REASONS FOR HOPE
Using Scripture and inspirational words from saints and spiritual leaders, Bishop Robert J. Baker guides you through the 28 days of Advent in preparation for celebrating the birth of Christ. Discover the many reasons for hope this Advent season. more

ADVENT
The word Advent is from the Latin adventus for "coming" and is associated with the four weeks of preparation for Christmas: more

ADVENT WREATH
Customarily the Advent Wreath is constructed of a circle of evergreen branches into which are inserted four candles: more

JESSE TREE
During Advent, biblical persons representing the ancestors of Jesus, either in faith or bloodline, are gradually added onto
a tree or branch: more

ADVENT HOUSE
A popular rendition of the Jesse Tree and has windows to be opened each day during Advent: more

ADVENT CALENDAR
A personal calendar can be made for the four weeks before Christmas: more

   NATIVITY SCENE
The tradition of having a nativity scene or "crèche" was made popular by St. Francis of Assisi. It is a reproduction of the cave in Bethlehem: more

 CHRISTMAS
A section on the date of Jesus birth and other Christmas traditions including Christmas Trees, Lights at Christmas, Poinsettias, and Holly: more

CHRISTMASTIME
For most, Christmas is over by December 26 and life has resumed its normal activities. The Church, on the other hand, observes an Octave of Christmas until January 1 and an extended Christmastime until January 6, the Feast of the Epiphany:  more

ORIGIN OF "THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS"
 An underground Catechism : more

ADVENT REFLECTIONS
Weekly audio clips for the season of Advent : more