Friday Five: Happy New (Liturgical) Year!

Friday Five: Happy New Liturgical Year!

Advent begins this Sunday!
Here are five things to look for at Mass this weekend:

1. Purple! The liturgical color for Advent is purple. Similar to Lent, Advent is a time of preparation and expectation. Just as we prepare our homes for Christmas, we are to prepare our hearts for the coming of Jesus, both at Christmas and at the end of time. (Cleaning for Christmas? Clean up your heart at the regional Advent Reconciliation Service on Thursday, December 14 at Immaculate Conception)

2. The wreath. The Advent wreath is full of symbolism. In addition to counting the weeks of Advent, each candle represents approximately 1,000 years. Collectively, the four candles symbolize the 4,000 years that humanity waited for the Messiah, from Adam and Eve to Jesus. As we light the candles each week, the growing light represents the Light of Christ dispelling the darkness. Find out more about the symbolism here: LINK

3. The Gospel of Mark: As we move in “year B” of the lectionary cycle, most of the Gospel readings for the next year will come from the Gospel of Mark. Some unique features of this Gospel:

• It does not include any details about Jesus’s birth or childhood.
• It’s urgent! The word “immediately” is used 42 times!
• ​​Jesus repeatedly tells people to not tell people about healings or that he is the Messiah

 4. New hymnals! This is the first week we will be using the new hymnals at St. Helen. Mass Companion Cards are available at the doors of the church at all Masses. These cards include the page numbers for the hymns and sung responses, as well as some suggestions to engage more fully in the celebration of the Mass.

 5. Advent resources galore! Little Blue Books and The Word Among Us Advent Reflections are available at every door. In the vestibule, daily Advent calendars for children, teens, and adults are available. There are more suggestions on the parish website: www.sthelenparish.org/Advent
           
  These resources are free and intended to assist you in preparing your heart and mind for Christmas.
  If you’re feeling like my friend, Anne Marie, though, by all means -- just snuggle with Jesus.
Blessings, friends!
-Amy 

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