Advent

Advent marks the start of our new liturgical year. It is a four-week preparation before Christmas Christmas day. 

Advent begins with a message of hope and anticipation. Traditionally, we adorn the chapel in purple. We begin this season in darkness as we light the first of 4 candles on our Advent wreath representing hope, peace, joy, and love. At Xavier, our front foyer holds our main Advent wreath, to center all who enter as they walk under the cross and into our building. It serves as a reminder of God’s endless love and mercy. 

Additionally, each Community House creates an Advent wreath for their respective classroom doors. By tracing the hands of each student to create their House wreath, they come together as one body to await Jesus’ birth. Each week they explore what Advent means for them and prepare their hearts as they add a flame to each of the candles. During Advent, we unite in our desire to quiet our hearts during what secularly may become a busy holiday season, so that we may grow closer to Jesus. During Advent, we also celebrate “Mater Dei Week” and the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception reflecting on God’s choice of the Blessed Virgin Mary as a channel of God’s grace to humanity.