Reclaim Your Sundays

December
Music & Prayer

“He who sings, prays twice.”  St. Augustine

Music and song lift the spirit to God. Engaging in vocal or instrumental music can be a way for our whole self to share in the glory of the Father.

On Sunday we are called to participate in appreciating the beauty that is all around us and participate in it. Beauty can evoke in us an appreciation for what God has created in our life and lead us to participate in that creation through the materials around us. We are called to find and assist in creating beauty through the ordinariness of family and household life.

ENTER INTO THE LORD’S DAY
(POSSIBLE ACTIVITIES FOR DECEMBER):

Pray with Hallow use the Christmas Classics

Advent Prayer!

• Check out this list of ways to celebrate Advent and prepare your heart and homes for Christmas.

• Pray with an Advent Wreath weekly. Learn more about the Advent Wreath in this article. Use this Advent Wreath blessing.

• Check out Formed streaming service. Use this wonderful website that has been called a “Catholic Netflix to watch inspiring movies and video-based programs, audio presentations and e-books from the Church's most compelling speakers and authors, including great and holy content for children. During Advent see How to Advent 6-Part Series for families and households.

Music Ideas

• Share the gift of music together. If you can play instruments, great!  If not, invite a friend who has musical abilities.

• Find or create a playlist of your favorite hymns or Advent music. Check out this Spotify playlist Catholic Advent Music by Megan E K Federoff  

• Take time out of your busy holiday preparations to stop and just listen! Check out your local area, does your local school, city, or neighborhood have some sort of musical program this month? Attend as a family.   

• The Galleria has live music starting December 6- December 21. Click here for details. 

• Turn on the Advent Playlist as you drive around your neighborhood and look at Christmas lights. Slow down and enjoy the Seasons of Advent and Christmas.

Adapted from the document RECLAIMING SUNDAYS from the ARCHDIOCESE OF SAINT PAUL AND MINNEAPOLIS

Homily Series: The Parish as a School of Prayer

Fr. Nick Vance offers a homily series on Prayer. Pope St. John Paull II called the parish the school of prayer. Listen to the series for hear wisdom and practical ways we can deepen our relationship with God through prayer.