Advent is a liturgical season in the Catholic faith, a time of preparation leading up to Christmas Day. The word “Advent” comes from the Latin “Adventus”, meaning “coming”, and references the arrival of the baby Jesus. This season invites us to prepare for His coming with hearts open to spiritual renewal, community connection, and a deep sense of hope.

As we navigate the busyness of our daily lives, it is easy to lose sight of these essential elements, often moving through our days on autopilot. Advent offers us an opportunity to pause, reflect, and rediscover God’s presence in our lives.

This year, we invite you to explore our Digital Advent Calendar, which highlights the many ways our Jesuit works, parishes, chaplaincies, and schools are creating space for deeper reflection and connection. From retreats and carol services to book clubs and online prayer resources, there’s something for everyone, whether you’re drawn to moments of stillness or communal celebrations. These activities across our Jesuit community provide opportunities to deepen your faith through shared moments of prayer, music, learning, and reflection. You can download the Advent calendar below.

As one contributor to Thinking Faith, our online journal, reflects: “In a tumultuous world, the stillness to which Advent invites us might be welcome, unfamiliar or unnerving – or perhaps a mixture of all three. But if we embrace it, we will be rewarded with glimpses of both the mystery and clarity which the season offers.” You can read that article in full here: Advent’s unanswered questions | Thinking Faith: The online journal of the Jesuits in Britain.

Fr Peter Gallaghers SJ, Provincial of the Jesuits in Britain, writes:

“Advent calls us into a sacred stillness, inviting us to pause and prepare our hearts to encounter Christ in a new way. It is a time to recognise God at work in the ordinary moments of our lives and to respond with hope and generosity. As Pope Francis reminds us, Advent is a time to ‘awaken from our slumber’, to notice, to reflect, and to be renewed. May this season open our eyes to the quiet but profound ways God is with us, here and now.”

Please do join in and celebrate with us!

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