We hope to provide you with resources and prayerful opportunities to help grow your relationship with Christ. Advent is a time of waiting and anticipation. It is a season that reminds us to slow down and to spend time in prayer and reflection. As you journey through the Advent season, please know you and your guests are welcome at any of the offerings listed. If you have any questions, please contact the Parish Offices at 522-3342.
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 17th – 7:00pm @ Cathedral
ONLINE RESOURCES
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 Advent 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 BOOKS
Jesus of Nazareth, the Infancy Narratives by Pope Benedict XVI
Pope benedict focuses exclusively on the Gospel accounts of Jesus’ life as a child. The root of these stories is the experience of hope found in the birth of Jesus and the affirmations of surrender and service embodied in his parents, Joseph and Mary.
Joy to the World: How Christ’s Coming Changed Everything (and Still Does) by Scott Hahn
What could be more familiar than the Christmas story — and yet what could be more extraordinary? The cast of characters is strange and exotic: shepherds and magicians, an emperor and a despot, angels, and a baby who is Almighty God. The strangeness calls for an explanation, and this book provides it by examining the characters and the story in light of the biblical and historical context.
Advent and Christmas; Wisdom from Henri J.M. Nouwen
This book is designed to be used during the entire period from the First Sunday of Advent to the end of the Christmas season. Reflections begin with the words of Nouwen, followed by an excerpt from scripture related to the quote and then a prayer timing both together. Finally, an activity is suggested for applying the message.
Advent Meditations with Fulton J Sheen
Drawn from Archbishop’s best-selling books, theses reflections are eloquent quotes paired with beautiful Scriptures on the themes of the season; patience, waiting, gift, hope, humility, joy and more.
Advent and Christmas: Wisdom from Pope John Paul II
Designed like the Nouwen book, we read and reflect on selections from the Holy Father’s talks and statements followed by scripture, prayer and a suggestion for an appropriate seasonal activity