FIRST WEEK OF ADVENT IN ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH

Image of Purple Candle for the first week of Advent 

By Edward Matulanya 

Here are Overview, liturgical theme, symbol, and practice of the First Week of Advent in the Roman Catholic Church.

1. What Is the First Week of Advent? Overview and Catholic Tradition

The First Week of Advent begins the liturgical year in the Roman Catholic Church. Advent is a time of waiting, preparation, and joyful expectation for the coming of Christ at Christmas and at the end of time (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1994). The Church teaches that this season invites believers to renew their hearts and lives. For example, a Parish may bless the Advent wreath at the start of Mass, encouraging families to begin the season with hope.

2. The Catholic Liturgical Themes of the First Sunday of Advent

The First Sunday of Advent focuses on watchfulness and readiness, rooted in Jesus’ call to remain spiritually awake. This theme is grounded in the Church’s teachings on preparing for Christ’s return (Vatican Council II, 1963). For example, a Priest may preach about staying spiritually awake through acts of charity and prayer.

3. Scripture Readings for the First Week of Advent Explained

Daily readings highlight themes such as renewal, promise, and restoration. Isaiah’s prophecies often appear this week, emphasizing peace and the hope of a coming Savior (USCCB, n.d.-a). For example, Isaiah’s vision of swords being turned into plowshares inspires Catholics to seek peace in their daily lives.

4. Advent Wreath: Symbolism of the First Purple Candle (Hope)

The first purple candle, symbolizing Hope, reminds Catholics of the prophets who foretold the Messiah (USCCB, n.d.-b). Lighting this candle marks the beginning of the spiritual journey toward Christmas. For example, families gather to light the candle and pray for hope in their homes and community.

5. How Catholics Prepare Spiritually During the First Week of Advent

Catholics prepare spiritually through reflection, repentance, and renewed commitment. Practices like prayer, Confession, and acts of charity align with the Church’s call to conversion (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1994). For example, a teen might challenge themselves to do one anonymous good deed each day.

6. Daily Reflections and Prayers for the First Week of Advent

The Church encourages daily prayer and meditation to deepen one’s encounter with God. Reflection booklets, devotional apps, or Bible passages help guide prayer during this week (USCCB, n.d.-a). For example, a Parish may distribute Advent booklets with Sacred Scripture verses and reflections.

7. Catholic Advent Practices for Families and Teens

Advent traditions help families bring faith into daily life. The Church supports practices like Advent calendars, charitable acts, and Nativity preparations as ways to live out the season’s mission (Vatican Council II, 1964). For example, a family may place slips of paper representing good deeds into a basket to prepare a “manger” for Jesus.

8. Understanding Hope: The Central Virtue of the First Advent Week

Hope is a theological virtue described in the Catechism as trust in God’s faithfulness and promise (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1994). During the First Week of Advent, Catholics meditate on hope as the foundation of their spiritual preparation. For example, someone facing stress might pray for God’s guidance, expressing hope in His presence.

9. How to Start Advent Strong: Simple Catholic Devotions

Simple devotions help Catholics enter the season with purpose. These include lighting the Advent wreath, reading Scripture daily, or spending quiet time with God (USCCB, n.d.-a). For example, a student might pray a short morning prayer asking God for strength and peace.

10. First Week of Advent Mass Readings and Their Significance

The Mass readings for the First Week emphasize themes central to Advent: hope, watchfulness, and the fulfillment of God’s promises (USCCB, n.d.-a). Isaiah’s prophecies, Psalms of longing, and Gospel calls to vigilance unite to form the spiritual message of the week. For example, the Gospel may speak about staying awake, reminding Catholics to remain alert to God’s work in their lives.

REFERENCES

Catechism of the Catholic Church. (1994). Catechism of the Catholic Church. Libreria Editrice Vaticana.

United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. (n.d.-a). Daily readings. https://bible.usccb.org

United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. (n.d.-b). Advent. https://www.usccb.org

Vatican Council II. (1963). Sacrosanctum Concilium: Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy. Libreria Editrice Vaticana.

Vatican Council II. (1964). Lumen Gentium: Dogmatic Constitution on the Church. Libreria Editrice Vaticana.

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