By Nick Carney, Endowment and Planned Giving Program Manager
Advent is a season of preparation for the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Our preparation is expressed through hope, peace, love, and joy. In a time of distance from others and our physical worship spaces, we are challenged to live in the spirit of celebration and love more than ever.
In the spirit of Advent, let us not forget to express our love for our parish this year. Below are a few ways to love your local parish during this Advent season.
Attend Mass and other Ministerial Programs
All parishes are making accommodations for parishioners to attend mass, whether it is outside, inside, or virtual. There are also several ministries that exist that require the involvement of parishioners to continue serving.
Give Generously
If you have the capacity to give, now is the time. A majority of a parish’s annual collections are obtained during the advent season. With the compounded issues of virtual mass and limited attendance, collections from masses continue to be a challenge for parishes. Give online or via mail. Ask your parish office which areas or programs needs the most financial support.
Volunteer Joyfully
With all the adjustments to accommodate the safety regulations of the pandemic, extra assistance is needed. Mass and ministerial work requires more assistance to better meet these new requirements.
Love your Parish Staff
During the advent season, there are normally more people filling the church, festive decorations, singing, and increased ministry. The change in dynamic this year leaves the interactions of our priests and parish staff less involved with others. Let them know the community is still with them even more now in the Advent season.
Express Gratitude
Reach out to others to express love, care, and appreciation. Our encounters with others are limited and our ability to simply make a call, mail a postcard, or deliver a gift means that much more in this season.
Show Up Energetically
“Let all that you do be done in love.” -1 Corinthians 16:14. Take every opportunity be present in the Holy Spirit. Be the example and light that brightens this world. The Kingdom of God is present in the love we share.
Pray Fervently
Commit to prayer daily. Pray for your church, your priest, your neighbor, and pray for yourself. Especially when times are challenging, take time for pray and search for gratitude. Know others are praying for you.
Reach out to your local parish today and use one of these methods to spread the joy of the season of Advent.
“There are varieties of service, but the same Lord” – 1 Corinthians 12:5
Photo credit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/vitahall/9339975180