Advent 2024
St Mary Magdalene Equal to the Apostles and St Peter and Mary Episcopal Church.
Advent Candle Wreath
The Advent candle wreath is a tradition going back centuries and is practiced in many countries. It is comprised of four candles for each week of Advent. Some traditions include a fifth white candle symbolizing the light of Christ and is lit on Christmas Day. Three of the candles are either blue or purple. For week 3 of Advent light, a rose candle is used. It is called the "Gaudete” candle which means rejoice.
Advent Wreath Prayers and ReflectionsUse the time of lighting your home advent wreath as a time to deepen your understanding and appreciation of the Advent season. Make lighting the Advent Wreath a time for meaningful connections and discussions with your loved ones. These prayers add a touch of spirituality and help you all reflect on the season in a more profound way. It's not just about going through the motions—it's about actively engaging and growing together.
Start with the Advent Wreath Blessing
Dear Jesus, as we light the candle(s) on this Advent wreath, may the light of your presence bring joy to our hearts. Bless our family and our friends, and be with all those who are in need this holiday season. Amen.
advent wreath prayers and reflections for each week
Schedule
1st week of advent
Sunday December 1st — Divine Liturgy and Agape Meal. 11:10 am. Complete Order of Service
Wednesday December 4th — Contemplative Advent Evening Prayer Service. 7:00pm. Complete order of service
2nd week of Advent
Sunday December 8th — Mass and Agape Meal. 11:10 am.
Wednesday December 10th - Contemplative Advent Evening Prayer Service. 7:00pm
3rd Week of Advent
Sunday December 15th — Divine Liturgy and Agape Meal. 11:10am
Wednesday December 18th — Contemplative Advent Evening Prayer Service. 7:00 pm.
4th Week of Advent
Sunday December 22nd — Mass and Agape Meal. 11:10 am.
christmas week
Tuesday December 24th — Mass (with St Peter and Mary congregation). 9:00 pm.
Wednesday December 25th — no service
Thursday December 26th — Mass St. Stephen’s Day. 12:00 pm (At the priest’s house; email clergy@smmdenver.org for address)
Friday December 27th — Mass St. John’s Day. 12:00 pm (At the priest’s house)
Saturday December 28th — Mass and Agape meal Holy Innocence Day (At Wambolt home: email clergy@smmdenver.org for address)
Sunday December 29th — no service
Recommended references
Books
This is what the six-week journey from the first Sunday in Advent to Epiphany is about. It’s a journey out of secular banality and into the sacred mystery of the Incarnation.
Links
Zoom for Contemplative Advent Evening Service. (Email clergy@smmdenver.org to request zoom link)
Advent Giving
St. Mary Magdalene, Equal to the Apostles in partnership with St. Peter & Mary churches will be gathering items in support of the Family Program at The Gathering Place. Items may be brought to the church and deposited in the marked bins each Sunday of Advent. (Dec 1,8,15 & 22). If you would like to contribute financial support in lieu of or in addition to in-kind goods, please contact the Bishop’s Warden, bwarden@smmdenver.org, or the Treasurer, treasurer@smmdenver.org, on how to make those contributions.
Most needed Items
Baby and kids:
shampoo, conditioner, soap, lotion, toothpaste, toothbrushes
baby formula (all brands), wipes, powder, bottles, diaper rash cream
baby blankets
baby and kids new and used clothes
Children’s overnight underwear or underpants (small, medium, large)