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"We wait in joyful hope for the coming of our Savior, Jesus
Christ." These words from the liturgy sum up the spirit of
Advent. Advent is a great time to reflect on waiting, to reflect
on joy, even in the midst of the world's pain. After all,
the saving event of the Incarnation happened in a nation in
a state of war, occupied and brutalized by the Romans.
Daily Scripture is a good starting point for Advent celebration.
If your Bible or parish bulletin aren't handy, you can find
the daily readings at usccb.org.
You'll also find there the latest happenings of the U.S. Catholic
bishops, including important statements about the war against
terrorism.
 Home
Celebration Aids
For customs to help celebrate Advent in your home (how to
make and use an Advent wreath, for example), turn to the prayer
page at the "Bread on the Waters" site at cptryon.org/prayer/.
A fine collection of Advent helps is at AmericanCatholic.org/features/Christmas.
Repentance—turning toward good—is John the Baptist's
theme. What better repentance than to recommit ourselves to
acts of peacemaking in our communities and society! You'll
find a place to make such pledges at pledgePeace.org.
If you're considering celebrating the Sacrament of Penance
at your parish and feel a bit rusty, you can brush up at the
Pittsburgh Diocese's "A Short Guide to Confession" at diopitt.org/confess1.htm.
A list of reconciliation articles and resources is at silk.net/RelEd/reconciliation.htm.
You can find a number of good sites to send Advent and Christmas
e-greetings. Here are some to consider: franciscancards.com,
bluemountainarts.com,
catholicgreetings.org.
To
Be Continued—By E-mail
This marks the end of our yearlong Web quest. A free digital
version of "Web Catholic" will continue each month by e-mail,
though, in St. Anthony Messenger's e-newsletter, Friar
Jack's E-spirations. You can sign up to receive it
at friarjack.org.
In the January St. Anthony Messenger you'll find a new column, "The Bible: Light to My Path." See you online!
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