Advent is the season encompassing the four Sundays (and weekdays) leading up to the celebration of Christmas. Advent prepares us for receiving a gift, the of gift of Christ at Christmas. In the readings during Advent, we are reminded to “stay awake.” This is a reference to the coming of Jesus at the end of time. As Catholics, we are waiting for Jesus to return, and we prepare for this day by avoiding sin and seeking forgiveness for the times we fail. The Season of Advent is all about preparation. It’s a time to cleanse our souls from all that keeps us from receiving God’s love, mercy, and forgiveness. Advent practices include extra Masses, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, acts of charity, increased prayer, and special devotions, such as the Advent Wreath.
Advent and Christmas Events
Parish events during the Advent season and parish Christmas Masses around the Diocese
The Four Weeks of Advent
The Church divides Advent into four weeks to help us enter this time of prayer and expectation with intention and focus. Each week highlights a particular spiritual theme—Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love—symbolized by the candles on the Advent wreath. These themes guide us on a gradual journey, inviting us to reflect more deeply on God’s promises, renew our trust in His presence, and ready ourselves to welcome Christ anew into our lives and homes.
Prepare Your Heart
Advent Penance Services offer a beautiful opportunity to prepare your heart for the coming of Christ by receiving God’s mercy through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. As we journey through this season of hope and light, these services provide time for quiet reflection, prayer, and the grace of forgiveness.
The Advent Wreath
The Advent wreath is a circular arrangement of evergreen branches symbolizing God’s eternal love and the everlasting life Christ brings. It holds four candles—three purple and one rose—each representing one week of Advent. As a new candle is lit each Sunday, the growing light reflects our increasing anticipation and readiness for the coming of Christ at Christmas.
Advent Resources
Grow Your Prayer Life This Advent
Prepare for the birth of Jesus by reflecting on your faith journey with short inspirational messages sent to your email each day. You are invited to sign up to receive a daily “Be Courageous” reflection on Courageously Living the Gospel presented by writers from around the Diocese of Saint Petersburg.