Advent Resources
Advent Small Groups
This Advent, you are invited to rest in God’s peace, preparing your heart for the Prince of Peace to be born at Christmas time there. The world cannot give us peace nor can we find it in ourselves without the gift of God’s grace. Would you like to enter into the Christmas season restored and ready?
We are inviting all adults to to meet in regular small groups during the season of Advent.
Think of 3-5 friends with whom you could gather weekly for some fellowship and faith sharing.
Groups can be all men, or all women, or a combination. Great things happen when we share and grow in our faith in Jesus with our friends and family members!
Here are some options for your small group discussions.
Emmanuel Advent Devotional
This daily devotional, written by Fr. Angelus Montgomery, CFR, and Sr. Karolyn Nunes, FSGM, invites you to encounter Emmanuel, the God who is with us, throughout the season of Advent.
Blessedisshe’s “Peace Has a Name Advent Devotional”
Also, check out “Peace Has a Name” For kids.
Word on Fire: “The Word Became Flesh: Reflections for Advent and Christmas”
In this new book from Word on Fire, readers are offered a week-by-week guide through these sacred seasons with a series of reflections on the Messiah, the Annunciation, the Incarnation, the Journey to Bethlehem, the Nativity, and the Holy Family.
Rejoice! Advent Meditations with Mary, Journal by Fr. Mark Toups
This Advent, don’t get caught up in the busyness. Don’t get lost in the anxiety of preparing for a day. Joyfully anticipate the coming of the person of Jesus through an encounter with his Most Blessed Mother. Imagine having an Advent that is more peaceful, more joyful, and more meaningful than ever before. The Rejoice! Advent Meditations with Mary Journal not only lets you walk beside Mary during the first Advent but also lets you get to know her in a way you haven’t before.
Small Group Sample Schedule and pointers
In all reality, you can make your small group time as short or as long as you want, but always have a set time in place. The following sample schedule is simply a helpful example of what you can potentially do in a half-hour time frame. However, for many small group experiences, having a set time in place and an organic discussion is the best way to grow. Hopefully growing in openness and closeness with the people you’ve chosen to walk with this Lenten season and hopefully beyond.
Sample Schedule
9:00 am: Meet and Check-in
- Grab your coffee (tea, water, whatever… Get comfortable and create an inviting environment).
- A “Check-in” consists of sharing your highs and lows of the week. What was really difficult or stressful about the week? What gave you joy and life this week? There doesn’t have to be a “low” but there is always a “high”!
9:10: Use the resources that you’ve chosen from the St. Jude website to lead your topic of discussion. You can also use the following questions that can be helpful on your Lenten journey:
- What does it mean to be in a relationship with someone?
- What does it mean to have a relationship with Jesus?
- How can I grow in my relationship with Jesus? Do I want to?
9:25: End in a prayer
- This can be offering others intentions for the week
- A novena or specific prayer you’ve chosen for your group
- Just some form of prayer as long as you’re offering your group to the Lord and for the plans, he has for you.
