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, December 1 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.
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.
Advent Reflections
Campus Ministry offers daily reflections throughout the holy season of Advent.
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Programs and Events
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.
Christmas Giving Tree
To benefit Catholic Charities of New Hampshire. Trees with gift tags are located in Alumni Hall 1st floor, Campus Ministry in the Jean Student Center, and the Abbey Church lobby. Please have Amazon packages shipped directly to Campus Ministry, or return with tags to Campus Ministry, by Wednesday, December 11. For more information: Joycelin Raho at jraho@anselm.edu or 603-641-7170
Fair Trade Fair
To support economic justice in developing countries. Beautiful and unique handcrafted gifts, jewelry, housewares and more that are made by artisans from around the world. Wednesday, December 4, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. in the Jean Student Center. For more information: Joycelin Raho at jraho@anselm.edu or 603-641-7170
A Celebration of Light: Intercultural Holiday Dinner
Co-Sponsored with Inter-Cultural Center, Wednesday, December 4 at 7:00 p.m. in the event space in the Jean Student Center Complex. Learn about holiday traditions from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds from members of our campus community. For more information: Kat O'Loughlin at koloughlin@anselm.edu or 603-641-7317.
DecemberSong
Performance of songs of the Advent and Christmas Seasons by the Saint Anselm College Choir - Friday, December 6 at 7:30 p.m. in upper Abbey Church.
Christmas Tree and Manger Blessing
Traditional Blessing of Manger Scene and Christmas tree, Tuesday, December 3 at 6:00 p.m., in front of the Jean Student Center, with Christmas Carols and refreshments. For more information: Father Stephen Lawson slawson@anslem.edu 603-641-7731.
Campus RENEW
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. For more information contact Kat O'Loughlin at koloughlin@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.
Advent Wreath Lighting & Prayer
Monday's at noon in Campus Ministry, December 2, 9, 16 and 23: Join the college community as we light a candle to mark the beginning of the week in Advent. Sponsored by the Staff Council and Office of Campus Ministry.
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Celebration of the Eucharist in Advent
Celebration of the Eucharist in Advent
All offerings and times listed below apply only when the college is in session, December 2 – December 15.
The Abbey Church is open daily from 6 a.m. - 10 p.m. for prayer and reflection. The Blessed Sacrament is reserved in the chapel to the right of the sanctuary.
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.
December 16 - January 13 Mass daily at 8:30 am with the following exceptions:
Date Event Time December 24/25, 2019 The Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord Mass at 12 a.m. and 11 a.m. January 1, 2019 New Year's Day, Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God Mass, 8:30 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. -
Reconciliation
Abbey Church, lower level (when college is in session)
- Sunday - 6:15 - 6:45 p.m. and 8 - 9 p.m.
- Monday through Friday 4:30 - 5 p.m.
Note: The Abbey Church is open daily from 6 a.m. - 10 p.m. for prayer and reflection. The Blessed Sacrament is reserved in the chapel to the right of the sanctuary.