Advent at St. Ignatius: Preparing for Christ’s Coming

November 26, 2022

Advent is a special time of the year for Catholics, as its marks the beginning of the liturgical year and as we prepare our hearts to welcome Christ’s birth at Bethlehem on Christmas. To prepare us for this wondrous mystery, St. Ignatius Catholic School will focus on the penitential aspect of this time: a time to pray more and be more charitable. Similar though not as disciplinary as Lent, we are encouraging our students, their families, and staff to take on these attitudes to prepare ourselves for Christmas.

Some examples of Advent sacrifices include:

  • Limiting screen time
  • Giving up treats
  • Waiting to decorate until Christmas is near

Some examples of Advent spiritual goods include:

  • Go to confession before Christmas
    • St. Ignatius students and staff regularly have the opportunity for the sacrament of Reconciliation during the school week, and during Advent, the school will also host a Penance Service on December 14 for students and staff.
  • Meditate on the Mass readings before Mass
  • Read a Bible verse each day
  • Pray a decade of the Rosary each day
  • Have a home Advent Wreath and light the candle(s) each week during dinner
    or during your family’s prayer time
  • Sign up to receive and reflect on Chesterton Society’s daily Advent reflections

In addition, students will be encouraged to practice the work of almsgiving by giving donations of supplies or money to Vida Medical Clinic and Support Services. Vida is a life-affirming, not-for-profit medical clinic in Appleton that provides free medical care, offers support services, and empowers women, men, and families to make life-affirming decisions. Each classroom will be deciding how they would like to donate. This is a great opportunity to help the littlest among us as we prepare for the coming of the Infant Jesus at Christmas.

With a focus on the penitential aspect of this holy season, our students and families will be able to better understand and prepare themselves for the great celebration of the Nativity, as we anxiously await the coming of the Lord, both in the manger of Bethlehem and in glory at the end of time.