Catholics across Santa Clara County will gather to celebrate and reflect on the apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary to St. Juan Diego at Tepeyac, Mexico, in December 1531. We, just like St. Juan Diego, are urged by Our Lady to share the message of hope and comfort promised by God to people of every culture and language. Join us in procession and pilgrimage at one of our parishes this December 11 and 12 to thank with songs, dances, and flowers our Blessed Mother, the Virgin of Guadalupe, who has always been with us. For people who wish to join the liturgy from their homes, some parishes will be broadcasting live on their Facebook page.
Los católicos de todo el condado de Santa Clara se reunirán para celebrar y reflexionar sobre las apariciones de la Santísima Virgen María a San Juan Diego en Tepeyac, México, en diciembre de 1531. Nosotros, al igual que San Juan Diego, somos instados por Nuestra Señora a compartir el mensaje de esperanza y consuelo prometido por Dios a personas de todas las culturas y lenguas.
Acompáñenos en procesión y peregrinaje en una de nuestras parroquias este 11 y 12 de diciembre para agradecer con cantos, bailes y flores a nuestra Santísima Madre, la Virgen de Guadalupe, que siempre ha estado con nosotros. Para las personas que deseen unirse a la liturgia desde sus hogares, algunas parroquias transmitirán en vivo en su página de Facebook.
Introduction to an Advent Guide
We personally invite you to review A Guide to Advent formation guide to supplement your Advent. This Advent resource was created by many across our Diocese; priests, religious, directors of ministry, Department of Communications and the Department for Evangelization team.
The focus is on the traditional themes of the Advent wreath: Hope, Love, Joy & Peace. Each week the webpage will be updated on Thursdays with Weekly short video links, A faith sharing guides that includes: Objective of session, materials to gather, opening & closing prayers, music links and more.
Use this Advent Guide with parish groups, families, or colleagues
Ways to Observe Advent
It can be challenging to figure out ways to slow down and focus on the beauty of Advent amid the rush of the secular version of the Christmas season. Below you’ll find links to prayers and other spiritual nourishment to guide you through Advent and beyond as well as some fun and beautiful ways to celebrate the weeks leading up to Christmas.
Advent Prayer
Advent at Home
Advent at Home
- Place an Advent wreath on your table and light the candles every time you sit down to eat – don’t forget to bless the wreath
- Use an Advent Calendar to count down the days till Christmas – have everyone share one thing they are grateful for before opening each door or practice works of mercy on the journey towards Christmas
- Set up a manger in a prominent place in your home, and invite the kids to place a piece of ‘hay’ in it for every act of kindness or sacrifice they make to prepare a soft bed for the Christ Child
- Create an Advent Jesse Tree. This ancient tradition, based on Isaiah 11:1, helps children learn the Christmas story and related Scripture.
- Read about St. Nicholas and leave small gifts in your children’s shoes on his Feast Day on Dec. 6
- Whip up a batch of Mexican Hot Chocolate to celebrate the Feasts of St. Juan Diego on Dec. 9 and Our Lady of Guadalupe on Dec. 12
- Learn about the legend of St. Lucy and bake a special batch of Santa Lucia buns and take a drive to see all the Christmas lights
- Place Christmas cards you receive in a basket, pick one each night and pray for that family
- Set aside time each week to delve into Advent and Christmas books with your little ones
- Make time for the family to go to confession during Advent
- Attend Christmas Mass together as a family
- Bake a cake for Baby Jesus and sing him Happy Birthday on Christmas Day
Advent Reflections
Advent in Community
Advent in Community
- Participate in a giving tree or some other opportunity to adopt a family or child who will otherwise not receive any gifts this Christmas
- Serve lunch at a local soup kitchen
- Bake Christmas cookies and deliver to a home-bound neighbor
- Offer hot cocoa and cookies to the garbage collector or mail carrier
- Offer to cover a coworker’s shift so they can spend more time with family
- Take flowers to a local cemetery and leave them on a grave anonymously
- Send Christmas cards to soldiers on deployment
- Send a care package to a friend or family member who has moved away
- Sign up for Angel Tree and bring comfort to a child with a parent in prison