All Sundays of Advent: December 1, 8, 15, 22
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.
Onamia • Join the Crosier Fathers and Brothers for Solemn Advent Vespers at 5 p.m. in Holy Cross Priory Church.
St. Joseph • Join the Benedictine Sisters at St. Benedict’s Monastery for the Advent Eucharist at 10:30 a.m. 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 27
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. Other dates include Dec. 4, 11, 18. Register at https://bit.ly/3YaxgZG or call 320-363-7112.
Saturday, November 30
Little Falls • Franciscan Sisters invite all to join them for an Advent Day of Reflection titled “Prepare the Way of the Lord” from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at St. Francis Convent. Presenter Father Michael Van Sloun will guide participants through the history of this sacred season, its spiritual message and the gift of hope it provides. This free event includes lunch — donations accepted. To register by Thursday, Nov. 28, contact Linda Dobosenski at 320-632-0680 or ldobosenki@fslf.org.
Tuesday, December 3
St. Cloud • Franciscan Sisters host Advent Open House at Franciscan Welcoming House (1600 11th Ave. S.) from 5 to 7 p.m. Refreshments served. For more information, contact Sister Michelle at mlallier@fslf.org.
Thursday, December 5
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 the Spirituality Center Team, 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 $75, which includes noon meal. Other dates include Dec. 5, 12, 19. Register at https://bit.ly/3ZP5kvC or call 320-363-7112.
Friday, December 6
St. Joseph • Spirituality Center at St. Benedict’s Monastery hosts Intensive Centering Prayer Retreat starting today at 7 p.m. and continuing through 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8. Facilitated by Benedictine Sister Hélène Mercier, this is an all-silent retreat with multiple periods of Centering Prayer and one teaching session each day. An optional group reflection time is provided. The fee is $250, which includes meals and overnight accommodations. Register at https://bit.ly/4aIVI80 or call 320-363-7112.
Monday, December 9
St. Joseph • Join the Benedictine Sisters at St. Benedict’s Monastery to celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception with Eucharist at 5 p.m.
Friday, December 13
Little Falls • The St. Francis Orchestras present a free Christmas concert at 7 p.m. at St. Francis Convent.
Sunday, December 15
Collegeville • “Lessons and Carols” — readings and music for the Advent season — at 5 p.m. at St. John’s Abbey Church.
Little Falls • St. Francis Community Chorale presents a free Christmas concert at 2 p.m. at St. Francis Convent.
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 17
St. Cloud • Celebrate God’s love and forgiveness at the Advent Reconciliation Service at 6:30 p.m. at St. Mary’s Cathedral.