Hey there,
I suspect we can all agree on one thing … 2020 can’t end quickly enough.
We’ve spent most of this year in the grips of the Coronavirus pandemic.
Sickness … and even death.
Lockdowns and quarantines.
No public Masses.
And who can forget the toilet paper shortages.
Fortunately, we Catholics get an early jump on the new year. This Sunday is the first Sunday of Advent … and our Liturgical year is beginning anew.
Advent seems like the perfect season for us now. A time to renew our relationship with God. A time to be hopeful again … even during the pandemic.
This week’s issue of Genuflect aims to help you find the joy in the upcoming Advent season, despite the Coronavirus pandemic. We’ve got a refresher on what Advent is, how to prepare your heart and recapture “proper” celebration, several traditions to add to your Advent celebration, how to catch the Pope’s Advent Masses online, and an overview of the Gospel according to Mark.
Tomorrow in the US we’ll be celebrating Thanksgiving. It may not look like your Thanksgiving celebrations of the past, but I wish everyone a very happy and blessed Thanksgiving. I’m thankful to have your continued interest and support for Genuflect. You remain in my prayers.
Stay safe.
Keep Believing-
Katy Barrilleaux
Founding Editor, Genuflect
P. S. For the latest Catholic news, be sure to check out Genuflect Daily. We hand pick the top Catholic news you care about. Subscribe to the site and submit stories you find on the internet … and upvote all your favorites.
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Advent Refresher
Our new Liturgical Calendar begins on Sunday with the first Sunday of Advent. It’s a time of waiting and preparation for the coming of Our Lord. Here’s a brief overview in case you’d like a refresher to get even more motivated for this special season.
Advent: November 29th | Catholic Culture
5 Ways to Prepare Your Heart
During Advent we prepare for the coming of Jesus Christ on Christmas day … and 2 other comings. Read more about them here, and learn 5 ways to prepare your heart for the coming of Our Lord.
Advent: Get Ready to Welcome Emmanuel | Catholic Exchange
Proper Advent Celebration
Commercialization has done a lot to destroy Advent … and it’s doing its best to wreck Christmas too. Rev. Peter Stravinskas believes now would be a good time to recapture the proper celebration. He offers 11 suggestions to try. He may just be on to something.
How to Recapture a Proper Celebration of Advent And Christmas | Catholic World Report
Give 2020 Back to God
I don’t think we’ve figured out the words to describe 2020 just yet. Certainly a lot has happened … and it’s challenging to find the silver linings right now. But Laura DeMaria says that rather than getting down about it, Advent is the perfect season to renew our faith in God and trust that He knows what He is doing.
Advent: Giving 2020 Back to God | Catholic Stand
Online Advent Calendar
Advent begins on Sunday, November 29th and Loyola Press is ready. They’ve put together an online Advent calendar chock full of readings and resources for each day of the Advent season. It’s an opportunity to slow down and nurture your spirituality.
An Online Advent Calendar For Adults | Loyola Press
Instagram Advent Photo Challenge
This year your Advent will likely look different than past years, thanks to the Coronavirus pandemic. So if you’re looking for a new and fun way to anticipate the coming of Our Lord, give Busted Halo’s InstaAdvent Photo Challenge a try. Here’s what you need to know to get in on the fun.
2020 InstaAdvent Photo Challenge | BustedHalo
10 Advent Activities
To help make the Advent season more special and meaningful for the kids, here are 10 ideas from traditions around the world that you can easily incorporate into your family’s celebrations.
10 Meaningful Advent Traditions For Catholic Families | Catholic Icing
The Pope’s Christmas Masses Online
Unfortunately Italy is experiencing another spike in Coronavirus infections so things are closing down again. The Pope has recently announced that his Christmas and Advent Masses will not include many people, but will be live streamed, like he did for Easter services. Catch all the details here.
Vatican Moves Advent And Christmas Masses Online | Aleteia
Gospel According to Mark
With the start of the new Liturgical Year comes a new set of Gospels. That’s right, on Sunday we begin Cycle B, the Gospel according to Mark. The US Bishops provide this overview of the Gospel, along with who could have written this anonymous book.
The Gospel According to Mark | USCCB
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