Both Lent and Advent are seasons of waiting, preparation, and penance. During Lent, we await Christ’s return from 40 days in the desert, His loving sacrifice for us, and Resurrection. In Advent, we prepare for His birth. The birth and resurrection of Christ are intertwined, and their connection is quite significant theologically. Yet, these seasons of waiting look different for us – Advent is a uniquely joyous and hopeful season in the Church.
Advent is also the beginning of a new liturgical year. (This Advent season marks the start of Year A.)
We begin the year anew, renewed by His birth.
There are four Sundays in Advent 2025: November 30, December 7, December 14, and December 21. Advent is always a four-week season that leads up to Christmas Eve.
Why An Advent Wreath & Candles?
ADVENT WREATH MEANING:
The circular shape of the Advent wreath symbolizes God’s infinite love for us – it is never-ending, just like the true Light of the World, Jesus, who leads us into eternal life with Him. The materials of the Advent wreath similarly lead us to reflect on the everlasting nature of God; traditionally, Advent wreaths have been made of evergreen leaves, such as pine or fir, which maintain their green color beyond the season in which they are collected. Nowadays, there are many modern interpretations of Advent wreaths that still help us celebrate the traditional meaning of the wreath: preparing the way for the Light of the World, Jesus. Battery-operated/LED wreaths are a good example of this as they simulate the four candles but don’t require lighting each week.
4 CANDLES OF ADVENT MEANING:
The four candles of Advent represent the four Sundays of Advent, and they respectively symbolize hope, peace, joy, and love. In some homes and parishes, people will also light a fifth candle on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day to represent the birth of Jesus; this candle, when added to the Advent wreath, is typically white and larger than the other candles and is placed in the center of the wreath.
- Advent week 1 – Hope: Prophecy Candle (purple)
- Advent week 2 – Peace: Bethlehem Candle (purple)
- Advent week 3 – Joy: Shepherd’s Candle (pink)
- Advent week 4 – Love: Angel’s Candle (purple)
(*The primary source for information for this section came from Hallow. To learn more, click here to go to the Hallow blog.)
Parish Activities to Prepare for Advent
Christmas Giving Tree: Select a gift tag from the tree beginning Sunday, November 23 and purchase the desired gift, wrap it and return it to church by December 11 to help a parish family in need.
Little Blue Book Advent Devotional: Be sure to pick up a free copy of this devotional at the parish. The booklet guides you through the season by following the daily Gospels. Each day offers interesting information about people, traditions and practices of our faith, followed by the Gospel amd reflection.
Home Activities to Prepare for Advent
Advent Wreath & Candles: Purchase an Advent wreath & candles. (Amazon, Target, etc. all sell them.) Find a place for it in your home before the start of Advent on November 30. The blessing of the advent wreath takes place the first Sunday of Advent or the evening before the first Sunday. For the USCCB Blessing of the Wreath, click here.
Jesse Tree: Jesse Tree is a way of preparing for Advent by journeying through the stories of Jesus’ family tree. Make or purchase your own Jesse Tree before Advent begins. To learn more about how to make a Jesse Tree, click here.
Nativity Scene: Buy or build a nativity scene. Nativity scenes can be visual reminders of the period of waiting and preparing. You can purchase a nativity scene on Etsy, Amazon and many other websites. You can also make your own nativity scene! Building a nativity scene can also be a fun Advent activity. Click here for an idea to make your own nativity scene.
Important Upcoming Events & Dates
First Sunday of Advent Cycle A – Matthew begins, Wreath Blessing
Sunday, November 30, 2025 (Regular Mass Times)
Fiesta de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe (Novena OLG)
Wednesday, December 3 – Thursday, December 11 (7:00 PM)
Second Sunday of Advent Live Nativity for Families, Nativity blessings at 1:30 PM & 5:00 PM
Sunday, December 7, 2025 (Regular Mass Times)
Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception (Holy Day of Obligation)
Monday, December 8, 2025 (9:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 6:00 PM & 7:30 PM-Español)
Advent Penance Service
Tuesday, December 9, 2025 (7:00 PM)
Fiesta de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe
Third Sunday of Advent Gaudete Sunday, Live Nativity for Families, Nativity blessings at 1:30 PM & 5:00 PM
Sunday, December 14, 2025 (Regular Mass Times)
Advent Penance Service
Tuesday, December 16, 2025 (10:30 AM)
Fourth Sunday of Advent
Sunday, December 21, 2025 (Regular Mass Times)
Nativity of the Lord (Holy Day of Obligation)
Wednesday, December 24, 2025: Family Vigil Mass (4:00 PM), Vigil Mass in English (6:00 PM), Misa vespertina en Español con incienso (8:00 PM)
Thursday, December 25, 2025: Mass in English with incense and Baptisms (9:30 AM), Misa en Español con incienso y bautismo (11:30 AM)
Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph
Sunday, December 29, 2025 (Regular Mass Times)
Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, The Mother of God (Holy Day of Obligation)
Wednesday, December 31, 2025: Mass (6:00 PM), Misa en Español (8:00 PM)
Thursday, January 1, 2026: Mass (9:30 AM), Misa en Español (11:30 AM)