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.
What is Advent? - Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis
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.
What is Advent? - Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis
Advent Calendar
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. Click HERE to learn more or to download or print this great resource.
Advent Opportunities for Spiritual Enrichment
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. Click HERE to learn more or to download or print this great resource.
Advent Opportunities for Spiritual Enrichment
- Advent Journey of Hope | Our Sunday Visitor: Join Fr. Patrick Mary Briscoe, OP to pray and reflect with free daily video reflections this Advent. Begin each day with quick and easy Scripture-focused reflection, prayer, and achievable actions to prepare for the coming of Christ.
- As We Forgive Those | Real Life Catholic: A four-part series on the power of forgiveness from Real Life Catholic and Chris Stefanick. As we prepare our hearts for the coming of our Savior, it's a season to reflect on God's blessings in our life and make room for him where we have fallen short.
- Best Advent Ever 2.0 | Dynamic Catholic: Reclaim the peace that can only come from simplicity this Christmas through free short, inspiring videos every morning to help you focus your day on what matters most. We've created two paths; choose one or do both:
- Best Christmas Ever: Explore 28 simple and practical ways to simplify your Christmas. Each day you’ll be encouraged to stop doing what robs peace and start doing more of what brings joy.
- Let Your Soul Shine: Discover 28 ways to fill your Christmas with Holy Moments through a fresh look at the Gospels with the Dynamic Catholic staff.
Angelus Prayer in the Adoration Chapel
During the season of Advent, the Angelus Prayer will be prayed aloud in the Our Lady of the Angels Adoration Chapel on Sundays and Wednesdays at noon. This is a great way to be reminded of Christ’s incarnation and how he is truly present in the Eucharist.
During the season of Advent, the Angelus Prayer will be prayed aloud in the Our Lady of the Angels Adoration Chapel on Sundays and Wednesdays at noon. This is a great way to be reminded of Christ’s incarnation and how he is truly present in the Eucharist.
Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
- Vigil Mass will be celebrated at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, December 7. Bishop Joseph Williams will be here to celebrate the Vigil Mass, and Fr. James, Fr. Sojan, Fr. Edwin, and Fr. Saji Sebastian of the Sons of the Immaculate Conception (CFIC) will renew their religious vows in CFIC tradition. This Mass will be livestreamed on our Staying Connected and YouTube pages.
- Mass will be celebrated at 8:45 a.m. on Wednesday, December 8.

CFIC Vow Renewal: Wednesday, December 7 at 6 p.m.
Blessed Luigi Maria Monti founded the "Congregation of The Sons of the Immaculate Conception" in 1857 in Rome, just three years after the proclamation of the "Doctrine of Immaculate Conception" by Blessed Pope Pius IX as infallible through the bull "Ineffabilis Deus" in 1854.
While proclaiming Luigi Monti "Blessed" on November 9, 2003, Pope Saint John Paul II said, "Monti entirely dedicated his life to healing the physical and spiritual wounds of the sick and the orphaned. He loved to call them "Christ's poor ones," and he served them, enlivened by a living faith and sustained by intense and continual prayer. In his evangelical commitment, he was constantly inspired by the example of the Holy Virgin and placed the Congregation he founded under the sign of Mary Immaculate."
To manifest his great devotion to the Immaculate Virgin, he wanted all the 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, we joyfully honor our heavenly patroness on her Feast Day by renewing our vows during the Holy Eucharist.
Blessed Luigi Maria Monti founded the "Congregation of The Sons of the Immaculate Conception" in 1857 in Rome, just three years after the proclamation of the "Doctrine of Immaculate Conception" by Blessed Pope Pius IX as infallible through the bull "Ineffabilis Deus" in 1854.
While proclaiming Luigi Monti "Blessed" on November 9, 2003, Pope Saint John Paul II said, "Monti entirely dedicated his life to healing the physical and spiritual wounds of the sick and the orphaned. He loved to call them "Christ's poor ones," and he served them, enlivened by a living faith and sustained by intense and continual prayer. In his evangelical commitment, he was constantly inspired by the example of the Holy Virgin and placed the Congregation he founded under the sign of Mary Immaculate."
