Let us be numbered among those who stay awake, living at the ready, saying “yes” to all of the invitations of grace given to us during this wonderful season of Advent.
On Sunday, November 28 we begin the Advent Season. What is Advent? The word advent comes from the Latin adventus, meaning coming or arrival. In the Church’s liturgical calendar, Advent is the season of hope in which we prepare to celebrate the commemoration of the first coming of Jesus Christ and look forward to his Second Coming.
While these two perspectives constitute the Church’s official understanding of the season, Advent suggests yet a third coming, one by which the season becomes more than just a time of year, and the liturgy more than mere ceremony: it is the coming of Christ within us. During Advent, the Incarnation should become a personal experience of Christ growing within us through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Advent, this powerful liturgical season that we are beginning, invites us to pause in silence to understand a presence. It is an invitation to understand that the individual events of the day are hints that God is giving us signs of the attention he has for each one of us. How often does God give us a glimpse of his love!
Pope Benedict XVI
During this season our society tells us to hurry - get this bargain - shop here - so many shopping days until Christmas. Our faith invites us to slow down - to wait - to prepare. Such contradictions! In order to assist us a little in the slowing down process, Campus Ministry offers Advent Reflections. This will provide you with a time to stop, to read and to reflect a bit on the message of the Advent season.
Learn more about the Advent season
Advent Programs and Services
Campus Ministry in conjunction with the college offers a variety of programs and services during Advent. Due to the early end of the semester, of our Advent programming will be virtual. Follow us on Instagram @stacampusministry to stay updated on our programming and videos.
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Programs and Events
Advent Reflections
Members of the Anselmian community have written daily reflections throughout Advent. A simple reminder to slow down, reflect, and prepare for this Holy season. Reflections are written by faculty, staff, monks, students, and alumni.
To receive daily reflections throughout Advent simply go to our Advent Calendar webpage. A simple reminder to slow down, reflect, and prepare for this Holy season. reflections are written by faculty, staff, monks, students, and alumni.
Wednesday Night Mass- December 1st
Christmas Giving Tree
To benefit Ascentria Foster Care Alliance and Waypoint. Our Giving Tree will be strictly virtual this year due to the early end of the semester. The wishlist can be accessed here. For more information please contact: Joycelin Raho at jraho@anselm.edu or 603-641-7170
All gifts are due by December 8.
DecemberSong
Performance of songs of the Advent and Christmas Seasons by the Saint Anselm College Choir, Saturday December 4th.
Christmas Tree and Manger Blessing
Traditional Blessing of Manger Scene and Christmas tree, Thursday December 2nd at 8PM in front of the Jean Student Center, with Christmas Carols via Instagram Live. For more information: Fr. Francis at fmccarty@anselm.edu.
Advent Prayer Cards, Christmas Cards and Books
Advent Prayer Cards, Christmas Cards and Books are available for purchase in Campus Ministry Office in the Jean Student Center.
Campus RENEW offers students the opportunity to form small peer-led faith sharing groups. Campus RENEW groups meet for an hour each week for Scripture reflection, discussion, and prayer. Groups will meet throughout break virtually.
For more information or to sign up, please email Kat O'Loughlin at koloughlin@anselm.edu for the schedule and more information.
Celebration of the Eucharist in Advent
December 8th, Feast of the Immaculate Conception. 12:00pm (lower church) and 5:15pm (Abbey Church)
December 24/25, Christmas Day
- The Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord-
- Mass at 12 Midnight
- 11:00am
January 1
New Year's Day, Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God
- Mass, 8:30 am
* Visit the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops website for additional resources for Advent and Christmas.
- The Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord-
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Celebration of the Eucharist in Advent
Celebration of the Eucharist in Advent
Abbey Church
- Sunday: 11 a.m. and 7 p.m.
- Monday: 5:15 p.m.
- Tuesday: 5:15 p.m.
- Wednesday: 5:15 p.m. in upper Abbey Church and 9 p.m. in lower Abbey Church
- Thursday: 5:15 p.m.
- Friday: 5:15 p.m.
- Saturday: 11:50 a.m.
For the Mass & prayer schedule visit the Saint Anselm Abbey
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Liturgy of the Hours
Abbey Church
The college community is welcome to celebrate the Liturgy of the Hours with the Benedictine Monks of Saint Anselm Abbey. Please arrive a little early and a monk will assist you with seating and orientating you with the prayer book. Seating is in the choir section behind the main altar.
Sunday Morning Prayer Lauds 7:10 a.m. Daytime Prayer Terce 8:30 a.m. Evening Prayer Vespers 5:30 p.m.
Monday through Friday Morning Prayer Vigils and Lauds 6 a.m. Daytime Prayer Sext 12 p.m. Evening Prayer Vespers 7:05 p.m.
Saturday Morning Prayer Vigils and Lauds 6 a.m. Daytime Prayer Vespers 5:35 p.m. Office of Readings Vigils 7:30 p.m.