Advent

Advent 2022: The Ultimate Gift

Advent 2022 starts on Sunday, November 27, and lasts until Christmas Eve. It's a time of preparing our hearts and minds for the celebration of our Lord’s birth on Christmas and his second coming at the end of time. Scroll to find Advent reflections, videos resources and more.

Join Archbishop Etienne this Advent

In this brief video, Archbishop Etienne explores the theme “The Ultimate Gift” for Advent 2022 and invites you to join him in prayer and reflection.

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Weekly Advent 2022 reflections

Look for new reflections and videos from the bishops and others, added every week of Advent, to help you to open your hearts, your hands and your lives to receive the Ultimate Gift of Jesus Christ.

Week 4 reflection by Archbishop Etienne

Advent Week 4: Be still and Listen by Archbishop Etienne

The Virgin Mary exemplifies two essential aspects of the life of faith: the active and the contemplative. The Gospel reading for the Fourth Sunday of Advent finds the newly pregnant Mary in full active mode, traveling “in haste” to the hill country to visit her relative Elizabeth, who is pregnant with John the Baptist.

At the sound of Mary’s greeting, the infant in Elizabeth’s womb leaps for joy, and Elizabeth cries, “Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.”

Mary believed because she heard, and she heard because she listened. She made time to listen for the voice of God in silent, contemplative prayer, and she listened for him in the events of her life, “reflecting on them in her heart” (Luke 2:19).

Amid the bustle and excitement of these final days before Christmas, make time this week to sit in silence and listen for what God is saying to you.

Week 4 reflection in Spanish

Semana 4: Estén en calma y escuchen

La Virgen María ejemplifica dos aspectos esenciales de la vida de fe: el activo y el contemplativo. La lectura del Evangelio para el cuarto domingo de Adviento encuentra a María embarazada en pleno modo activo, viajando “apresuradamente” a la región montañosa para visitar a su pariente Isabel, que está embarazada de Juan el Bautista.

Al oír el saludo de María, el bebé en el vientre de Isabel salta de alegría, e Isabel grita: "Bendita tú que creíste lo que se cumpliría lo que te dijo el Señor".

María creyó porque oyó y oyó porque escuchó. Hizo tiempo para escuchar la voz de Dios en oración silenciosa y contemplativa, y lo escuchó en los acontecimientos de su vida, “reflexionando sobre ellos en su corazón” (Lucas 2, 19).

En medio del bullicio y la emoción de estos últimos días antes de Navidad, dedique tiempo esta semana para sentarse en silencio a escuchar lo que Dios le está diciendo.

Week 4 Scripture readings

Scripture readings for the Fourth Week of Advent

For today's readings, click here.

Sunday: Is 7:10-14 PS 24:1-2, 3-4, 5-6; Rom 1:1-7; Matthew 1:18-24

Monday: JGS 13:2-7, 24-25A; PS 71:3-4A, 5-6AB, 16-17; Luke 1:5-25

Tuesday: Is 7:10-14; 24:1-2, 3-4ab, 5-6; Luke 1:26-38

Wednesday: SG 2:8-14; PS 33:2-3, 11-12, 20-21; Luke 1:39-45

Thursday: 1 Sm 1:24-28; 1 Samuel 2:1, 4-5, 6-7, 8abcd; Luke 1:46-56

Friday: Mal 3:1-4, 23-24; Psalm 25:4-5ab, 8-9, 10 and 14; Luke 1:57-66

Saturday: Christmas Eve, Mass in the morning: 2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16; Psalm 89:2-3, 4-5, 27 and 29; Luke 1:67-79

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Advent Week 4 video with Archbishop Etienne

Week 3 reflection by Bishop Elizondo

JOY by Bishop Elizondo

Third week of Advent

“Rejoice in the Lord always,” St. Paul exhorts us on this rose-colored Gaudete Sunday. He continues with words of deep consolation: “The Lord is near. Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

As we prepare for the great (and rapidly approaching) feast of the Lord’s Nativity, we ask God to enable us “to attain the joys of so great a salvation and to celebrate them always with solemn worship and glad rejoicing” (Collect for the Third Sunday of Advent).

