Advent events, services in parishes focus on preparing for Christmas

By KATIE LEFEBVRE, Globe staff reporter
Dec. 13, 2007

Advent is a time when parishes provide events to help parishioners prepare for Christmas and the coming of Jesus.

At Immaculate Conception Parish in Cherokee, Advent by Candlelight was held Dec. 9 for women of the Vineyard Cluster, Cherokee and St. John's in Quimby. Prior to this event was a penance service.

"It is a quiet Advent celebration with beautiful tables, delicious desserts and nice conversation for the women of the cluster," said Sister Janice Hoffman, director of music and liturgy at Immaculate Conception. "It is an opportunity for them to slow down during the busy preparations of Christmas."

She explained that two women host each table with six guests at each table. The hosts decorate their own tables - place settings, table cloths, centerpiece and candles. The hosts also make a dessert for their table. This year there were 10 tables and this the third year the event has been held.

Before the meal there is an Advent prayer and the lighting of Advent candles. The women eat by candlelight at each table. The evening ends with the reading of a Christmas story.

The money raised by the event is used to purchase a gift for new mothers at baptism.

"The women enjoyed it so much. They said it was a nice way for them to start the preparations of Christmas. They like being together, relaxing and enjoying one another," said Sister Janice. "There are so many other things that take our attention, so much busyness, during the Christmas season. This is a spiritual experience for them as well as a real opportunity for them to get together and share."

St. Malachy Parish in Madrid held an Advent musical retreat led by Father David Hemann, pastor at Our Lady of Good Counsel in Holstein and Sacred Heart in Ida Grove. There was a parish potluck held following the retreat.

This retreat was originally going to be held in Lent last year but was rescheduled for Advent due to weather. Father Brian Danner, pastor at St. Malachy, said the retreat went well.

He said that having events during Advent gives parishioners "a chance to slow down and to live the Gospel where we are challenged to consume the season and not be consumed in the commercial component of the season. We should be consumed by the Lord in our preparations for the Lord's coming at Christmas."

Another part of the season for parishioners at St. Malachy's is bringing in their favorite angel ornament - homemade or store bought, large or small - to put on the main Christmas tree in the church.

At St. Cecelia Parish in Algona, Advent prayer is held at 4 p.m. each Sunday and Scripture reflection is held at 10 a.m. on Tuesdays. The Tuesday gathering is something that is held year round.

"That really does cover the Advent season well," said Lorri Larsen, pastoral associate at St. Cecelia's. "The Scripture reflection was designed so that the lectors could pray and read the Scriptures ahead of time. We found out that people who are parishioners and would come and pray with us said that the Mass was more meaningful."

The prayer on Sundays is vespers - music, psalms, readings and incense. This has been held for several years.

"It is an opportunity for people to take a break from the busyness of the holidays and take time to refresh themselves - to be with God, to be with others who share that desire - and strengthen the spirituality of the parish," said Larsen.

Father Michael Erpelding, pastor at St. Joseph Church in Sioux City, held a mini Advent retreat the first Sunday of Advent for his parishioners. The infancy narratives in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke were read with reflection time between each reading.

"We also reflected upon waiting like and expectant mother waiting for a child," said Father Erpelding. "I think people are hungry to reflect on Scripture so I combined a Scripture study with prayer time and a mini-retreat in preparation for Advent."

He said he plans to also have a mini retreat for Lent.

"Sometimes people need to gather their thoughts together and have an opportunity to pray reflecting on his first coming at Christmas and his coming again at the end of time," said Father Erpelding.

Many other parishes in the Diocese of Sioux City will also be holding prayer services or events for Advent.