Advent & Christmas
Advent
As we prepare for Christmas and reflect on the humble arrival of the Child Jesus 2000 years ago, we also prepare our hearts for when He returns in glory. Here are some ways you are invited to prepare your heart for the coming of Christ this Advent.
As we prepare for Christmas and reflect on the humble arrival of the Child Jesus 2000 years ago, we also prepare our hearts for when He returns in glory. Here are some ways you are invited to prepare your heart for the coming of Christ this Advent.
Opportunities for Spiritual Enrichment
- Advent Calendar | USCCB: The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) offers an Advent Calendar that is action-oriented with daily activity and prayer suggestions to prepare you spiritually for the birth of Jesus Christ.
- Awesome Advent Resources | Blessed is She: Blessed is She has curated a list of Advent readings, feast days and rituals, and activities to partake in to strengthen your prayer life this season.
- Guide to Catholic Advent | Dynamic Catholic: Dynamic Catholic has put a collection of Advent traditions that provide unique opportunities for us to prepare our hearts and minds for Jesus! You can also sign up to Best Advent Ever for an inspirational video each day of Advent!
Adoration Chapel: "O Come Let Us Adore Him!"
The Wise Men came from afar to adore Christ. Will you come to adore him in Eucharistic Adoration? During the season of Advent, spending time in Our Lady of the Angels Adoration Chapel is a great way to be reminded of Christ’s incarnation and how he is truly present in the Eucharist.
The Wise Men came from afar to adore Christ. Will you come to adore him in Eucharistic Adoration? During the season of Advent, spending time in Our Lady of the Angels Adoration Chapel is a great way to be reminded of Christ’s incarnation and how he is truly present in the Eucharist.
- Our Lady of the Angels Adoration Chapel is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, except when Mass is being celebrated.
- Angelus Prayer Daily at Noon. The Angelus prayer is prayed aloud in our Adoration Chapel every day at noon. This special prayer honoring Mary and her role as the Mother of God is prayed together by Christians every day around the world, including Pope Francis on Sundays. Prayer cards in English and Spanish provided.
- Children’s Adoration Hour Every Monday from 9-10 a.m. A special time for children and their parents to adore Christ through noise, movement, or any way they want!
Seniors' Christmas Luncheon: Saturday, December 2
Our beloved Saint Bonaventure senior citizens are invited to the Seniors' Christmas Luncheon. Let's start Advent by filling Ambrose Hall with some Christmas cheer!
Our beloved Saint Bonaventure senior citizens are invited to the Seniors' Christmas Luncheon. Let's start Advent by filling Ambrose Hall with some Christmas cheer!
- Saturday, December 2: Doors Open at 11:30 a.m., and lunch is at noon in Ambrose Hall in the Activities Building.
- Tickets are $5 and are available in the Parish Office during the week and the Gathering Space after each weekend Mass, November 18 - 19 and 25 - 26.
Faith Formation - Family Praise and Worship: Wednesdays, December 6 and 13
On the first two Wednesdays of Advent, we will begin our Faith Formation classes with a Praise and Worship service. All families are invited to join us for a time of music, storytelling, and prayer. Together, we will build an Advent wreath and learn about the hymn; “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” from Fr. James. There will also be family-centered crafts. Let’s celebrate the gift of family and prepare our hearts for the coming of Jesus.
On the first two Wednesdays of Advent, we will begin our Faith Formation classes with a Praise and Worship service. All families are invited to join us for a time of music, storytelling, and prayer. Together, we will build an Advent wreath and learn about the hymn; “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” from Fr. James. There will also be family-centered crafts. Let’s celebrate the gift of family and prepare our hearts for the coming of Jesus.
- Wednesdays, December 6 and 13 at 6:30 p.m. in Ambrose Hall in the Activities Building
Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary: Friday, December 8
- Mass will be celebrated at 8:45 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. on Friday, December 8. During Mass, Fr. James will renew his religious vows in CFIC tradition. The 6:30 p.m. Mass will be livestreamed on our Staying Connected and YouTube pages.
CFIC Vow Renewal Tradition
Blessed Luigi Maria Monti founded the "Congregation of The Sons of the Immaculate Conception" (CFIC) in 1857. In his evangelical commitment, he was inspired by the example of the Holy Virgin and placed the Congregation he founded under the sign of Mary Immaculate." To manifest his devotion to the Immaculate Virgin, he wanted members of his religious order to renew their three evangelical councils (vows) of Chastity, Poverty, and Obedience when they celebrate the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception every year. Following the tradition, they joyfully honor our heavenly patroness on her Feast Day by renewing their vows during the celebration of the Holy Eucharist.
Blessed Luigi Maria Monti founded the "Congregation of The Sons of the Immaculate Conception" (CFIC) in 1857. In his evangelical commitment, he was inspired by the example of the Holy Virgin and placed the Congregation he founded under the sign of Mary Immaculate." To manifest his devotion to the Immaculate Virgin, he wanted members of his religious order to renew their three evangelical councils (vows) of Chastity, Poverty, and Obedience when they celebrate the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception every year. Following the tradition, they joyfully honor our heavenly patroness on her Feast Day by renewing their vows during the celebration of the Holy Eucharist.
Breakfast with Santa: Saturday, December 9
Alive! is hosting Breakfast with Santa. Everyone is welcome to visit with Santa and enjoy a pancake breakfast. Children (12 and under) are invited to visit the Little Angels Gift Shop, Snowman Bakery, and Reindeer Craft Shop.
