"As the people of Israel waited for generations for the promise of the Messiah, we share in the long preparation for the Savior’s first coming by recalling the mysteries in the Gospels of Son of God becoming man for us. Advent is a time of preparation, of waiting, of longing to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, and a time of renewing our desire for Christ’s second coming" (CCC #524).
He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary
Preparing for Your Retreat
As A Directed Retreat
We recommend, if you are new to mental (discursive or interior) prayer or to Ignatian Retreats, to consider a director to accompany you along with way
We recommend you meet with one of our spiritual directors to begin for guidelines; midway through for review and reflections; and at the end for a review of graces.
Please connect with either Karen, Gregory, Pamela, Lori or Michelle who are available for this retreat. Download and print he Advent Retreat below.
As a Self-Directed Retreat
This as a self-retreat is written for those with experience in the ways of lectio divina, imaginative contemplative prayer, and the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius.
MEET WITH YOUR SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR
TO BEGIN
SUSCIPE
by St. Ignatius of Loyola
Take Lord, and receive all my liberty,
my memory, my understanding, and my entire will,
all that I have and possess.
Thou hast given all to me.
To Thee, O Lord, I return it.
All is Thine; dispose of it wholly according to Thy will.
Give me Thy love and thy grace, for this, is sufficient for me.
Amen
The Mysteries
The gospels were written as an account of time past so we may know the truth. (click open the >)
Day 1: Beginning With Hope That God Promised A Savior
Day 2: Learning to Hope and Trust in God's Handiwork
Day 3: Moving from Doubt and Desiring Peace
Day 4: To Contemplate Mary's Humility Before the Angel of the Lord
Day 5: Moving from Gratitude to Joyful Praise
Day 6: Moved by Joy to Discernment and Obedience
Day 7: Wondering with Love
Day 8: Proclaiming with Love
MEET WITH YOUR SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR
Gathering the Graces: Spend a day to review and savor God’s gifts to you during this retreat. It is when we review, we are reminded of the God's love for us and all of the world for His coming. Make summary notes for your sharing with your spiritual director or with your faith-sharing group.
Download your Advent Retreat for printing.
*(SE#) All quotes are taken from The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius: based on Studies in the Language of the Autograph by Louis, J. Puhl. SJ. Bible passages are taken from the USCCB website.
Our Lady of the Way, Pray for us! For more information or to register for Spiritual Direction