In this final week before Advent we've put together five ways you can prepare spiritually for the new liturgical year which begins on Sunday.

1. Join the Archbishop's Advent talk this Sunday

Archbishop Cushley picks apart the impact of the pandemic with a message of hope as we prepare to celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. His talk is titled 'Unwrapping Advent' and it takes place on Zoom this Sunday (29 Nov) from 7-8pm. Register now: bit.ly/UnwrappingAdvent

2. Get familiar with St Mark

Advent is the start of the new liturgical year, where we hear St Mark's Gospel at Sunday Mass. Let Father Andrew Garden (St David's, Dalkeith) guide you in this video.

3. Practice charity

Parishes across the Archdiocese are running initiatives to help struggling families in their community this Christmas. If you can make a donation, please do so. Our Caritas, Justice & Peace Commission sent this article to all parishes on how we can practice charity in our parish during Advent. Check out the below video to see the amazing response to a toy appeal at St Francis Xavier's in Falkirk.

4. Pray the Rosary!

Join people across the Archdiocese on Zoom to pray for unborn children, their mothers and all Pro-Life intentions. Begins this Monday at 7:00pm and each following Monday in Advent. To register, click here.

Our Catechetics team has also put together this Meaning of Advent pamphlet telling you all about this important season. We'll also make available our Children's Liturgy at Home guide for each Sunday in Advent (click resources on this page).

Priests! Check out these handy online resources

  • Click here for an Advent Wreath blessing.
  • Click here for a Christmas Tree blessing.
  • Click here for a Carol Service Template.

5. Go on silent retreat

Take time out at St Mary's Monastery at Kinnoull, Perth, to prepare in joyful expectation for the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Charlie Corrigan C.Ss.R. will lead the retreat with inspiring talks in a time of prayerful, silent recollection, with opportunities to celebrate the Sacraments and join in community prayer.

If you're a priest, you can go on an Advent afternoon of recollection (online).