“But a shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse, and from his roots a bud shall blossom.  The spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him: a spirit of wisdom and of understanding, a spirit of counsel and of strength, a spirit of knowledge and of fear of the Lord, and his delight shall be the fear of the Lord” (Isaiah 11: 1-3).
 
Advent is a season of hope, joy and love.  The prophets of the Old Testament gave voice to God’s Word of promise.  Looking backwards at those prophets, we look forward to Christmas morning and to the day when Christ will come again.  We prepare for the coming of Jesus as Mary did by making our hearts a cradle for Him to dwell within forever. 
 
Prepare in us, O Lord, a cradle that we might learn to love and cherish you.  Amen.

Index

1. Bishop’s Letter

2. Preface

3. Family Friendly Bulletin Blurbs

a. Cycle A
b. Cycle B
c. Cycle C

4. Penance Services

a. And They Saw a Great Light - Cycle A
b. My Soul Magnifies the Lord - Cycle B
c. Fear Not God Is In Your Midst - Cycle C

5. Prayer Services

a. Advent Wreath Prayers (see “Making An Advent Wreath” - Advent Traditions and Rituals)
b. Called to be a Star!
c. How to Pray the Rosary
d. Stations of the Crib
e. Baptism of the Lord
f. Hail Holy Queen and Vocation Prayer Prayer Cards

6. Advent Traditions and Rituals

a. Making An Advent Wreath (see “Advent Wreath Prayers" - Prayer Services)
b. Did You Know?
c. The Jesse Tree
d. Trees That Tell A Story
e. Twelve Days of Christmas
f. Keeping the Twelve Days of Christmas

7. Advent Season Family Activities

a. Cycle A

i. Cover Page
ii. First Sunday of Advent
iii. Second Sunday of Advent
iv. Third Sunday of Advent
v. Fourth Sunday of Advent
vi. Christmas Day
vii. Feast of the Holy Family
viii. Feast of Epiphany
ix. Baptism of the Lord

b. Cycle B

i. Stained Glass Window Pieces
ii. Stained Glass Window
iii. Cover Page
iv. First Sunday of Advent
v. Second Sunday of Advent
vi. Third Sunday of Advent
vii. Fourth Sunday of Advent
viii. Christmas Day
ix. Feast of the Holy Family
x. Feast of Epiphany
xi. Baptism of the Lord

c. Cycle C

i. Cover Page
ii. First Sunday of Advent
iii. Second Sunday of Advent
iv. Third Sunday of Advent
v. Fourth Sunday of Advent
vi. Christmas Day
vii. Feast of the Holy Family
viii. Feast of Epiphany
ix. Baptism of the Lord

8. Resources and Acknowledgements

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