Can you believe we have reached the end of the year? But you know, in the world of liturgical living, there is really no endpoint — just always new beginnings in a beautiful, never-ending spiral.
The liturgical calendar is like a cozy circle. It is predictable like the seasons and feels like home. Every year, God surprises us with something fresh and new. Let us dive into the scriptures, enjoy the feasts together, and connect with the saints — they are excited to hear from us and support our prayers!
Wishing you a wonderful journey through the liturgical year, now and always!
Melissa McCoy
Melissa McCoy Maryville Chaplain
December Notes
Mass is open to residents, families and friends. It is offered at 10 a.m. in the Chapel Sunday to Friday. Residents and families can also tune to Maryville channel 63 to participate from their rooms.
Liturgical color – Purple for the season of Advent / Pink for Guadete Sunday / White for Christmas
Dec. 8 – Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Dec. 12 – Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Dec. 25 – Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord (Christmas)
Dec. 28 – Feast of the Holy Innocents
Painting of St. Francis in the Nativity
St. Francis and the Nativity
St. Francis had a deep devotion to Christmas. He once told a friend, “I wish to commemorate the memory of the Babe who was born in Bethlehem. I want to witness, as much as possible with my own eyes, the discomfort of His infant needs—how He lay in the manger, surrounded by an ox and a donkey, resting on the hay.”
Let us express our gratitude to St. Francis for inspiring this powerful and lasting visual reminder!
Ways to Celebrate Advent
Light an Advent Wreath: Advent wreaths are a traditional symbol of the season, and they are often lit on the first Sunday of Advent.
Pray: You can pray each night of Advent, focusing on the themes for each week. Additionally, consider praying for a specific person or ministry each day.
Read Scripture: Reflect on how God has worked to save us through Jesus by reading daily Gospel readings.
Use an Advent Calendar: An Advent calendar can help you mark the days leading up to Christmas.
Use Christmas Cards: Place Christmas cards in a basket and pray for the person or family represented on each card.
Fast: Consider fasting from noise, anxiety, and media to create space for prayer.
Setup an Advent Garland: Cut out 24 strips of green and red construction paper. On each strip, write the name of a family member, friend, or ministry. Staple the strips together to create one long garland, and hang it up as decoration. Each day, remove one strip and pray for the person or ministry listed.
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