Advent

This word simply means "arrival" and it is the first season of the Christian year. The season of Advent last for 4 weeks and begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas. The colour of vestments the pulpit fall and altar frontal is purple for this time of the year. The usual floral displays are missing from church. It is a solemn season of preparation for the coming of Christ among us and emphasises his promise to come again at the end of time to judge the world.

During this season we light the candles of an advent wreath to "count down" to the joyful celebration of the Christ Mass (Christmas). Four candles are lit – a new one every week – each focusing on the following people who originally looked forward to the coming of Jesus: 1) The patriarchs (fathers of the faith like Abraham); 2) the Prophets (people like Moses and Isaiah); 3) John the Baptist (the last of the Old Testament prophets) and 4) Mary (Our Lord's Mother). The central white candle is lit at Christmas.