As Advent kicks off, Catholics all over the United States are getting ready to welcome Christ in heartwarming and creative ways! From beautiful candlelit processions to fun parish gatherings, this special season is all about reflecting on hope, peace, joy, and love, all while enjoying the diverse faith traditions across different regions. Let’s take a joyful journey through how some Catholic dioceses around the country celebrate this sacred time, highlighting the events that unite communities as we eagerly await Christ’s coming!
Celebrating with The Diocese of Saint Cloud
Embrace the spirit of the season by joining the Advent activities! Every Sunday at 10:30 AM, attend the Advent Eucharist at either Saint John’s Abbey or Saint Benedict’s Monastery. For a peaceful evening, participate in the Solemn Advent Vespers at Holy Cross Priory at 5:00 PM, or join the Intensive Centering Prayer Retreat at Saint Benedict’s Monastery to engage in quiet reflection and prayer.
Don’t miss the Advent Healing Masses and Reconciliation Services available at local parishes. There are also plenty of festive happenings to enjoy, such as the Breakfast Buffet at Holy Spirit Parish, the Carousel of Crafts at Little Falls Middle School, and Breakfast with Santa at St. Peter and Paul School. For an entertaining family outing, attend the Community Christmas Concert at St. Boniface Parish.
Deepen your faith this season by participating in programs like Theology Day: Heavenly Queen and Earthly Mother at Saint John’s School of Theology and Seminary. Additionally, for a touch of holiday inspiration, be sure to catch the “It’s Christmas!” Dinner Theater at St. Mary Help of Christians.
For more information check out the December Events Calendar!
Celebrating with the Archdiocese of New York
Tis the season and attention Young Adults! Join the Archdiocese at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on December 5th for the Young Adult Mass as they kick off the Advent and Christmas season. Then, immerse yourself in the festive spirit with the St. Joseph’s Seminary 2024 Advent and Christmas Concert and Car Raffle, taking place from December 7th to 8th. On December 8th, unite with others for the National Night of Prayer for Life, followed by a special Feminine Genius Brunch on December 14th—an event dedicated to celebrating the unique contributions of women. Also on that day, don’t miss the Celebration of Nativities Pilgrimage, a spiritual journey honoring the birth of Christ.
For more information check out the November – December Monthly Bulletin!
Celebrating with the Archdiocese of Los Angeles
The Archdiocese of Los Angeles warmly invites everyone to participate in a series of December events celebrating the rich cultural and spiritual life of the Church there. The festivities begin with the live play “La Virgen de Guadalupe, Dios Inantzin,” which will be performed at the Cathedral on December 6 at 7:00 PM and December 7 at 6:00 PM. This captivating production shares the story of St. Juan Diego and the Virgin Mary through the vibrant expressions of music and dance.
On December 11, join them for “Las Mañanitas a la Virgen de Guadalupe,” featuring indigenous dances and the veneration of St. Juan Diego’s tilma. For those looking to deepen their scriptural understanding, an Advanced Ministry Studies course focused on the New Testament will be held on December 14.
Continuing the celebrations, the Filipino Ministry will host the annual Simbang Gabi Mass on December 15, which includes the beautiful Parade of Parols and a liturgy led by Archbishop José H. Gomez. Finally, on December 21, they will gather for the Homeless Persons’ Interreligious Memorial, a poignant event honoring those who have lost their lives on the streets and reaffirming the inherent value of every human life.
For more information check out Catholics LA Events!
Celebrating with the Archdiocese of Seattle
The Archdiocese of Seattle has an exciting schedule of events this December as well. On December 5, join the Crozier Speaker Series: Seminarian Formation from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, where they offer insights into priestly formation and vocation discernment. Also, don’t miss the 30th Celebration to Our Lady of Guadalupe at St. James Cathedral on December 7, featuring a holy hour, rosary, and a Mass with Archbishop Etienne. Rehearsals for the Our Lady of Guadalupe 30th celebration are on December 6 from 7:00 AM to 9:45 PM.
Young adults are invited to the Advent Retreat: Full of Grace on December 8 at St. Mary on the Lake from 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Also on December 8, celebrate the 120th Anniversary of Immaculate Conception Church with a special Mass at 11:30 AM. Without leaving your home join the “What Are We Doing for the Jubilee?” webinar on December 11 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM for insights into Jubilee Year activities.
Finally, on December 14 and 15, Fr. Justin Ryan will preach on vocations during Masses at St. Mary Magdalen. These events are a great opportunity to deepen your faith this Advent season!
For real time updates check out the Events List!
Celebrating with the Archdiocese of San Antonio
The Archdiocese of San Antonio also has several events this Advent season. From December 6–8, participate in the Un Fin de Semana de Encuentro Matrimonial Mundial (World Marriage Encounter Weekend) at the Drury Plaza Hotel, aimed at deepening couples’ relationships.
On December 7, join the Annual Pilgrimage of San Juan Diego at Mission San Juan Capistrano from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM, honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary. In the evening, enjoy the St. Nicholas Ball at the JW Marriott Hill Country Resort from 5:30 PM to 10:30 PM.
On December 8, experience the Matachines Festival with traditional dancers from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM along El Camino de San Antonio Missions. Attend the Worship on the River: Christmas Concert at San Fernando Cathedral on December 17 from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM, featuring North Star.
Finally, on December 22, join the Deaf Christmas Mass and Lunch from 11:00 AM to 1:30 PM, creating an inclusive celebration for the Deaf community. These events offer a rich variety of Advent and Christmas traditions for everyone in San Antonio.
For more information checkout the Events Calendar!
Let us all join together in celebration as we await the coming of our Lord. Discover the events happening in your diocese—it’s a wonderful opportunity to deepen your faith this Advent season!
–Andrenique Rolle is Editorial Assistant at Pray Tell Blog, Saint John’s School of Theology and Seminary
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