Advent begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas. This year, Advent began Nov. 30, the start of the new liturgical year.

Here’s a quick explanation of what Advent means for Christians and Catholics, and the origins behind some other Christmas ...

For Deacon Franz Fruehwald, Christmas with its decorations and shopping seems to arrive earlier each year. It’s easy to get distracted, which is why Advent helps us stay alert and prepare for the Lord ...

The more we embody the Holy One, who negotiates and arbitrates among all peoples and across all cultures and nations, the ...

The goal of Advent is to grow in holiness, to grow closer to the Holy family and become a holy family ourselves. Christ is ...

The second candle that we light on the Advent wreath this Sunday reminds us of peace, and Deacon Franz Fruehwald points to ...

Advent's Lent-like waiting period is exactly why churches do not immediately whip out Christmas trees at the end of Ordinary ...

Throughout Advent, a prominent Nativity scene serves as a continual reminder of the Church’s participation in attentive ...

The 2025 digital Advent calendar from the Catholic Courier features 26 windows visitors can open to reveal multimedia “treats ...

The lack of church decor also teaches about the penitential nature of the season. In the weeks leading up to Christmas, the ...

An Advent wreath is circular and symbolizes everlasting life and unending love. The arrangement is used to put our attention ...

The Catholic Church’s universal character is evident in the Rochester Diocese as cultural communities celebrate their Advent ...