Advent 2023: Prepare...
Advent is a time to prepare for the Lord's birth at Christmas and his second coming, but let's face it, it's not easy when the world is already celebrating Christmas in November. We're here to help...
Prepare with Archbishop Etienne
In this brief video, Archbishop Etienne gives some practical suggestions on how to prepare the way of the Lord this Advent.
Weekly Advent 2023 reflections
Look for new reflections from the bishops based on the Sunday scripture readings, added every week of Advent, to help you prepare for the coming of the Lord.
Watch Bishop Elizondo's Advent Week 3 Video reflection
Bishop Elizondo gives a message of joy this Gaudete Sunday.
Watch Bishop Schuster's Advent Week 2 Video reflection
Bishop Schuster reflects on Advent and the three comings of Christ.
Ways to prepare...
- Watch Archbishop Etienne's video for suggestions.
- Read or download the Advent Traditions resource to find a new family tradition: English Spanish
- Scroll down for inspirational articles from Northwest Catholic.
- The Hallow prayer and meditation app for Catholics has its daily Advent Challenge that many people find helpful.
Advent resources
Inspirational Articles from Northwest Catholic
Get inspired by the following articles from Northwest Catholic. Find even more at nwcatholic.org.
St. Andrew Novena: prayerful preparation for Christmas
"Unlike a traditional novena, which spans nine days, it lasts from the feast of St. Andrew on Nov. 30 to Christmas Eve." Click here to read article
Insta-culture and a powerful Advent lesson on delayed gratification
“...Delayed gratification” is simply not part of American life anymore — and that’s as true of Catholics and other Christians as it is of the average American." Click here for the article.
Let the warmth of Advent pull the bleak midwinter from you
"It’s up to us to decide how we might give our heart during Advent. We may need a plan."
Click here to read article
Sometimes called 'little Lent," Advent zeroes in on preparation, which can include penitence
"While Advent is sometimes called “a little Lent,” Catholic experts observe that there are important similarities and differences between the two, both of which lead up to major feast days and liturgical seasons..."
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.