ADVENT 2020
This year’s advent is going to look and feel a lot different than usual. As we continue to stay and keep each other safe, we have several resources we recommend to help make this advent a wonderful journey regardless of how it may be different. We remember Christ’s entering into the world over 2,000 years ago, we welcome him into our hearts each day and look forward to when Christ comes again. Happy advent!
ADVENT RESOURCES
O Come, Divine Messiah: An Advent and Christmas Resource - Is a fully digital resource from the Diocese of Phoenix Office of Worship created for families. This beautiful document provides historical and liturgical context to the season, hymns, prayers, cultural celebrations, and more.
Resurrection Live! - Resurrection produces a live weekly show on Fridays at noon with parish news, humor and the lives of the saints. Focused for adults, it’s a great way to easily stay on top with what’s happening in our parish. We’ve currently been on a break after closing out the first season, but our second season begins with a special episode on Friday, November 27th at 10am!
Franciscan University - Many of you might be familiar with Fr. Dave Pivonka, TOR who we have featured in various ResTalk video studies in the past. The university Fr. Dave is currently president of has put together a fantastic page of links and options for Advent this year.
Bishop Barron’s Advent Reflections - Bishop Robert Barron once again has his advent reflections delivered right to your email inbox every morning.
Rejoice! from Ascension - Many of you know we have enjoyed this series from Fr. Mark Toups over the last two years. This year, they are offering live sessions online every Sunday of advent.
Advent A to Z E-Mail Series from Loyola Press - This free email series will explore seasonal themes following the alphabet for inspiration.
Formed.org - Resurrection offers free access to a Catholic streaming video service called Formed.org. To setup your free account, just go to formed.org/signup and select our parish by entering 85282 for the zip code and selecting “Resurrection” from the dropdown menu. Register with your name and email address and check that email account for a link to begin using FORMED. No passwords are required!
Hallow - A Catholic prayer and meditation app that guides users in deepening their relationship with God through audio-guided contemplative prayer sessions. The app offers a ton of content for free, including meditations on the Daily Gospel, Rosary, and more. Resurrection parishioners also receive 20% off Hallow's optional premium content. Once you get setup, you can join the Resurrection prayer group by going to hallow.com/groups/MG6DVW
How to Spend the Holidays Alone - This article from CNN offers many helpful suggestions on staying healthy and hopeful even if loved ones are staying safely away this year.
Advent PRAYERS
USCCB Lectio Divina - Downloadable lectio divina resource for the Fourth Week of Advent.
USCCB Lectio Divina - Downloadable lectio divina resource for the Third Week of Advent.
USCCB Lectio Divina - The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops is pleased to share a downloadable lectio divina resource for the First Week of Advent.
Feast of Out Lady of Guadalupe - Celebrated on December 12th, this feast has special meaning for many in our region of the world. St. Mary’s Press has prepared a nice collection of prayers to celebrate this feast.
SHOPPING SUGGESTIONS
Help Resurrection with Amazon - Did you know that every purchase you make on Amazon can help Resurrection? Simply go to smile.amazon.com and select “Church of the Resurrection Roman Catholic Parish Tempe” for your charity. Then, every time you shop (always begin at smile.amazon.com) a percentage of your purchase will be donated to Resurrection!
St. Mary’s Press - If you’re looking for some great gifts for the Catholic children in your life, check out St. Mary’s Press. We love their books (especially their Youth Prayer Book) and hope you’ll find something that will provide years of use for your family.
Tiny Saints - We use Tiny Saints charms all the time in our programs here at Resurrection. They are wonderfully whimsical interpretations of various saints made into soft rubber charms that can be easily attached to zippers and keychains. Bring some added help and joy into the lives of those you love with the lives of the saints!
PREPARING FOR 2021
The Bible in a Year Podcast - Fr. Mike Schmitz from Ascension will guide Catholics through the Bible in 365 daily episodes starting January 1st, 2021. Each 20-25 minute episode includes:
two to three scripture readings
a reflection from Fr. Mike Schmitz
and guided prayer to help you hear God’s voice in his Word.