Advent 2023
Advent Events
Advent Morning of Reflection
How will the gifts given to you by the Holy Spirit enkindle your Gift of Self this Advent season? Attend the Advent Morning of Reflection on Saturday, December 9 from 8am-noon. The morning begins with 8am Mass, followed by breakfast and a talk with reflection and prayer led by Fr. Michael Becker, vicar of charisms. Suggested freewill donation is $10. The last day to register is Wednesday, December 6. Sign up HERE.
Blessing of the Bambinellis
Bring your baby Jesus from your family nativity set to any Mass the weekend of December 16-17 and receive a special blessing.
Christmas Flowers
Remember a loved one this season with a financial gift to help purchase flowers to decorate the church. Donate with your envelope or give online HERE.
Service Opportunities for Families
Comfort & Joy Service Project
Our Comfort & Joy Christmas service project supports 360 Communities’ Armful of Love, Sharing & Caring Hands, Joseph’s Coat, and now includes local senior communities. Stop by the tree in the gathering space. Each “ornament” suggests a gift, complete with instructions.
Select one or more mittens or tags, read the instructions and contribute accordingly.
Learn more HERE.
Dinner on the Hill | Dec 14
Help pack meals for those in our community, various shifts available.
Sign up to help pack meals HERE.
Christmas Joy at Trinity Care Center, Farmington | 1:30-3:30pm | Dec 16
Join us for making Christmas cards, caroling, and bingo. Learn more and sign up HERE.
Volunteer at The Open Door in Eagan
Every week, nearly 200 volunteers help keep The Open Door’s hunger relief operations running. Open Door volunteers help with everything from answering phones and scheduling appointments to stocking shelves and distributing food at senior living facilities. Consider giving of your time! Sign up HERE.
Feast Days during Advent
Dec 6 - St. Nicholas
St. Nicholas (270-343) was the Bishop of Myra (now in southwest Turkey). Famous for his pastoral care, many legendary stories of his charitable deeds became the basis for the imagined figure of Santa Claus. The most common way to celebrate St. Nicholas Day is to leave shoes out for St. Nicholas to place small gifts in. Socks are fine, too. Traditionally, the gifts are simple, little items that bring a lot of joy to children. If you wish to celebrate this tradition, leave shoes by the door on the evening of Dec 5. In the morning, the shoes will be filled with small delights (small candies or candy canes, spare change, foreign coins).
Dec 7 - St. Ambrose
St. Ambrose (339-397), was a Bishop and Doctor of the Church. He is the patron saint of beekeepers, candlemakers, and wax refiners (as well as many other things). We usually see bees and honeycombs depicted with St. Ambrose because of a legend that several bees hovered over his head when he was an infant. The bees left Ambrose unharmed with honey atop his head. His parents interpreted this as a divine sign and foretelling of his ability to speak or speaking with a "honeyed tongue." He became celebrated for his scholarship, service to the unfortunate, oratory skills, leadership of the people, and defense of the Church. He is a founding force of the Catholic Intellectual Tradition and has been named a Doctor of the Church. Consider making this honeycomb cake in honor of St. Ambrose.
Dec 12 - Our Lady of Guadalupe
Dec 13 - St. Lucy
~ Listen to the Saints Alive Hallow podcast for children about St. Lucy
Dec 14 - St. John of the Cross
Dec 26 - St. Stephen, The First Martyr
Dec 27 - St. John, Apostle and Evangelist
Dec 28 - The Holy Innocents, Martyrs
Learn more about the Advent and Christmas Saints HERE.
many priests will be available to hear confessions
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Advent Resources for Kids
