Week 1

Nov. 29-Dec. 5
Sunday Mass Readings: Isaiah 63:16b-17, 19b • 64:2-7 • Psalm 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19 • 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 • Mark 13:33-37

The First Week of Advent: Hope

Christmas is about so much more than presents under the tree! During the special four-week season of Advent, we prepare our hearts for the very best gift of all — Jesus! In the Old Testament, the prophets foretold the coming of the Messiah, who would save the people from their sins and bring hope to the world. Today we patiently wait for the day that Jesus will return and make all things new! That’s why we light the Prophecy Candle this week, because Jesus is our hope.

During Advent, we remember that waiting isn’t always easy. Children like Eddy and Alma in Guatemala are patiently waiting for a safe place to live, but we can help! Read part one of Eddy and Alma’s story, make your own Advent wreath, participate in the family discussion, and pray together this week.

ennifer and her little brother live in this small home. We can help provide safer houses for kids like them this Advent!
Jennifer and her little brother live in this small home. We can help provide safer houses for kids like them this Advent!

Take Action: Make an Advent Wreath

The Advent wreath is a powerful tradition. It’s a symbol of the eternal life Jesus offers us. Four candles represent the four weeks of Advent. Create a kid-friendly version using construction paper, cardboard tubes and tissue paper! In our story, Eddy and Alma make their own Advent wreath.

Happy boy creating his Advent wreath project.

Donate to Bless the Poor Around the World!

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Family Discussion

  1. 1.How does Jesus give the world hope? How does he give our family hope?
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2. How can we share hope with others during Advent?

3. How can we pray for children like Alma and Eddy who go without safe housing? 

Advent Illustration of Eddy, waving

Pray Together

Dear God,

Help me think about baby Jesus. Help me remember he is always with us in the Eucharist. And please make me ready to receive his hope when he comes into the world again.

Amen.

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Christmas Catalog

Browse the Cross Catholic Outreach Christmas Catalog to learn about our inspiring ministry partners around the world and join us in feeding hungry families, funding safe homes in Guatemala, or providing vulnerable children with a Catholic Education.

Advent Prayer for the Family

Heavenly Father, your son, Jesus, is your greatest gift to us, a great sign of your love. Guide us as we strive to walk in that love together as a family this Advent. As we prepare our hearts for Christmas, bring us closer to each other and to your son. Give us the grace and strength we need every day. Help us to always trust in you. Come, Lord Jesus, lead all people closer to you. Come and dispel the darkness of our world with the light of your love. Amen.

(Dynamic Catholic)

Donations from this campaign will be used to cover any expenditures for this project incurred through June 30, 2027, the close of our ministry’s fiscal year. In the event that more funds are raised than needed to fully fund the project, the excess funds, if any, will be used to meet the most urgent needs of the ministry.