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. Follow us on Instagram @stacampusministry to stay updated on our programming and videos.
-
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- November 30 & December 7
Christmas Tree and Manger Blessing
Traditional Blessing of Manger Scene and Christmas tree, Monday, November 28th at 8PM in front of the Jean Student Center, with Christmas Carols. For more information: Br. George at grumley@anselm.edu
DecemberSong
Performance of songs of the Advent and Christmas Seasons by the Saint Anselm College Choir, Saturday December 3rd at 7:30 pm in the Abbey Church.
Christmas Giving Tree
To benefit Ascentria Foster Care Alliance. Access our virtual wishlist at here. All gifts are due by December 8. For more information please contact: Joycelin Raho at jraho@anselm.edu or 603-641-7170
Peer Ministry Programs
Advent Wreath Making - December 2 - 4:30PM - Lower Church
Community Night - December 7 - 6PM to 9PM - Lower Church* Visit the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops website for additional resources for Advent and Christmas.
-
Celebration of the Sacraments in Advent
Celebration of the Eucharist in Advent
Abbey Church
- Monday - Friday: 5:15 p.m.
- Wednesday: 9 p.m.
- Saturday: 11:50 a.m.
- Sunday: 11 a.m. & 7 p.m.
For the Mass & prayer schedule visit the Saint Anselm Abbey
Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception – December 8th
- Mass is celebrated at 12:00pm (Lower Church) & 5:15pm (Abbey Church)
Sacrament of Reconciliation (Lower Church)
- Mondays & Fridays – 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
- Wednesdays: 7:45 p.m.
- December 4th – In the Lower Church following the 7 p.m. Sunday Mass
-
Celebration of Christmas and the New Year
The Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord
December 24th
- Vigils & Lauds - 6 a.m.
- Mass with Celebration of the Anointing of the Sick - 8:30 a.m.
- Daytime Prayer - 12 Noon
- 1st Vespers of Christmas - 5:35 p.m.
- Vigils of Christmas - 7:30 p.m.
- Vigils features the singing of the Roman Martyrology & Blessing of the Abbey Church Manger Scene.
December 25th
- Mass During the Night - 12 Midnight
- Lauds - 8:45 a.m.
- Mass During the Day - 11 a.m.
- 2nd Vespers of Christmas - 5 a.m.
The Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God - January 1st
- Mass - 8:30 a.m.