Advent Adult

Begins December 9th at 5PM and end December 11th at Noon
St. Joseph Retreat Center in Tipton

How do we enter into Advent?

It is during this time we realize that God became man.  The God who is bigger than the universe, time and space became an infant.  His birth was in humble grace, being born in a stable to poor parents and having to flee thier homeland. "God so loved the world he gave his only son..." So, why is advent penetential?  Because in remembering that he came once in humility we also remember than he promised to come again, at the end of time.  Matthew 25 is when Jesus said he would come again and how.  He will seperate the sheep from the goats while reminding us that we are called to take care of each other.  We are to care for the sick, the imprisoned, the broken hearted, the poor.  

At Christmas we discover that true joy is in giving, not receiving.  Throuout Advent we remember those who are less fortunate than ourselves.  We remember that every gift we have is a gift from God, therefore we give in abundance to those who need it.  Not everything is material gifts, there is also the beauty of spirtual gifts that we can share.  Prayers, offering up our suffering, and acts of penance offered for others.

The Corporal and Spiritual gifts are wonderful acts to focus on during Advent.  I would recommend watching the movie "Little Boy" if you want to learn more about human dignity, faith and how powerful God can be when we let Him work through us.

REJOICE: A free online study for small groups or individuals: Rejoice program for Advent: 

To watch it online click here.

Ascension is also offering a live event to go with this study that you can do as a family:

Jesse Tree Devotional Book and Ornaments can be ordered here.

Gift Basket Meditations
The Sunday of Advent we will give gifts to our parishioners to help them pray and meditate through Advent by

• The Little Blue Book
• Magnificat Advent Companion
• Ignite Family program for a Journey through Advent & Christmas
• December Magnificat
• Advent Newsletter with SLDM Calendar