Introduction
Advent is the season that prepares us for Christmas. It is a season of hope and of longing, of joyful expectation and of peaceful preparation. Advent is that time of the year when we look forward in eager anticipation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus, who is true God and true Man. His arrival changed the world forever; it is God’s greatest gift to his people. Through the message of John the Baptist, the ministry of the angels, the obedience of Mary and St Joseph, the joy of the shepherds, the adoration of the magi and the expectation of Elizabeth and Zechariah we pray and enter more deeply into the events of the Saviour’s birth.
Bishop John is encouraging us to pray at home. May our homes be places where we meet Jesus at this time. We hope these resources will help sustain your prayer life this Advent.
Advent is the season that prepares us for Christmas. It is a season of hope and of longing, of joyful expectation and of peaceful preparation. Advent is that time of the year when we look forward in eager anticipation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus, who is true God and true Man. His arrival changed the world forever; it is God’s greatest gift to his people. Through the message of John the Baptist, the ministry of the angels, the obedience of Mary and St Joseph, the joy of the shepherds, the adoration of the magi and the expectation of Elizabeth and Zechariah we pray and enter more deeply into the events of the Saviour’s birth.
Bishop John is encouraging us to pray at home. May our homes be places where we meet Jesus at this time. We hope these resources will help sustain your prayer life this Advent.
What do the weeks of Advent symbolise?
This picture explains what each of the four weeks of Advent means Ever heard of a Jesse Tree? Do you know what it is? Your children or grandchildren probably do. A Jesse Tree is rather like Jesus' family tree listing many of those who preceded him. During Advent, we are aiming to have a daily Jesse Tree activity on our parish Facebook page. It's an opportunity for you to sit with your children, tell a story, chat about what it means to you, say prayer and maybe make a picture to hang on your Jesse Tree at home. |
Getting the most out of Advent
The Diocese of Salford have put together an excellent set of resources and activities to support you and your family this Advent. In addition to prayers and reflections there are instructions for making an Advent wreath, Advent biscuits and a crib. The full pack can be downloaded here. ![]()
What is Advent? This quick video simply explains the key themes we should be thinking about. Advent Calendars Calendars help us to count down to a big event and during Advent they can help structure our time and bring a focus in terms of what we should be reflecting on. Here's an Advent calendar for Adults Here's a useful Advent calendar for Kids |
Prayers During Advent
Every day you can find the readings of the day by clicking here (Universalis.com).
Every day you can find the readings of the day by clicking here (Universalis.com).
Each day we will publish a prayer from the 'Walk With Me' - Journal of Prayer for Advent 2020, published and copyright Alive Publishing:
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Try this Advent Retreat which you can do at home After a year of challenges, changes, suffering, isolation and social distancing, perhaps there's never been a more important time to reflect on the Incarnation; to reflect on God's incredible plan to draw as close as possible to us, by becoming one of us. Pray-as-you-go In collaboration with Sacred Space have put together a series of sessions which will be released week by week. Each one lasts about 20-25 minutes so why not add them dates to your diary now? Visit this link to find out more. |