St. Boniface & St. Lawrence Parishes

The History of Advent The word Advent is derived from the Latin word adventus, meaning coming, which is a translation of the Greek word parousia. Most know Advent today as a time of anticipation and expectation of the birth of Christ. However, Advent began as early as the 4th and 5th centuries as a time of fasting and prayer for new Christians. The first mention of Advent occurred in the 300’s A.D at a meeting of church leaders called the Council of Sargossa. It graduall...y developed into a season that stretched across the month of December. Advent lasts for four Sundays leading up to Christmas. The Advent season not only symbolizes the waiting for Christ's birth but also for his final return. The most common Advent candle tradition involves four candles around the wreath. A new candle is lit on each of the four Sundays before Christmas. Each candle represents something different, although traditions vary. Often, the first, second, and fourth candles are purple; the third candle is rose-colored. The first candle symbolizes hope and is called the "Prophet’s Candle." The prophets of the Old Testament, especially Isaiah, waited in hope for the Messiah’s arrival. The purple color symbolizes royalty, repentance, and fasting. The second candle represents faith and is called "Bethlehem’s Candle." Micah had foretold that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem, which is also the birthplace of King David. The second candle is also purple to symbolize preparation for the coming king. The third candle symbolizes joy and is called the "Shepherd’s Candle." To the shepherd’s great joy, the angels announced that Jesus came for humble, unimportant people like them, too. In liturgy, the color rose signifies joy. This candle is colored pink to represent joyfulness and rejoicing. The fourth candle represents peace and is called the "Angel’s Candle." The angels announced that Jesus came to bring peace--He came to bring people close to God and to each other again. This color is also purple to represent the culmination of love through the Messiah.

CHRISTMAS MASS UPDATE: Due to low registration for St. Boniface 2pm Christmas Eve Mass, we have cancelled that mass only. Tickets are still available for 8pm mass at St. Boniface and 6pm at St. Lawrence. St. Boniface Church - Christmas Eve: 4pm & 8pm >> admission by advance tickets only;... St. Boniface Chruch - Christmas Day: 9:30am - open St. Lawrence Church - Christmas Eve: 4pm, 6pm >> admission by advance tickets only Call the Parish Office 326-1544 Number of tickets - only enough for your family Only Registered parishioners - can request tickets Request to pick up tickets at the Parish Office.

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