Amid the celebration, the ever-bracing John the Baptist reminds us, in this Sunday’s Gospel, to remember the poor: “Whoever has two cloaks should share with the person who has none. And whoever has food should do likewise.” If you are looking for ways to help those in need,” consider donating to Catholic Community Services of Western Washington.

Week 3 reflection in Spanish

Semana 3: Alégrense en el Señor

“Gozaos siempre en el Señor”, nos exhorta San Pablo en este Domingo Gaudete color de rosa. Continúa con palabras de profundo consuelo: “Cercano está el Señor. No tengas ansiedad en absoluto, pero en todo, con oración y súplica, con acción de gracias, da a conocer tus peticiones a Dios. Entonces la paz de Dios, que sobrepasa todo entendimiento, guardará tu corazón y tu mente en Cristo Jesús”.

Mientras nos preparamos para la gran fiesta (y que se acerca rápidamente) de la Natividad del Señor, le pedimos a Dios que nos permita “alcanzar el gozo de una salvación tan grande y celebrarlo siempre con adoración solemne y con gozo” (Colecta del tercer día). Domingo de Adviento).

En medio de la celebración, el siempre vigoroso Juan Bautista nos recuerda, en el Evangelio de este domingo, recordar a los pobres: “Quien tiene dos mantos debe compartir con quien no los tiene. Y quien tenga comida, haga lo mismo". Si está buscando formas de ayudar a los necesitados”, considere hacer una donación a Servicios Comunitarios Católicos del oeste de Washington.

Week 3 Scripture readings

Scripture readings for the third Week of Advent

For today's readings, click here.

Sunday: Is 35:1-6a, 10; Ps 146:6-7, 8-9, 9-10, Jas 5:7-10; Matthew 11:2-11

Monday: Zec 2:14-17; Judith 13:18BCDE, 19; Luke 1:26-28

Tuesday: Zephaniah 3:1-2, 9-13; Psalm 34:2-3, 6-7, 17-18, 19 and 23; Matthew 21:28-32

Wednesday: Isaiah 45:6c-8, 18, 21c-25; Psalm 85:9ab and 10, 11-12, 13-14; Luke 7:18b-23

Thursday: Isaiah 54:1-10; Psalm 30:2 and 4, 5-6, 11-12a and 13b; Luke 7:24-30

Friday: Is 56:1-3a, 6-8; Ps 67:2-3, 5, 7-; John 5:33-36

Saturday: Gn 49:2, 8-10; 72:1-2, 3-4ab, 7-8, 17; Matthew 1:1-17

Advent Week 3 video with Bishop Elizondo, in English and Spanish

Week 2 reflection by Father Justin Ryan, Director of Vocations

SILENCE by Father Justin Ryan, Director of Vocations for the Archdiocese of Seattle

Silence is difficult. We so often have music, podcasts, TV shows and YouTube videos playing, maybe even at the same time. Even when we mute our devices though, the noise in our head picks up, which might even feel louder. Thoughts about our to-do list, ways we could have said or done something better yesterday, wondering if that text message or call is coming and checking our phone mindlessly — all prevent us from remaining in those silent moments.

Yet we know silence is God’s preferred way of speaking. We know that if we can stick with it, remaining silent, the dust will eventually settle. Much like a calm body of water, we can suddenly see deeper. Things we likely missed, graces the Lord wants to give, can surface. A Scripture passage comes to mind that speaks to our hearts, a meaningful conversation where the Lord seemed to speak through someone else, a sense of peace that changes our whole perspective on those distractions. Or even the grace to simply be with the Lord, recognizing that his love penetrates whatever we may be doing, reminding us we are one of God’s beloved. These moments of grace in silence are a gift from God.

