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Advent Parish Sessions

A collection of resources for parishes to use during the Advent Season.

Incarnation: God Among Us

The mystery of the Incarnation describes the awesome reality that God became one of us in order to show us how to live, to re-unite us with Him, and to share in our humanity!

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O Antiphons

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Advent: Clothed, Decked & Adorned • Faith Festivals

This is a 90-minute intergenerational session for Advent. The focus of the session is Isaiah 61:10, which is a verse from the second reading for the 3rd Sunday of Advent, Year B. The session may be used for Advent of any year, and it includes one take-home activity.

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Advent: The Messiah is Coming • Generations of Faith

Intergenerational Program

This learning session guides learners of all ages to develop a deeper understanding of Jesus the Messiah through the exploration of Advent readings and traditions.

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Advent Wreath-Making Session • Gather Us In

This activity is designed to encourage families to celebrate with Advent wreaths by giving them the opportunity to make them together. It will be necessary to have the families sign up in advance so that you will know how much material you will need. • By Kathleen O'Connell Chesto

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Jesse Tree Session • Gather Us In

A Jesse tree is a bare branch that holds symbols of all the people who waited and prepared for the coming of the Messiah. It is this love and preparation that make flowers burst forth from the branch, and this is why a stark branch, rather than an evergreen tree, is used. • By Kathleen O'Connell Chesto

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Walking to the Manger • Generations of Faith

Use this as an opening or closing prayer for a parish Advent gathering or around your family table.

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Jesus Through the Church Year • Generations of Faith

Experiencing Christ in the Advent & Christmas Seasons

In this all-ages session, participants will explore the "who" of Jesus through the Advent readings.

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Acting Out the Gospels

Advent & Christmas

Use the book Acting Out the Gospels by Mary Kathleen Glavich, SND, to dramatize the Infancy Narratives.

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My Gift for Jesus • Generations of Faith

Participants will reflect on giving the gift of themselves this Christmas.

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Advent & Christmas Stories • Generations of Faith

Revealing the Identity of Jesus

This small group session focuses on learning about Jesus through the readings of Advent and Christmas.

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Advent Calendar • Generations of Faith

Help participants prepare for the birth of the Messiah by creating an Advent calendar.

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Advent Film Festival • Generations of Faith

Sponsor a film festival using one or more Christmas feature films.

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Advent Music Festival • Generations of Faith

Use music to help prepare participants for the birth of the Messiah. You can use live or recorded music.

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Christmas Bookmark • Generations of Faith

Making Bible bookmarks for Christmas is an ideal project for younger children.

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Christmas Gift Giving • Generations of Faith

In this session, youth through adults will reflect on getting ready to celebrate Christmas and alternate gift-giving ideas.

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Christmas Greeting Cards • Generations of Faith

Help children make Christmas greeting cards as a way to express their love and care for others.

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Christmas Ornaments • Generations of Faith

Help children make Names of Jesus ornaments or Card Ornaments to get ready for the birth of Jesus.

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Journey Through Advent • Generations of Faith

Cycle A

A small group faith sharing resource based on the Advent readings from Cycle A.

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Journey Through Advent • Generations of Faith

Cycle B

A small group faith sharing resource based on the Advent readings from Cycle B.

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Journey Through Advent • Generations of Faith

Cycle C

A small group faith sharing resource based on the Advent readings from Cycle C.

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Becoming Community • FIRE

John the Baptist

The purpose of this session is to deepen participants' understanding of the person and mission of John the Baptist. Unique among the prophets, he was called both to tell it like it is and like it could be. He prepared the way for Jesus, as each of us is called to prepare the reign of God. • By Kathleen O'Connell Chesto

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Preparing in Advent • First Steps for Families

Help parents and children explore the meaning of Advent and how we can prepare well for Christmas.

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Preparing for Christmas Faith Festival • Faith Festivals

This Faith Festival is designed to help households be mindful as they prepare for Christmas by getting hearts and minds focused on the real celebration! • By Jane Angha

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Prepare the Way: John the Baptist Faith Festival • Faith Festivals

This Faith Festival is designed to engage participants in the spirit of preparation for the Lord that John the Baptist exemplifies each Advent season. • By Jim Merhaut

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Season of Light Faith Festival • Faith Festivals

This 90-minute faith festival engages families and all parishioners in exploring how they can be the light of Christ during the Advent season. • By Jim Merhaut

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