To manifest his great devotion to the Immaculate Virgin, he wanted all the 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, we joyfully honor our heavenly patroness on her Feast Day by renewing our vows during the Holy Eucharist.
Breakfast with Santa: Saturday, December 10
Alive! is hosting Breakfast with Santa for youth ages 12 and under. Children are invited to visit with Santa, enjoy a pancake breakfast, and visit the Little Angels Gift Shop and the Reindeer Craft Shop.
Alive! is hosting Breakfast with Santa for youth ages 12 and under. Children are invited to visit with Santa, enjoy a pancake breakfast, and visit the Little Angels Gift Shop and the Reindeer Craft Shop.
- Saturday, December 10, 9:30 - 11 a.m. in Ambrose Hall in the Activities Building. Tickets are required and there are two time slots available: 9-9:50 a.m. and 10-10:50 a.m.
- Sign up in the back of church after each weekend Mass, November 26-27 and December 2-3. Deadline to sign up is Sunday, December 4 at 5 p.m., so Santa's helpers can prepare for this event.
Giving Tree
Each year our Giving Tree program gives those in our community the opportunity to purchase gifts for individuals and families in need. Gift suggestions for our Giving Tree recipients are now available in the Gathering Space. Wrapped gifts are appreciated and can be left next to the trees in the bins provided.
We will also be accepting donations for Friends of Dorothy Day, Sarah's Oasis, and Lincoln Place. These items should be unwrapped and deposited in the boxes provided in the Gathering Space. Please place gift cards in the collection, donation boxes on the columns by Doors 2 and 5, or bring them into the Parish Office. Please drop off gifts and donations by December 11.
Each year our Giving Tree program gives those in our community the opportunity to purchase gifts for individuals and families in need. Gift suggestions for our Giving Tree recipients are now available in the Gathering Space. Wrapped gifts are appreciated and can be left next to the trees in the bins provided.
We will also be accepting donations for Friends of Dorothy Day, Sarah's Oasis, and Lincoln Place. These items should be unwrapped and deposited in the boxes provided in the Gathering Space. Please place gift cards in the collection, donation boxes on the columns by Doors 2 and 5, or bring them into the Parish Office. Please drop off gifts and donations by December 11.
Friends of Dorothy Day
A charitable volunteer organization dedicated to supporting residents of Catholic Charities Higher Ground homeless shelter. Volunteers serve food and friendship on a nightly basis to men and women who are rebuilding their lives. Items needed:
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Sarah's Oasis
A ministry of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, is a home dedicated to the safety and dignity of a diverse community of women who have survived violence, abuse, torture, discrimination, and trauma. Items needed:
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Lincoln Place
A 24- unit apartment development in Eagan for young homeless adults ages 18-24. Items needed:
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Advent Reconciliation Service: Sunday, December 11
As we prepare for the coming of Christ at Christmas, this communal service 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 communal service is an opportunity to join our sisters and brothers in asking for forgiveness and healing during this important time of the year.
- Reconciliation Service - 4 p.m.
- Following the service, nine priests will be available to hear individual confessions.
“Our faults and failings have a tendency to eat away at us inside, but great freedom is born from bringing our darkness into the light. While we hide our faults and failings, they grow larger and develop a power over us. I assure you, if you approach this sacrament with a sincere and humble heart, you will experience the flow of grace in your life.” - Matthew Kelly, Rediscover Catholicism
Seniors' Christmas Luncheon: Saturday, December 17
Parish Senior citizens gather to enjoy a special day with entertainment, food, and FUN!
Parish Senior citizens gather to enjoy a special day with entertainment, food, and FUN!
- Saturday, December 17: 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, December 4-5 and 10-11.
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.
Christmas Eve
- Mass will be celebrated at 4:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. on Saturday, 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 Sunday, December 25.
The Holy Family
- Mass will be celebrated at 8:45 a.m. on Friday, December 30.
Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God
- Anticipatory Mass will be celebrated at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 31.
- 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 1.
Solemnity of the Epiphany of our Lord
- Anticipatory Mass will be celebrated at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, January 7.
- 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 8.
Saint Bonaventure Catholic Community
901 East 90th Street Bloomington, MN 55420-3801 Phone: 952-854-4733 Email: office@saintbonaventure.org |