In this second week of Advent, take 15 minutes at least once this week, to stop, unplug your devices, clear your mind and sit quietly with God. Let the dust in your head settle. Listen to the Lord speak. Even if he doesn’t say anything, he is drawing us into deeper relationship. Ideally you’ll savor these moments to simply be with the Lord, so you can even see silence as a gift and eventually say, “I prefer those moments of silence [with the Lord] to everything in the world and cannot break them without regret.” – Raissa Maritain, Raissa’s Journal, 20

Week 2 reflection in Spanish

Semana 2: SILENCIO

El silencio es difícil. Muy a menudo estamos escuchando música, podcasts, programas de televisión y videos de YouTube, tal vez incluso al mismo tiempo. Hasta cuando apagamos nuestros aparatos, el ruido en nuestra cabeza comienza, y puede ser aun más fuerte. Pensamientos sobre nuestra lista de cosas que hacer, formas en que podemos haber dicho o hecho algo mejor ayer, estamos pendientes de algún mensaje y revisamos nuestro teléfono automáticamente -todo esto nos impide permanecer en esos momentos de silencio.

Pero sabemos que el silencio es la forma preferida de Dios para hablarnos. Sabemos que si lo seguimos intentando, permanecer en silencio, eventualmente el polvo se asentará. Así como en el agua calma se puede ver mejor el fondo. Las cosas que tal vez nos perdimos, las gracias que el Señor nos quiere dar, pueden salir a la superficie. Puede venir en mente un pasaje de las Escrituras que habla a nuestros corazones, una conversación profunda donde el Señor parece hablar a través de otra persona, un sentido de paz que cambia toda nuestra perspectiva sobre esas distracciones. O incluso la gracia de simplemente estar con el Señor, reconociendo que su amor penetra lo que sea que estamos haciendo, nos recuerda que somos uno de los amados del Señor. Estos momentos de gracias en silecio son un regalo de Dios.

En esta segunda semana de Adviento, tómese 15 minutos, al menos una vez esta semana, para parar, apagar sus aparatos eletrónicos, aclarar su mente y sentarse en silencio con Dios. Permita que el polvo en su mente se asiente. Escuche al Señor hablar. Incluso si él no dice nada, está acercándonos a una relación más profunda. Lo ideal es que disfrute estos momentos para simplemente estar con el Señor, para que pueda ver el silencio como un regalo y pueda eventualmente decir: “Prefiero esos momentos de silencio [con el Señor] antes que nada en el mundo y no puedo romperlos sin arrepentirme”. – Raissa Maritain, Raissa’s Journal, 20 (El Diario de Raissa)

Week 2 Scripture readings

Scripture readings for the Second Week of Advent

For today's readings, click here.

Sunday: Is 11:1-10; Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17; Rom 15:4-9, Matthew 3:1-12

Monday: Is 35:1-10; Psalm 85:9ab and 10, 11-12, 13-14; Luke 5:17-26

Tuesday: Is 40:1-11; Psalm 96:1-2, 3 and 10ac, 11-12, 13; Matthew 18:12-14

Wednesday: Is 40:25-31; 103:1-2, 3-4, 8 and 10; Matthew 11:28-30

Thursday, Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception: Gn 3:9-15, 20; Psalm 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4; Eph 1:3-6, 11-12, Luke 1:26-38

Friday: Is 48:17-19; Psalm 1:1-2, 3, 4 and 6; Matthew 11:16-19

Saturday: Sirach 48:1-4, 9-11; Psalm 80:2ac and 3b, 15-16, 18-19; Matthew 17:9a, 10-13

Advent Week 2 video with Father Justin Ryan, Director of Vocations

Week 1 reflection by Bishop Schuster

First week of Advent: REFLECT

Have you noticed how all the malls around the world went straight from Thanksgiving to Christmas? Instead of the green, red and gold that you see everywhere else, your parish welcomes you with the color violet. Why? For many, violet is the color of the sky just after the darkest hour of night that offers a hint that dawn is nearing the horizon. You will also see a wreath with four candles with only one lit this weekend. This means we are clearly keeping vigil and we have several weeks to go

You see, instead of launching straight into Christmas after Thanksgiving, we recognize there is another season in between, a forgotten season, the season of Advent. Let’s reflect on two themes the Season of Advent explores. The first theme unites our hearts with the ancient Hebrews who kept vigil for centuries awaiting the coming of the Messiah. The second theme of Advent calls us all to keep vigil for the return of Jesus at the end of time when he will judge the living and the dead. Both themes say loud and clear: we are mortal, and our time is limited. We are sinners and we need a savior. We need Jesus.

