Advent Memories

Posted by Adrienne

Yep, its only the First Sunday of Advent and I have a bunch of favorite Advent memories already...from this Advent!

First, what a blessing to have our priests, Father Agustin and Father Charlie visit with the Religious Education classes to tell the children about the new Roman Missal. 

Father Agustin entralled the children with a personal story to illustrate the new wording "through my fault, through my fault, through my most grevious fault" in the Penitential Act.  (You'll have to ask Father about the broken lamp from his mother's nightstand next time you see him...) 

Father Charlie gave the children a close-up look at the beautiful artwork that is part of the red leather bound Roman Missal that the priests will use on the altar.  Seeing the childrens' interest and excitement for the Mass is really inspiring - such authentic faith! 

Next was a wonderful 'Turkey Bowl' Saturday spent with friends including a vigil Mass at sunset along the riverbank of the Eastern Shore of the Chesapeake Bay.  The photos barely portray the glorious natural beauty that complimented the blessing and lighting of the Advent wreath.  The Mass...Heaven on Earth.  Check out the picnic blanket for the 'children's liturgy' section - the little ones were captivated being so close to the altar!  I know that I will always remember 'where I was' when the Church started the Roman Missal, Third Edition.

(And in case you ever have the opportunity to have Mass celebrated in your backyard, you can include your pets...)

Last, thank you to Lisa Matthews for bringing a wonderful new tradition to St. Raphael, the Family Advent Fair.  The Trumpet Room was packed with families making Advent wreaths, singing carols and doing crafts (including a surprisingly high percentage of Dads making the family wreath while the children did the crafts).  Father Charlie was with us to bless the wreaths.

An exciting new trend was observed in the 'wagon wheel-sized' Advent wreath - a very bold and stunning design statement (I wish I had taken a photo).   The most impressive creation was by a mom who, with five children in tow and in the same time it took us to decorate one wreath - assembled at least ten feet of fresh pine, boxwood and holly garland - gorgeous!

The rest of us still have four weeks of Advent to prepare - outside and inside...