Alive! is hosting Breakfast with Santa. Everyone is welcome to visit with Santa and enjoy a pancake breakfast. Children (12 and under) are invited to visit the Little Angels Gift Shop, Snowman Bakery, and Reindeer Craft Shop.
- Saturday, December 9 from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. in the Activities Building. Tickets are required with two time slots available: 9 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
- Sign up for tickets in the Gathering Space after each weekend Mass, November 25-26 and December 2-3. Deadline for tickets is Sunday, December 3 at 5 p.m., so Santa's helpers can prepare for this event.
Advent Reconciliation: Sunday, December 10
As we prepare for the coming of Christ at Christmas, this is an opportunity to join our sisters and brothers in asking for forgiveness and healing during this important time of the year.
As we prepare for the coming of Christ at Christmas, this is an opportunity to join our sisters and brothers in asking for forgiveness and healing during this important time of the year.
- Sunday, December 10 at 4 p.m. in the church. Several priests will be available to hear individual confessions.
Advent Morning of Reflection: "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" - Tuesday, December 12
This Advent, come join us for a special time of preparation. The morning will begin with Mass at 8:45 a.m. followed by coffee and doughnuts. As we gather, Fr. James will help us to reflect on the hymn, “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.” Through storytelling, Nancy Jo Sullivan and Becky Running will challenge us to ponder the question: When have I experienced the presence of Emmanuel in my life? There will be opportunities for conversation, quiet time, and prayer. Don’t miss this opportunity to prepare your heart for the arrival of Emmanuel.
This Advent, come join us for a special time of preparation. The morning will begin with Mass at 8:45 a.m. followed by coffee and doughnuts. As we gather, Fr. James will help us to reflect on the hymn, “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.” Through storytelling, Nancy Jo Sullivan and Becky Running will challenge us to ponder the question: When have I experienced the presence of Emmanuel in my life? There will be opportunities for conversation, quiet time, and prayer. Don’t miss this opportunity to prepare your heart for the arrival of Emmanuel.
- Tuesday, December 12 from 8:45 a.m. - 11 a.m. in the church.
Giving Tree
Our Giving Tree is up and has gift suggestions to help our less fortunate neighbors this Christmas Season in the Gathering Space. Please take a tag (or two!) and return gifts and items with the tag attached by Sunday, December 17.
You will find tags with ideas for residents of Hayden Grove Senior Living and Martin Luther Manor. These gifts are capped at $20-25. Please wrap these gifts and leave them next to the tree in the bin provided.
Our Giving Tree is also be supporting these three Social Justice ministries:
Our Giving Tree is up and has gift suggestions to help our less fortunate neighbors this Christmas Season in the Gathering Space. Please take a tag (or two!) and return gifts and items with the tag attached by Sunday, December 17.
You will find tags with ideas for residents of Hayden Grove Senior Living and Martin Luther Manor. These gifts are capped at $20-25. Please wrap these gifts and leave them next to the tree in the bin provided.
Our Giving Tree is also be supporting these three Social Justice ministries:
- Closet of Hope, a free clothing store available to anyone in need who lives in Bloomington or Richfield.
- Sarah’s Oasis, a ministry of the Sisters of St. Joseph, offers long term housing to women who have survived violence, abuse, torture, discrimination, and trauma.
- St. Vincent de Paul provides food and housing assistance to our neighbors in need.
Christmas Mass Schedule
One of the best ways we can prepare our hearts for the coming of the Lord is by celebrating Mass. Here, we truly experience the coming of the Lord when He is present in His Word and He sustains us in the Eucharist.
One of the best ways we can prepare our hearts for the coming of the Lord is by celebrating Mass. Here, we truly experience the coming of the Lord when He is present in His Word and He sustains us in the Eucharist.
4th Sunday of Advent and Christmas Eve
This year, we celebrate the Fourth Sunday of Advent on December 24, followed by the joyous occasion of Christmas Eve on the very same day. In light of this our Mass times look a little different.
This year, we celebrate the Fourth Sunday of Advent on December 24, followed by the joyous occasion of Christmas Eve on the very same day. In light of this our Mass times look a little different.
- Mass will be celebrated for the 4th Sunday of Advent at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 23 and at 10 a.m. on Sunday, December 24.
- PLEASE NOTE: We will NOT have Mass at 8:45 a.m. on Saturday, December 23 or at 8 a.m. on Sunday, December 24.
- Mass will be celebrated for Christmas Eve at 4:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. on Sunday, December 24.
- The 4:30 p.m. Mass will be livestreamed on our Staying Connected and YouTube pages.
Christmas Day
- Mass will be celebrated at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. on Monday, December 25.
The Holy Family
- Vigil Mass will be celebrated at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 30.
- This Mass will be livestreamed on our Staying Connected and YouTube pages.
- Mass will be celebrated at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. on Sunday, December 31.
- PLEASE NOTE: We will NOT have Mass at 8:45 a.m. on Saturday, December 30.
Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God
- Mass will be celebrated at 8:45 a.m. on Monday, January 1.
- This year, the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God is not a holy day of obligation since it falls on Monday.
Solemnity of the Epiphany of our Lord
- Anticipatory Mass will be celebrated at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, January 6.
- This Mass will be livestreamed on our Staying Connected and YouTube pages.
- Mass will be celebrated at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. on Sunday, January 7.