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Collections for Advent
These prayers, faithful translations of the Latin Collects, or opening prayers,
may be said every evening when the Advent wreath is lit.
First Week
Stir up thy power, O Lord, and come, that by thy protection we may be rescued from the dangers that beset us through our sins; and be a Redeemer to deliver us; Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Sp[rit, ever one God, world without end. Amen.
In English-speaking countries, this Sunday was called "Stirrup Sunday", because the "stir-up" of the Collect was the signal to begin to "stir-up" the fruits for the baking of Christmas cakes and puddings.
Second Week
Stir up our hearts, O Lord, to prepare the paths of thine Only-begotten Son: that we may worthily serve thee with hearts purified by His coming: Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit, ever one God, world without end. Amen.
Third Week
We beseech thee to listen to our prayers, O Lord, and by the grace of thy coming enlighten our darkened minds: Thou who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.
On the third Sunday in Advent, Gaudete Sunday, the Church can no longer contain her joyful longing for the coming of the Savior. We light the rose candle and rejoice that our redemption is so close at hand. Gaudete comes from the Latin Antiphon, which begins, "Gaudete in Domino semper: iterum dico, gaudete.." [Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say, rejoice...]. On this day, rose-colored vestments are worn, and flowers may decorate the chancel of the church.
Fourth Week
Pour forth thy power, O Lord, and come: Assist us by that mighty power, so that by thy grace and merciful kindness we may swiftly receive the salvation that our sins impede: Who livest and reignest with thee in the unity of the Holy Spirit, ever one God, world without end. Amen.
More Advent & Christmas
Advent & Christmas 2024
Begins Sunday, December 1, 2024
Ends on Sunday, December 24, 2024
"And the angel answered her, 'The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God.'"
Christ the King
Sunday, November 24, 2024
Christ the King Day is a Catholic celebration that takes place on the last Sunday of the liturgical year in the Catholic faith. continue reading
Advent 2024 starts on Sunday, December 1, 2024
Advent starts four Sundays before Christmas every year.Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary
[holy day of obligation]
Monday, December 9, 2024
![Image of Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary[holy day of obligation]](https://www.catholic.org/files/images/media//14812140994558_150.jpg "Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary[holy day of obligation]")
Blessed Virgin Mary in the first instance of her conception, by a singular privilege and grace granted by God, in view of the merits of Jesus Christ, ... continue reading
Advent 2025 ends on Sunday December 24, 2025
Advent ends on Christmas Eve, the day before Christmas, every year.Christmas
Birth of Our Lord Jesus
[holy day of obligation]
Monday, December 25, 2024
![Image of ChristmasBirth of Our Lord Jesus[holy day of obligation]](https://www.catholic.org/files/images/media//15226932365_150.jpg "ChristmasBirth of Our Lord Jesus[holy day of obligation]")
Christmas is an annual festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. continue reading
The Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God
[holy day of obligation]
Wednesday, January 1, 2025
![Image of The Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God[holy day of obligation]](https://www.catholic.org/files/images/media/2022/16665677875_150.jpg "The Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God[holy day of obligation]")
The Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God is a feast day of the Blessed Virgin Mary under the aspect of her motherhood of Jesus Christ. continue reading
Epiphany
Monday, January 6, 2025
The Epiphany signifies the visitation of the Biblical Magi to the Baby Jesus. continue reading
Advent Reflections
Reflection for every day of Advent
Advent is a period of waiting, like Lent. We are called to obtain the Sacrament of Reconciliation, to pray and fast, as we await the arrival of our ... continue reading
Advent Calendar
Every day of Advent
An Advent calendar has become a tradition for many families when celebrating Advent and the Christmas season. continue reading
Advent Candle
24 Days of December
An Advent candle is a neat way to mark off the days until Christmas. Such candles are commonly found in churches and sometimes in homes. continue reading
Advent Wreath
Each Sunday of Advent
The wreath's symbolism of the advent (coming) of Light into the world is clear. The gradual lighting of the four candles, one on each Sunday of the ... continue reading
Advent & Christmas Classes
14 Free Classes - Mobile Friendly
You’re joining our global classroom. Thousands of students from all over the world, each with their own unique story, learn at their own pace on ... continue reading
Advent & Christmas PDFs
FREE - Printable - Catholic
Free Advent & Christmas PDFs for anyone, anywhere; Use in your Parish Church - School - Bulletin Inserts. continue reading
Christmas Gifts
Free Shipping $70+
Make This Christmas Special with Gifts from Catholic Online Shopping. continue reading
Nativity Scene
Holy Family
The Nativity Scene is a meaningful expression for our religious faith. With it, we provide a captivating visual focus during the Christmas season. continue reading
St. Nicholas
December 6th
The true story of Santa Claus begins with Saint Nicholas. continue reading
Advent? What is it all about
The word Advent derives from the Latin word meaning coming. The Lord is coming. We may reflect that every year at this time we celebrate his coming... continue readingThe Christmas Story
To become the mother of the Savior, Mary "was enriched by God with gifts appropriate to such a role." The angel Gabriel at the moment of... continue readingAdvent Daily Readings
The weeks of Advent remind us to set aside some of the hectic business of the holiday season, and to quietly reflect on the promise of the baby... continue reading
More Advent & Christmas
Bishop Strickland's Christmastide Message: A Call to Repentance and Courageous Discipleship
As we begin a new year, Bishop Strickland offers us a powerful reflection to carry through Christmastide and beyond. His words remind us of ... continue reading
The Deacon Saint Stephen the Proto-Martyr is a Model for all Christians
In the Catholic Church, Christmas is celebrated for eight days (Octave, from the Latin Octava) and opens up into a wonderful liturgical ... continue reading
Love is Born on Christmas Morn, and the World is Born Anew Watch
The Gospel passages proclaimed at the Vigil and the Midnight Mass of Christmas root the Nativity of the Lord, in the family history and ... continue reading
Rediscovering the True Importance of Christmas for Catholics
As the world becomes increasingly secularized, the true significance of Christmas can often be overshadowed by commercialism, distractions, ... continue reading
5 Ways to keep Jesus in your Christmas celebrations this year
Christmas is a magical time of year when decorations line the streets, children are suddenly behaving and the Post Office struggles to keep ... continue reading
Get your oven mitts ready, it's time to bake Christmas cookies! Watch
Logs are burning in the fireplace and a sweet holiday tune escapes from the stereo. Christmas is here and it's time to break out those eggs ... continue reading
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