What is Advent?

The Advent season is a time of preparation that directs our hearts and minds to Christ’s second coming at the end of time and also to the anniversary of the Lord’s birth on Christmas. The final days of Advent, from December 17 to December 24, focus particularly on our preparation for the celebrations of the Nativity of our Lord (Christmas).

IMPORTANT DATES

Sunday, December 1: First Sunday of Advent

Tuesday, December 3: Memorial of St. Francis Xavier

Friday, December 6: Feast Day of St. Nicholas

Saturday, December 7: Memorial of Saint Ambrose, Bishop and Doctor of the Church

Sunday, December 8: Second Sunday of Advent

Monday, December 9: Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Note: This is a Holy Day of Obligation, yet because this is on a Monday, the Obligation to attend Mass is lifted.

Thursday, December 12: Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe

Friday, December 13: Memorial of Saint Lucy, Virgin and Martyr

Saturday, December 14: Memorial of Saint John of the Cross, Priest and Doctor of the Church

Sunday, December 15: The Third Sunday of Advent
Note: This is referred to as Gaudete Sunday. The vestment color is rose.

Sunday, December 22: The Fourth Sunday of Advent

Tuesday, December 24: The last day of Advent.

Did you know?
Advent begins the new liturgical year, and this year is Year A where the church follows the Gospel of St. Matthew.

The Five Holy Days of Obligation are

Monday, December 8: Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.*
Wednesday, December 25: The Nativity of Our Lord
Wednesday, January 1, 2020: Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God
Saturday, August 15, 2020: Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary*
Sunday, November 1, 2020: Solemnity of All Saints**
* Obligation is lifted when the Holy Day is on a Saturday, or Monday
** Solemnity of All Saints will be celebrated on Sunday Obligation

The Catholic Telegraph Resources

Ultimate Guide to Advent click here

Advent Calendar in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati click here

Advent Reflections by the women working in various offices of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati click here