The Archdiocese of Southwark has made the following resources available for Advent.

Southwark Diocesan Spirituality Commission Advent Reflections 2020

We are in an Advent season like no other, leading up to a Christmas celebration that may be different from those we are used to. To help focus your daily prayer the Commission offers a brief reflection on one of the readings of the day, delivered by email for personal use at a time to suit

At the end of this challenging time of year the weeks may feel even darker than usual. However, this presents an opportunity to discover Advent in a new and deeper way: waiting for a light to grow in the darkness, longing for the coming of our Lord, and of God’s Kingdom. Maybe this is a time to embrace the darkness and the loneliness and allow them to open us up to a deeper longing as we wait.  Sign up here  for the Advent Reflections or visit https://aec.rcaos.org.uk/advent.

Advent with the Southwark Agency for Evangelisation and Catechesis

This new Southwark agency has compiled a wealth of resources for Advent, including weekly meditations, a video based ‘Advent Journey’ and access to a 26 day online retreat on the theme of Joy, with additional resources to follow.  Visit: https://aec.rcaos.org.uk/latest/advent-from-the-agency.

Advent Camino with the Salesians

Join the Salesians for their Advent Camino as they journey towards Christmas.  The Camino will take the form of a weekly email each Saturday containing reflections for the week ahead.  Visit the Salesians website.

The Sisters of St Andrew Advent Calendar

The Sisters of St Andrew (Lewisham) will feature an Advent Calendar on their website. Each day visitors will be able to open a new window and there will be a surprise to discover.  The Sisters particularly wish to encourage people to share the thought offered for each day. Visit: https://sisters-of-st-andrew.com/advent-calendar/.

University Chaplaincy Advent Retreat

On Saturday 12^th December 2020, the Archdiocesan University Chaplaincy Team will be hosting an online retreat for university students.  More details are available from individual university chaplains, whose contact details are available at www.sthildashouse.org.uk or email universitychaplaincy@rcaos.org.uk .

How to build an Advent Wreath

Although this video was made in 2013 and is not the highest quality, it is the simplest and most straightforward guide to making an Advent Wreath at home.  In particular, the video is safety aware and we strongly encourage extreme care at all times with when lighting candles.

The Diocese cannot accept responsibility for individual safety and therefore advises that the Advent Wreath described in this video should only be made with an adult over 18 years present.

Celebrate Advent with CAFOD

After a year of uncertainty, we all need the hope, peace and true comfort and joy that the Advent season can offer. CAFOD has a range of resources and events, such as A journey to the Manger: gentle prayers on Sunday Night during Advent,  In addition they also have a Carol Service, Advent Mass and Assembly for schools (see below).  These opportunities are designed to enable Catholics to come together online to pray and reflect as we prepare for the coming of our Lord
The Agency also has a virtual Advent Calendar for all ages .

Visit cafod.org.uk/parishes to learn more about how parishioners can support CAFOD.

Send a Christmas message to the brave 

CAFOD would like to encourage clergy and laity to write a special Christmas card of encouragement to one of the many justice activists on the frontline in Congo, Palestine, Brazil, Honduras and Colombia. The devastation of coronavirus has meant this year has been particularly challenging for these brave people. Under lockdown, many have been exposed to increased threats, violence and intimidation as aggressors have exploited lockdown situations for their own gain.  Click here to write your Christmas message.

Celebrate Advent in School with CAFOD

Students around England and Wales are invited to come together for prayer and reflection  in CAFOD’s Advent national assembly for schools “Light of the World”. In this assembly students will be introduced  to people from around the world who have spread hope this year, and we will reflect on what it what it means to share the light of Jesus to help make Christmas special for everyone. The event takes place online on Thursday 10 December 2020. The primary assembly starts at 9.30am and the secondary assembly follows at 10am. Watch on CAFOD’s YouTube channel.