages that are appropriate to every day of the Advent season.
Advent Scripture Readings for December 17 through December 24
An excellent way to focus our thoughts and deepen our understanding of the meaning of Advent is to turn to the Bible. In the Office of the Readings, part of the Liturgy of the Hours, the official prayer of the Church, the Church turns to the Old Testament book of the Prophet Isaiah for passages that are appropriate to every day of the Advent season. These readings are for December 17 through December 24.
Bless an Advent Wreath
The Advent wreath is a popular Advent custom that originated in Germany. Find out how to bless the Advent wreath at the beginning of Advent.
Advent Wreath Prayer for the First Week of Advent
In our prayer for the Advent wreath for the first week of Advent, we ask Christ to come, to set us free from our sins and from the punishment that we deserve. He is our salvation.
Advent Wreath Prayer for the Second Week of Advent
In this prayer for the Advent wreath for the second week of Advent, we ask Christ to move us to action, so that we can prepare ourselves for His coming at Christmas.
Advent Wreath Prayer for the Third Week of Advent
In the prayer for the Advent wreath for the third week of Advent, we anticipate Christmas, and so we ask Christ to grant us His grace that we might be prepared for welcoming His Birth.
Advent Wreath Prayer for the Fourth Week of Advent
In our Advent wreath prayer for the fourth and final week of Advent, we ask Christ to forgive us for our sins and, through His grace, to create us anew when He comes.
Catholic Liturgical Calendar for Advent 2007
Advent, the beginning of the liturgical year in the Catholic Church, is a time of preparation for the coming of Christ at Christmas. Advent begins four Sundays before Christmas. The following is a list of the dates of the Sundays and major feast days that fall in Advent 2007.
Catholic Liturgical Calendar for Advent 2008
Advent, the beginning of the liturgical year in the Catholic Church, is a time of preparation for the coming of Christ at Christmas. Advent begins four Sundays before Christmas. The following is a list of the dates of the Sundays and major feast days that fall in Advent 2008.
Catholic Liturgical Calendar for Advent 2009
Advent, the beginning of the liturgical year in the Catholic Church, is a time of preparation for the coming of Christ at Christmas. Advent begins four Sundays before Christmas. The following is a list of the dates of the Sundays and major feast days that fall in Advent 2009.
Catholic Liturgical Calendar for Advent 2010
Advent, the beginning of the liturgical year in the Catholic Church, is a time of preparation for the coming of Christ at Christmas. Advent begins four Sundays before Christmas. The following is a list of the dates of the Sundays and major feast days that fall in Advent 2010.
Catholic Liturgical Calendar for Advent 2011
Advent, the beginning of the liturgical year in the Catholic Church, is a time of preparation for the coming of Christ at Christmas. Advent begins four Sundays before Christmas. The following is a list of the dates of the Sundays and major feast days that fall in Advent 2011.

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