The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light;
– ISAIAH 9:1
Upon those who lived in a land of gloom a light has shone.
In the ongoing fulfillment of the words of the Prophet Isaiah, the Catholic Church designates the four weeks prior to Christmas as the season of Advent. During this time, we once again intentionally prepare to encounter the joy of the Messiah’s birth, and ardently await His second coming.
Whether you are looking for ways to get the most out of this Advent season or have been away from the Church for a while: Welcome!
Advent Resources
Explore these resources and useful links to help you prepare during this Advent Season:
Figures of Advent
Enrich your Advent reflections with the below series of meditations by Cardinal Dolan on the towering characters and personalities of Advent.
Preparing for Christmas
“Advent is the time we are given to welcome the Lord who comes to encounter us, and also to verify our longing for God, to look forward and prepare ourselves for Christ’s return.”
– Pope Francis
Advent is a great time to engage with the Sacrament of Confession. If you’re not sure where to go, you can visit our Parish Finder to find a church near you. If it has been a while since your last confession, remember, you are not alone. The priest will help guide you. In addition, we have gathered the resources below to help you prepare.
Reconciliation Monday
Confession will be offered in all Parishes throughout the entire Archdiocese of New York and the Diocese of Brooklyn on Monday, December 18, 2023, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
Examining Your Conscience
“Three conditions are necessary for Penance: contrition, which is sorrow for sin, together with a purpose of amendment; confession of sins without any omission; and satisfaction by means of good works.”
– St. Thomas Aquinas
- Archdiocese of New York Priest Council: Examination of Conscience & Making a Good Confession
- USCCB: Examinations Of Conscience
- National Catholic Register: Confession Guide for Adults & Confession Guide for Children
- Knights of Columbus: A Guide to Confession
Acts of Contrition
My God,
I am sorry for my sins with all my heart.
In choosing to do wrong
and failing to do good,
I have sinned against you whom I should love above all things.
I firmly intend, with your help,
to do penance, to sin no more, and to avoid whatever leads me to sin.
Our Savior Jesus Christ
suffered and died for us.
In His Name, my God,
have mercy.
Amen.
Lord
Jesus Christ,
Son of God,
have mercy
on me,
a sinner.
O my God,
I am heartily sorry
for having offended Thee,
and I detest all my sins
because of Thy just punishments,
but most of all
because they offend Thee, my God,
Who art all-good
and deserving of all my love.
I firmly resolve, with the help of Thy grace,
to sin no more and to avoid the near occasions of sin.
For a child is born to us, a son is given to us; upon his shoulder dominion rests.
– ISAIAH 9:5
They name him Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace.