Look at the back inside cover of your handbook. This is a diagram of the Church Year. The Catholic Church begins its year with the season of Advent. November 27 is the first Sunday of Advent.
Advent is four weeks or four Sundays. It is a time when we should prepare for the birth of Jesus again. It is true He was born over 2000 years ago, but the Season of Advent reminds us to be watchful and wait in patience for Jesus.
The color for Advent is Violet. In church you will see Violet banners behind the altar and violet ribbons on the altar. Plus the Advent Wreath will be there too.
Significance of the Advent Wreath Shape and Color
Since circles have no beginning and no end, the circular shape of the Advent Wreath symbolizes eternal life in Christ. The wreath holds four candles which are lit progressively, over the four weeks of the Advent season. Generally, three are violet (purple) and one is rose-colored, each representing 1,000 years. Added together, the four candles symbolize the 4,000 years that humanity waited for the Savior.
Violet is a liturgical color symbolizing penance, sacrifice, and prayer. During the first, second, and fourth weeks of Advent, we light violet candles as a reminder of the preparation of heart and mind undertaken in this season, which was traditionally known as a "little Lent."
The Third Sunday of Advent is called Gaudete (Rejoice) Sunday. On this day we celebrate that our wait is almost over. Since rose is the liturgical color used to signify joy, we light the rose candle on the third Sunday of Advent as we rejoice in anticipation of the coming of the Messiah.
You can do many things to prepare during Advent. You received a Holiday Bag with many items for you to make.
