Advent 2020
Advent 2020
The First Sunday of Advent is 29th November. Here, we present to you three websites that may be useful as you look for ideas and creative ways to celebrate the season at home, in school or in your community.
Online Advent Calendar
Once again, this unique online Advent Calendar from the Irish Episcopal Conference offers resources for the parish, school and for families which can be accessed behind a virtual door each day during the season of Advent. The content is aimed at assisting people of all ages to pray and reflect on how best to keep Christ at the centre of Christmas preparations during this special liturgical season.
Speaking at its launch, Archbishop Eamon Martin said: ‘This year – perhaps more than ever – we need more than ever ideas and inspiration to help us delve deeper during our hours of isolation and restriction, to find that glimmer of light, that note of joy, that promise of consolation.’
You can access the Advent calendar at https://www.catholicbishops.ie/2020/11/24/archbishop-eamon-martin-launches-irelands-only-online-advent-calendar-2/
Praying at Home for Advent – Northern Pastoral Network resource
The Northern Pastoral Network (NPN) was established in 2009 in response to a request from the Council of Pastoral Renewal and Adult Faith Development of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference. The Network has been a valuable resource for staff members or volunteers with pastoral responsibilities within their constituent dioceses. Over the years it has contributed to enhanced communication, networking and a valuable sharing of skills and resources across the member dioceses.
The dioceses of the Northern Province are members of the Northern Pastoral Network:
Armagh, Clogher, Derry, Down and Connor, Dromore, Kilmore & Raphoe.
The Northern Pastoral Network has produced an excellent resource to encourage prayer at home this Advent. Recognising the stark contrast between our present circumstances and our usual gatherings for liturgy at this special time of year, the resource contains lots of creative materials and suggestions to assist people to still have a sense of togetherness as we celebrate the new Church year and prepare for the Christmas season.
You can download the resource here and for more information please see their website https://www.northernpastoral.network/news--resources
Society of Missionary Children Advent Resource
The Society of Missionary Children is the Churches children’s charity for overseas mission. It is the oldest and largest charity in the world, with girls and boys actively participating in over 100 countries. It’s been present in Ireland since 1853 and was founded in 1843 by Charles de Forbin Janson in France.
Ms. Julieann Moran, National Secretary of the Society explained:
“‘Children Helping Children’ is our motto. We encourage children to pray for each other, especially for those living in fear and poverty. We also ask children to share whatever they can – no matter how little – to help girls and boys who have less. Each year children in Ireland help support thousands of projects in the developing world. These projects are run by missionaries who know the value of every cent they receive. All children are helped, regardless of their beliefs or faith.”
You can access the Society’s Advent Resource Pack at https://www.wmi.ie/advent-resources-2020