Advent Fair gives reasons for season
NATCHEZ — Father David O’Connor, pastor at St. Mary Basilica and Assumption parishes, has announced an “Advent Fair” this Sunday, Nov. 23, in St. Theresa Hall from 11:15 a.m. - 1:45 p.m.
“The purpose of the fair,” he said, “is to provide an opportunity for members of the parish to make Advent wreaths for their homes, to teach children about the season of Advent, to provide Advent activities for families, and to launch an Advent spirit by sharing lunch together.”
Ruth McWilliams, program coordinator for St. Mary Basilica, explained, “the program will begin with a lunch for participants (adults, families, children), prepared and sponsored by the Parish Life Commission. An exhibit and sale of olive wood religious objects will be offered by Holy Land Arts Company from St. Louis.”
The Religious Education Commission has arranged a program of learning activities for children, and the Family Life Commission is offering suggestions for Advent activities in the homes and families as well as sponsoring the Advent wreath workshop.
The Liturgy Commission has planned activities for the season of Advent for weekend Masses. Each child in the children’s Liturgy of the Word will receive a candle each week for their Advent wreaths.
“The season of Advent,” Father O’Connor said, “is a four-week time of spiritual preparation before the celebration of Christmas. During Advent, Christian people are called to think about the true meaning of Christmas, to keep Christ in their preparations for Christmas, and not to become totally absorbed by the commercial aspects of Christmas in our culture.
“It is our hope Sunday’s program will give church members creative ideas for the weeks before Christmas,” he said.