My friends, as hopeful as we all are for a blessed Christmas this year, I think it is spiritually healthy to stay in Advent. From advent wreaths, spiritual reading and simple acts of kindness and charity to those in need, there are so many ways we can stay in this season. Most of all, Advent calls us to pray and reflect. With all the worries that weigh heavy on the heart, we are all invited into our parish churches to pray in sanctuaries wrapped in violet. By doing so, we will not lose sight of the light that is beginning to appear just beyond the horizon who is Christ and Lord.

Week 1 reflection in Spanish

1° Semana de Adviento: Reflexión: “La temporada olvidada”

Obispo Frank Schuster

¿Han notado cómo los centros comerciales de todo el mundo pasaron directamente de Acción de Gracias a la Navidad? En vez de los colores verde, rojo y dorado que se ven en todas partes, la parroquia los recibe con el color violeta. ¿Por qué? Para muchos, el violeta es el color del cielo justo después de la hora más oscura de la noche, que ofrece un destello del amanecer en el horizonte. También verán una corona con cuatro velas, una sola encendida este fin de semana. Esto significa que, claramente, estamos en vigilia y tenemos varias semanas por delante.

Verán, en vez de ir directamente a la Navidad luego de Acción de Gracias, nosotros reconocemos que existe otra temporada entremedia, y es la temporada de Adviento. Reflexionemos acerca de dos temas que se exploran durante la temporada de Adviento. El primer tema une nuestros corazones con los hebreos ancestrales que se mantuvieron en vigilia por siglos esperando la llegada del Mesías. El segundo tema de Adviento nos llama a mantenernos en vigilia para el regreso de Jesús al final de los tiempos, cuando vendrá a juzgar a los vivos y a los muertos. Ambos temas gritan fuerte y alto: somos mortales, y nuestro tiempo es limitado. Somos pecadores y necesitamos un salvador. Necesitamos a Jesús.

Mis amigos, con la esperanza que tenemos de una bendecida Navidad este año, creo que es espiritualmente saludable quedarnos en Adviento. Desde las coronas de adviento, las lecturas espirituales o los simples actos de amabilidad y caridad para con los necesitados, hay tantas maneras que podemos quedarnos en esta temporada. Más que nada, el Adviento nos llama a orar y a

Week 1 Scripture readings

Scripture readings for the First Week of Advent

For today's readings, click here.

Sunday: 1st reading: Is 2:1-5, Ps 122: 1-2, 3-4, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9, Rom 13: 11-14,, Matthew 24:37-44

Monday: Is 4:2-6; Psalms 122:1-2, 3-4b, 4cd-5, 6-7, 8-9; Matthew 8:5-11

Tuesday: Is 11:1-10; PS 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17; Luke 10:21-24

Wednesday: Rom 10:9-18; Psalms 19:8, 9, 10, 11; Matthew 4:18-22

Thursday: Is 26:1-6; Psalms 118:1 and 8-9, 19-21, 25-27a; Matthew 7:21, 24-27

Friday: Is 29:17-24; Psalms 27:1, 4, 13-14; Matthew 9:27-31

Saturday: Is 30:19-21, 23-26; Psalms 147:1-2, 3-4, 5-6; Matthew 9:35–10:1, 5a, 6-8

Advent Week 1 video with Bishop Schuster

Preparation, Prayer and the Sacraments

There’s no better way to prepare and pray than through the Eucharist and Reconciliation. This Advent, also consider spending some time every week in adoration in front of the Blessed Sacrament.

