All Sundays of Advent: December 3, 10, 17, 24
Collegeville • Join the St. John’s Monastic Community for the Advent Eucharist at 10:30 a.m. and Sunday evening prayer at 5 p.m. in the Abbey Church. (All Masses are livestreamed at saintjohnsabbey.org and are also archived on YouTube under the title Saint John’s Abbey.)
Little Falls • Join the Franciscan Sisters to celebrate the Advent Liturgy at 9:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Chapel at St. Francis Convent.
Sundays of Advent: December 3, 10, 17
Onamia • Join the Crosier Fathers and Brothers for Solemn Advent Vespers at 5 p.m. in Holy Cross Priory Church.
Sundays of Advent: December 3, 10, 17 and Saturday, Dec. 23
St. Joseph • Join the Benedictine Sisters at St. Benedict’s Monastery for the Advent Eucharist at 10:30 a.m. on Sundays, Dec. 3, 10, 17 and at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 23. The Benedictine community and public will assemble in the Gathering Place to light the Advent candles followed by a procession into Sacred Heart Chapel and continuation of Eucharist.
Wednesday, November 29
St. Joseph • Spirituality Center at St. Benedict’s Monastery hosts virtual “Advent Sacred Pause” from 11 a.m. to noon for four Wednesdays, starting today. Led by Benedictine Sisters Mary Catherine Holicky and Eunice Antony, participants will gather to share the common prayer of “lectio divina” (prayerful reading) using the Gospels of the Sundays of Advent. Meeting with a sister spiritual companion for 30 minutes each week of Advent is optional. (Participants will need access to a device with Zoom capability.) Fee is $60. (Limited to 8 participants.) Other dates include Dec. 6, 13, 20. Register at https://bit.ly/48FKvES or call 320-363-7112.
Thursday, November 30
St. Joseph • Spirituality Center at St. Benedict’s Monastery hosts in-person “Advent Sacred Pause” from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. for four Thursdays starting today. Led by Benedictine Sisters Mary Catherine Holicky and Eunice Antony, participants will gather to share the common prayer of “lectio divina” (prayerful reading) using the Gospels of the Sundays of Advent. Prayer is followed by a shared meal and fellowship. Meeting with a sister spiritual companion for 30 minutes each week of Advent is optional. Fee is $95, which includes noon meal. (Limited to 8 participants.) Other dates include Dec. 7, 14, 21. Register at https://bit.ly/3ZHxLtw or call 320-363-7112.
Saturday, December 2
Little Falls • Franciscan Sisters host “Advent Day of Reflection” from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at St. Francis Convent. Presented by Franciscan Sister Ade Kroll, participants will explore the meaning of Jesus coming to earth and living as a human. Lunch provided. There is no fee, but donations are accepted. Register at chartwell@fslf.org or 320-632-0680.
Monday-Friday, December 4-8
Little Falls • All are welcome to a Holiday Open House at St. Francis Health & Wellness Center during regular hours of operation, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. (116 8th Ave. S.E.).
Tuesday, December 5
St. Cloud • Join the Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls for an Advent Open House from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Franciscan Welcoming House (1600 11th Ave. S.). Refreshments will be served. For more information email Sister Michelle L’Allier at mlallier@fslf.org.
Friday, December 8
St. Joseph • Spirituality Center at St. Benedict’s Monastery hosts a retreat day titled “Mary, Mother of the World” from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Facilitated by Benedictine Sisters Christian Morris and Mara Faulkner, participants will reflect on the many faces of Mary expressed in diverse cultures throughout time and how she can help to heal the world. Midday prayer and noon meal at the monastery are optional. The fee is $100. (Limited to 20 participants.) Register at https://bit.ly/3rKFme3 or call 320-363-7112.
Sunday, December 10
Little Falls • St. Francis Community Chorale presents a free Christmas concert titled “Christmas Stars” at 2 p.m. in the Sacred Heart Chapel at St. Francis Convent. Songs will include “Celtic Nativity Song,” “Walking in the Air,” “The Little Drummer Boy/Peace on Earth,” “Cool Yule” and “The Hands That First Held Mary’s Child.” St. Francis Youth Choir, St. Francis Brass Ensemble and several string players from the St. Francis Orchestras will also be featured.
Friday, December 15
Little Falls • The St. Francis Orchestras present a free Christmas concert titled “Christmas Collage!” at 7 p.m. in the Sacred Heart Chapel at St. Francis Convent. The audience will recognize many Christmas carols such as “Overture to the Nutcracker,” “French Carol,” “Jingle Bells,” “Ukrainian Bell Carol,” “Pat-a-Pan,” “Veni, Veni”and others. One of the songs, “English Carol Collage,” begins with a lively fiddle piece which intertwines with many beloved carols.
Sunday, December 17
Collegeville • “Lessons and Carols” — readings and music for the Advent season — at 5 p.m. at St. John’s Abbey Church.
Onamia • Join the Crosier Fathers and Brothers and the Parish of Holy Cross for an Advent Healing Mass that includes the anointing of the sick and ritual blessing with the Relic of St. Odilia at 9 a.m. at the National Shrine of St. Odilia.
Tuesday, December 19
St. Cloud • Celebrate God’s love and forgiveness at the Advent Reconciliation Service at 6:30 p.m. at St. Mary’s Cathedral.