Sundays of Advent: December 12, 19
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 virtually to celebrate the Advent Liturgy at 8:30 a.m., livestreamed on YouTube from Sacred Heart Chapel, St. Francis Convent. (Search YouTube for “Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls, MN.”)
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 for the Advent Liturgy at 10:30 a.m. at St. Benedict’s Monastery.
Wednesday, December 8
St. Joseph • “A Journey With Mary and Joseph” is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Spirituality Center at St. Benedict’s Monastery. Pope Francis chose to open and close the “Year of St. Joseph” on Mary’s feast day, Dec. 8. Reflecting on his apostolic letter “Patris Corde (With a Father’s Love),” participants will explore how the virtues of St. Joseph mirror the virtues of Mary. Those who attend will discover and be inspired how Mary and Joseph faced troubling times with courage and self-sacrificing love. Facilitated by Benedictine Sister Julie Schleper, the fee is $120, which includes a noon meal at the monastery. For more information or to register, visit: https://bit.ly/3kiW65e .
Sunday, December 12
Little Falls • The St. Francis Community Chorale presents a free Christmas concert titled “There’s a Light a Coming!” at 2 p.m., hosted by First Lutheran Church, 2100 Riverview Dr. (Due to COVID-19 concerns, the concert cannot be held on the campus of the Franciscan sisters.) Among the songs presented are: “And the Stars Will Dance,” “Still a Bach Christmas,” “Calypso Lullaby” and “Sing a Song of Merry Christmas.” The St. Francis Brass Ensemble will also be performing and will begin playing Christmas carols at 1:45 p.m. Other St. Francis Music Center musicians will be featured, as well. For more information, contact St. Francis Music Center at 320-632-0637 or www.sfmusiccenter.org.
Onamia • Join the Crosier Fathers and Brothers 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.
Monday, December 13
St. Cloud • The Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls invite people of all traditions for an hour of “Advent Taize Prayer,” a meditative, quiet prayer with the beauty of lighted candles, the San Damiano Cross, Scripture readings, songs and chants, at 7 p.m. at St. Augustine Church, 442 2nd St. S.E. In this sacred space, you may be touched with a heightened awareness of God’s presence and healing. For more information, contact the Franciscan Life Center at 320-632-0668. (Available as a YouTube recording after the live event.)
Thursday, December 16
Little Falls • The Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls invite people of all traditions to join them virtually for an hour of “Advent Taize Prayer,” a meditative, quiet prayer with the beauty of lighted candles, the San Damiano Cross, Scripture readings, songs and chants, at 3 p.m. over Zoom. In this sacred space, you may be touched with a heightened awareness of God’s presence and healing. For more information, contact the Franciscan Life Center at 320-632-0668. To receive the Zoom link go to: https://forms.office.com/r/UsSFz4y6p7. (Available as a YouTube recording after the Zoom event.)
Friday, December 17
Little Falls • St. Francis Music Center presents the St. Francis Orchestras in a free Christmas concert titled “Christmas Treats, Christmas Suites!” at 7 p.m. hosted by the Falls Ballroom, 15870 Minnesota 27. Several Christmas favorites including the “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” and “Fantasia on Greensleeves” will be performed. Joining The St. Francis Sonata Orchestra, the St. Francis Maestoso Orchestra and The St. Francis Chamber Orchestra will be the St. Francis Percussion Ensemble and the St. Francis Brass Ensemble. The Brass Ensemble will play “On December Five and Twenty: A Wreath of Carols” and will join the orchestra for two pieces. The Ballroom will offer a cash bar. There will also be a bake sale sponsored by Mary of Lourdes Schools. For more information, contact St. Francis Music Center at 320-632-0637 or email info@sfmusiccenter.org.
Sunday, December 19
St. Cloud • “Lesson and Carols” — readings and music for the Advent season — at 2 p.m. at St. Mary’s Cathedral.
Monday, December 20
Collegeville • “Lessons and Carols” — readings and music for the Advent season — at 4 p.m. at St. John’s Abbey Church.
Tuesday, December 21
St. Cloud • Celebrate God’s love and forgiveness at the Advent Reconciliation Service at 6:30 p.m. at St. Mary’s Cathedral.