An Advent wreath is depicted in a stained-glass window at Christ the King Church in Commack, N.Y. Advent, a season of joyful expectation before Christmas, begins Dec. 3 this year. The Advent wreath, with a candle marking each week of the season, is a traditional symbol of the liturgical period. (CNS photo/Gregory A. Shemitz)
Parishes across the Diocese of Superior and beyond are hosting Advent events in anticipation of Christ’s coming. Following are a list of opportunities for prayer, reflection and family fun.
A Morning of Reflection at St. Mary, Sayner, takes place Saturday, Dec. 1, from 9 a.m. to noon. Presenter Lee Ann Niebuhr, former parishioner and secular Franciscan, will present on Advent writings. For information, contact Joan at 715-385-2390.
A Eucharistic Advent Day of Preparation will be at St. Kunegunda, Sugar Camp, Saturday, Dec. 1, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Fr. Bala Reddy Allam will speak on the Eucharist – its seven secrets, Biblical foundations, miracles and adoration in relation to Advent themes. The day concludes with lunch and fellowship. Register by calling 715-546-2159.
The Viva St. Nicholas event in New Richmond is Sunday, Dec. 2, following the 9 a.m. Mass at Immaculate Conception Church. Children leave their shoes at the altar while breakfast is provided by the youth. St. Nicholas will read his story and be available for pictures. Freewill donations will be accepted for attendance at youth events.
A Christmas Tea and Family Fair is Sunday, Dec. 2, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at St. Mary’s in Bruce. The event features activities for all ages.
The Advent Concert in Tomahawk is Sunday, Dec. 2, at 4 p.m. at St. Mary’s Church. Last year’s concert was standing-room only – plan to arrive early to enjoy the concert and some new additions for this year.
A Night of Reflection at St. Bridget, River Falls, begins Sunday, Dec. 2, at 4 p.m. The evening will include music and prayer to reflect on the season of waiting and hope; a meal will follow.
The Advent Adoration Encounter in Rice Lake is Wednesday, Dec. 5, at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Beginning at 4:30 p.m., speaker Tim Glemkowski will talk about the salvation story; after a meal at 5:15 p.m., Glemkowski, a Steubenville graduate and the founder of an organization that helps parishes form disciples, will speak again at 6:15 p.m. on man fully alive as the Glory of God. Eucharistic adoration will take place at 7 p.m. and include the opportunity for reconciliation. Attendance at one or all segments is encouraged. The event is free but registration requested through adventadoration.eventbrite.com.
All women are welcome to the Advent Women’s Retreat in Hayward, Saturday, Dec. 8. The retreat is a day of reflection, education and fellowship. Theme is “Bringing Jesus to birth” and guest presenter will be Pat Pintens. Contact Donna DiSera 715-462-4404 for more information or register with the parish office at 715-634-2867.
The Annual Messiah Singalong in Ashland is Friday, Dec. 14, at 7:30 p.m. at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church. More information is available at www.ashlandchambermusic.org or by calling 715-682-5795.
Beyond the diocese
“Tidings of Comfort and Joy” Day of Reflection is Saturday, Dec. 1, at St. Clement Campus of Holy Cross Catholic Church in Medina from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The day will include Mass, confession, adoration and talks by Fr. Byron Hagan and author Elizabeth Kelly. A light breakfast and lunch will be provided. Cost is $40. Space is limited, early registrations are encouraged. Contact Susanna Parent at or 651-291-4411 or visit
rediscover.archspm.org/
rediscover_events.
St. Paul and Minneapolis Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women Advent Morning of Reflection is Saturday, Dec. 8, at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church in Medina from 8:45 a.m. until 1 p.m. Theme for the retreat is “Hail Mary: Daughter, Wife and Mother of Jesus – mentoring through prayer, music and word” presented by Fr. Michael Daly. He will share his reflections on the feasts of Our Lady of Guadalupe and St. Juan Diego. Music ministry provided by composers Dan and Sara Kantor. The event concludes with noon Mass celebrated by Archbishop Hebda. Christmas shopping with a variety of vendors will be available. Call 651-291-4545 for information or register at www.archspm.org/accw2018advent.
The College of St. Scholastica, Duluth, will host singer Katie McMahon’s annual Celtic Christmas performance at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7, in the Mitchell Auditorium on campus.
McMahon will celebrate the season with performances of favorite Christmas carols backed by her band. The show will also feature lively high-stepping Irish dancers.
McMahon first gained fame in the 1990s as “the voice of Riverdance,” a theatrical show consisting mainly of traditional Irish music and dance. She was a vocal soloist of the stage production. A native of Dublin, Ireland, she was classically trained in voice and harp.
She now resides with her family in Minneapolis.
Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and students, and $10 for children. For more information, visit spotlight.css.edu or call 218-723-7000.
