Advent-uring

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It’s definitely too early to talk about Christmas.
But Advent? 
No, not too early.

 Advent starts on December 1, and we have a new program that will hopefully add meaning and connection throughout the season. 

We’ll assemble groups of 5-10, and a person will email the others a task for the day.  Each group member will take turns being the task creator for the day.  The task should be brief and do-able.  It’s a chance to be fun, creative, and inspirational.  Maybe it’s 

“Imagine what YOUR parents were anticipating a month before your birth.”

Or

“Leave something for a neighbor, St. Nick-style. 
A card? Sweets? Nothing extravagant.
 But make it anonymous.”

Or

“Reflect on your day. 
Then sing a verse or two of Silent Night.”

This is done in rotation and each group sets the schedule.  So maybe Emma emails a task to the others on 12/1.  Then Dan contacts the group on 12/2, Jorge on 12/3, Mira on 12/4, and so on.  Or Sara does the first four days, then Dan the next four, etc. If people want to post a reply to the task, great.  If not, equally great.  Don’t worry if you don’t feel your task is the most creative.  Pray about it and let the Holy Spirit do her magic.  The simplest of things can open the door to wonder.

You can loop in kids--yay!  And maybe a relative, who is a bit iffy on church things these days, but likes the rituals.  We’re trying to create groups geographically, giving them an opportunity to meet before, during or after Advent (but that is not required).

We hope this will be a way to hold on to the magic and wonder of Advent as society tugs us with Christmas songs, Christmas chores, and just busyness.  It’s also a way to connect with friends or make new friends.

Catholics don’t just observe events.  We prepare.  And now we ask you to help prepare to prepare…for the way of the Lord.

The Process

  • Step One – sign up. Fill out the form below (or go to calnewman.org) and sign up. If  you would like to lead (i.e., send out the first email), please indicate that on your sign-up.
    Newman will contact you before 12/1.

  • Step Two – get with your email group electronically or in person, agree on the rotation, and … participate!  One person shares a brief task/thought with the group for the day.  Another person does that the next day, etc.

  • Step Three – after the season, compare experiences.  Again, it can be done online or in person.  We’ll ask group leaders for feedback.

Click here to Sign Up