BRIDGEPORT—The Leadership Institute of the Diocese of Bridgeport has created a poster, “ 25 ways to use the season of Advent, with all its waiting and hoping, to prepare for the coming of Christ at Christmas.”
The colorful poster is a great resource for families and parishes, and all those who wish to immerse themselves in this holy season in preparation for the joy of Christmas.
Click to download: 25 Ways to Use Advent for Christmas
During Advent, we’re invited to enter more frequently into silence, prayer and reflection, into Scripture, and into the sacramental life of the Church. In this season of waiting and longing the Church invites us to renew our desire for the Lord more deeply into our lives.
Dr. Patrick Donovan, Director of the Leadership Institute has also assembled a number of Advent Resources including readings and reflections, videos and other materials.
General
Some Advent Resources from the US Conference of Catholic Bishops
Advent calendar with readings and reflections for each day of the season, the Blessing of Advent Wreaths, of a Christmas Tree and Christmas Manger, Lectio Divina for Advent, Liturgical Notes on Advent, “The ‘O Antiphons’ of Advent, as well as a Family Advent Calendar for 2019.
Advent Resources from Loyola Press
General information about the Advent season, a retreat, activities suitable for different grade levels, and a video reflection on a work of art inspired by the Sunday Scriptures.
Seasonal Inspiration and Resources for Catholics
Including “Praying the O Antiphons”, “Sounds of Advent”, “Advent’s Quiet Grace”, “A Time for Watching & Waiting”, “Our Lady of Guadalupe”, along with a few items on celebrating St. Nicholas’ Day. Courtesy of Sadlier Religion.
Advent Conspiracy
A site dedicated to helping people avoid the consumerism of the Advent season and to focus on the true meaning of the season. A great video is embedded on the site that makes the point! Ecumenical.
How to Celebrate Las Posadas
A PDF file with instructions on how to celebrate the Mexican tradition of Las Posadas
The Returning
A video musical reflection on preparing for Jesus’ coming in glory. Suitable for teens through adults.
Jesse Tree reflections
Reflections on the Old Testament figures of the Jesse tree for each day of Advent. From Loyola Press.
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Family
Advent Activities from Catholic Catechist
Downloadable Advent prayers and activities for families and catechists of children.
Advent Prayers for Families
Download and print out a series of Advent Prayers for families from Sadlier Religion.
Actively Waiting for Advent – Free Prayer Packet
Free prayer resources from Joe Paprocki of Loyola Press
Celebrating Advent As A Family
This article is a great resource for family advent traditions
Teens
Advent for Teens
Reflections on the Four Weeks of Advent – Quick video reflections on the four weeks of Advent courtesy of St. Mary’s Press.
Advent in 2 Minutes
A quick, two-minute video from Busted Halo that explains why we celebrate Advent and wait to celebrate Christmas, courtesy of St. Mary’s Press.
Advent ideas and resources
St. Mary’s Press webpage with videos and suggestions for breaking open the Advent Season with teens.
Discovering St. Nicholas
A brief video from St. Mary’s Press with the story of St. Nicholas, the original Santa Claus.
Adults
Advent HD (Catholic Online via YouTube)
The word Advent comes from the Latin word meaning “coming”. The Lord is coming and we reflect during the Advent Season on his coming. This video from Catholic Online is a broad overview of the season’s background, symbolism, and traditions.
Making Advent a more holy season
A Catholic youth minister gives tips to make the season of Advent a more spiritual experience in this Catholic News Service video.
Bishop Robert Barron on the Spirituality of Advent
In this video from the series from Wordonfire.org, Bishop Barron explores the spirituality of the Advent season.
An online Advent Calendar for Adults
An Advent calendar just for adults! Click on each day for a reflection to nourish your Advent journey. From Loyola Press.
The Skit Guys – Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus
All of creation, all of God’s story, all of us, long for Christ’s coming. Watch this moving piece in art and song that illustrates how all of history culminates in the birth of Jesus. Music by Marcy Priest
