An Advent message from Fr. House to help us prepare for this holy season!
Schedule of Events
Novena in Honor of the Immaculate Conception
Beginning December 1st thru December 9th, the Cathedral will host the annual diocesan novena in honor of the Immaculate Conception, patroness of the United States, our diocese, and the Cathedral Parish. Each night a different preacher will offer a homily on a different aspect of Marian theology and devotion. The novena is moved one day this year because December 8th falls on the Second Sunday of Advent resulting in the transfer of the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception to December 9th.
December 1st thru 8th - 7:00PM; Last Night and Closing Mass, December 9th – 5:15PM @ Cathedral
Advent Lunch and Learn
St Joseph Worker parish in Chatham hosts an Advent Lunch & Learn that consists of a simple soup/bread/etc. lunch followed by a series of Advent reflections on the Tuesdays prior to Christmas. This year, Fr. Dominic Rankin will speak about the three gifts of the magi; gold, frankincense, and myrrh
December 3, 10, 17 – 12:05, O’Hara Hall
Rorate Coeli Mass
Join us on Saturday, December 14th at 7am for Cathedral's first Rorate Coeli candlelit Mass in honor of Our Lady during Advent. The Rorate Mass is lit only by candlelight. In the dimly lit setting, priests and faithful prepare to honor the light of the world who is soon to be born, and offer praise to God for the gift of Our Lady. As the Mass proceeds and sunrise approaches, the church becomes progressively brighter, illuminated by the sun as our Faith is illuminated by Christ. All are welcome to join us for this special Mass!
Springfield Choral Society Presents “Messiah”*
The Cathedral is thrilled to once again host the Springfield Choral Society’s presentation of Handel’s “Messiah.” This is a ticketed event. Tickets are available through the Springfield Choral Society or at the door the evening of the performance.
Saturday, December 14th - 7:30PM @ Cathedral
Advent Lessons and Carols
On the evening of Gaudete Sunday, in the holy season of Advent, join Mark Gifford and the Cathedral Choir for an evening of Scripture, music, and prayer as we reflect on the two promised comings of Christ.
Sunday, December 15th - 7:00PM @ Cathedral
Late Advent Holy Hour
Enjoy the peace and quiet during this prayerful hour spent before the Lord.
Tuesday, December 17 - 7:00pm @ Cathedral
Resources for Advent
The Adventure of Discipleship
Sacred Heart Major Seminary is offering a free, short, interactive online course based on Dr. Daniel Keating’s new book, “The Adventure of Discipleship.” Dr. Keating invites you to look at your Christian journey as an adventure that far surpasses other adventure stories. Dynamic and engaging, each week of the course features short videos, film clips from epic adventures such as Lord of the Rings, scriptural meditations, interactive learning activities and online discussion. Starting December 1st, register at shms.edu
Rejoice! Advent Preparations with Joseph or Rejoice! Advent Preparations with Mary
Rejoice! Advent Meditations with Joseph is a prayer resource with daily meditations that will enrich your Advent by inviting you to experience the first Advent with Joseph and Mary, as they await the birth of their son, the Savior of the world. Together with the guided meditation videos, this journal calls you daily to see through Joseph’s eyes, feel what is in Joseph’s heart, and read the Scripture that Joseph read, so you can fully prepare to welcome Jesus into your heart this Christmas. Presented by Fr. Toups, Sister Miriam Heidland, and Fr. Josh Johnson.
The Rejoice! Advent Meditations with Mary Journal not only lets you walk beside Mary during the first Advent, but also lets you get to know her in a way you haven’t before.
Rejoice! offers more than insights and information about Mary’s life—it offers an opportunity for you to encounter Mary in the quiet of your heart.
Go to ascentionpress.com for more information and to watch an introductory video and order the book or journal.
Advent Gospel Reflections
This year's Advent Gospel Reflection booklets contain brand new reflections from Bishop Barron, the full Gospel reading for each day, questions for reflection and even journal pages.
It's short, simple, but extremely powerful. It's like getting a mini-homily each morning from Bishop Barron.
Go to bishopbarronbooks.com to purchase a booklet.
Best Advet Ever
A great Christmas begins with an incredible Advent.
Every day during Advent, you’ll receive an email with a short video from Matthew Kelly and the Dynamic Catholic team. It’s free and easy to sign up.
Go to dynamiccatholic.com to sign up
Finding God in Unexpected Places
A free daily email featuring a short and inspiring Advent video reflection on a work of art from the Detroit Institute of Arts by Fr. John Bartunek, LC. Each daily 1-minute video is designed to help you know the happiness and joy of discovering the presence of God in unexpected places of your daily life and to help others around you do the same.
Go to rcspirituality.org/advent-2019/
DAILY PRAYER BOOKS – Paper copy and Online versions
Give Us This Day
Request a free copy at giveusthisday.org
Magnificat
Subscribe at bookstore.magnificat.net
The Word Among Us
Subscribe or get a free online trial at wau.org/subscribe/
Advent Reflections
Videos and reflections for the Season of Advent coming soon!