Catholic Blesseds, Saints, Solemnities & Holy Days

Advent: A Journey of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love

Advent is a sacred season in the Catholic Church, a time of preparation, anticipation, and reflection as we await the celebration of Jesus Christ’s birth at Christmas. Advent provides a perfect opportunity to pause, reflect, and grow spiritually, whether you are in college, a young adult, or supporting your student’s faith journey.

What Is Advent?

Advent comes from the Latin word adventus, meaning "coming." This season marks the beginning of the Church’s liturgical year and spans four weeks leading up to Christmas. It’s a time to prepare our hearts for Christ—both His birth in Bethlehem and His promised return at the end of time.

Advent is about more than decorations and holiday cheer; it’s about cultivating spiritual habits, reflecting on God’s promises, and strengthening the faith that connects us as a Catholic community. At Newman Connection, we help young adults and students remain connected to a faith-filled community, especially during this season of reflection and preparation.

The Four Weeks of Advent

Each week of Advent focuses on a specific theme that guides Catholics through a journey of spiritual growth:

1. First Week of Advent: Hope

The first week focuses on hope, reminding us of God’s promise to send a Savior.

• Symbolized by the first purple candle on the Advent wreath, the Prophecy Candle.
• Catholics reflect on the anticipation of Christ’s coming and the hope that His presence brings to the world.
• At Newman Connection, we encourage students to connect with faith communities where they can find hope and support during challenging times.

2. Second Week of Advent: Peace

The second week centers on peace, inspired by the angels who announced Jesus’ birth with “Peace on Earth.”

• Symbolized by the second purple candle, the Bethlehem Candle, reminding us of the journey toward spiritual calm and trust in God’s plan.
• Peace in Advent invites Catholics to reconcile relationships, practice patience, and engage in prayerful reflection.
• Newman Connection helps students find communities where they can cultivate peace and meaningful relationships grounded in faith.

3. Third Week of Advent: Joy

Joy is the theme of the third week, also known as Gaudete Sunday.

• The rose-colored candle, called the Shepherd’s Candle, represents joy.
• Joy reminds Catholics that Christ’s coming is near and inspires gratitude and celebration.
• Newman Connection connects students to vibrant communities where faith, fellowship, and joy are actively shared.

4. Fourth Week of Advent: Love

The final week emphasizes love, reflecting God’s ultimate gift—Jesus Christ.

• Symbolized by the fourth purple candle, the Angel’s Candle.
• This week calls Catholics to embody God’s love through service, kindness, and devotion.
• Newman Connection’s mission is to foster environments where young adults feel needed and known, experiencing God’s love through community and discipleship.

Why Advent Matters

Advent is not just a countdown to Christmas; it is a journey of preparation that strengthens faith, nurtures community, and deepens our relationship with God.

• Spiritual Preparation: Advent allows Catholics to examine their hearts and grow closer to Christ.
• Community Engagement: By joining in prayer and reflection, Catholics experience the beauty of a shared faith journey.
• Faith Formation for Students: For college students and young adults, Advent is a reminder to stay connected to a supportive Catholic community.

At Newman Connection, we help students and young adults find faith-filled connections on campus and beyond, making it easier to experience the full richness of Advent and other liturgical seasons. Get connected.

How to Celebrate Advent

• Light the Advent wreath weekly and reflect on the meaning of each candle.
• Participate in Mass and community events
• Engage in acts of service, practicing love and generosity as a way to prepare for Christ’s birth.
• Reflect daily through prayer and Scripture, cultivating hope, peace, joy, and love in your life.

Connect with a Catholic Community This Advent

Whether you are a student away from home or a young adult seeking fellowship, Newman Connection helps you find your faith community. By staying connected, you can experience the full meaning of Advent and grow spiritually and socially.

Discover your local Newman Connection community today and celebrate Advent with hope, peace, joy, and love.