Search for Mass, Reconciliation and Adoration

Advent resources

Advent traditions and prayers

As you prepare for the Ultimate Gift of Christmas, try something new this year:

Check out the new downloadable Advent Family Traditions resource to find a new family tradition.

Advent Prayers:

Blessings for the Advent Wreath, Nativity Scene and Christmas Tree
Prayer suggestions when you light your Advent wreath: Go to USCCB's daily readings in English and Spanish, and find other suggestions at Dynamic Catholic.
St. Andrew Christmas Novena (on page 2 of Family Traditions resource).
The “O Antiphon” prayers start December 17 and go through December 23. These are short prayers to add to your daily Advent wreath prayers.
The Hallow prayer and meditation app for Catholics has its yearly Advent Challenge that many people follow.

Ideas for children:

Holy Heroes free online Advent Adventure for children ages 5-12, with daily emails with short videos and printable coloring sheets.
Read Advent books to your children. Click here for suggestions
Jesse Tree tradition

For Catholic Advent supplies, from Advent wreaths and candles, faith-based Advent calendars (some with chocolate!), and more, click here.

For even more Advent ideas and inspirational Advent videos, go to the Archdiocese of Seattle's Faith Formation Advent resources page:
In English
In Spanish

Hispanic prayers and traditions

December 3-11: Novena to prepare for the celebration of Our Lady of Guadalupe on December 12

December 12: Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe

December 16-24: Posadas. In many parishes, the Hispanic community celebrates the Posadas. “Posadas” is Spanish for “lodging” or “accommodation” and is a traditional celebration of nine days before Christmas, telling the story of Joseph and Mary on their journey looking for a place to stay before their baby Jesus was born. Each day corresponds to one month that Jesus was carried in the womb of the Virgin Mary.

For more, read “Hispanic Religious Practices During COVID-19 Pandemic”:
In English
In Spanish

For more Advent resources in Spanish, go to the Archdiocese of Seattle’s Faith Formation Advent page.

Feasts and Solemnities during Advent

The following saints' feast days are observed during Advent:

St. Andrew the Apostle, November 30. Pray the St. Andrew Christmas Novena from November 30 to Christmas.

St. Francis Xavier, December 3. Read about his life here.

St. Nicholas, December 6. Learn all about this great saint here. Read this article from Northwest Catholic on ways to celebrate St. Nicholas Day.

Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, December 8. This is a holy day of obligation. Learn more.

The feast day of St. Juan Diego is December 9. Learn more here.

Our Lady of Guadalupe, December 12. Read more here. Join our local celebration and Mass at St. James Cathedral on December 3.

St. Lucy, December 13. Read about her life here.

John of the Cross, December 14. Read about his life here.

Parish, ministry and school resources

Find graphics for the following at the links below:

Communications plan with suggested text and how-tos
Family Traditions PDF or bulletin insert
Social media posts
Web and and email banners
Videos

All the above assets in English

All the above assets in Spanish

Link to Archbishop Etienne's downloadable introduction to Advent video: https://vimeo.com/642775737

Trying to encourage your parishioners to pray more more during Advent? The Hallow app has an Advent Challenge every year with prayer that can be served up daily to your mobile device. To learn more, click here.

Advent encouragement

Finding yourself getting carried away with your to-do and shopping lists this Advent and feeling your serenity starting to slip away? Check out the following video and articles for encouragement.

Advent in two minutes

Watch Busted Halo's entertaining and relevant video reminder to stay grounded during Advent. Click here for video.

The gift of silence in Advent

“In our world of sensory overload, one of the greatest gifts we can offer our families is a time of silence.” Read the column from Northwest Catholic.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year

And it can be stressful too. Find advice for families about how to stay focused on preparing for Advent and Christmas. Click here for article.

When your family’s Advent falls apart

This can be an overwhelmingly busy time of year for families of school-aged children. Get some real and practical advice and encouragement. Click here for article.

What’s next?

Don’t forget that Christmas is more than a day; it’s an entire season. Think about how you want to keep the spirit of Christmas with prayer, celebration and new traditions.

Learn more