The word Advent means "coming." During the season of Advent, we prepare our hearts once again for the arrival of Jesus. The following prayer celebration is penitential in nature. Use this liturgy as a non-sacramental opportunity to deepen awareness of the need for healing and forgiveness.

See Liturgical Calendar–Seasons–Advent for additional background information and prayer.


"Getting Ready for Jesus" Prayer Celebration Notes

Focus		Changing our ways and choosing to follow God
Materials		Prayer table with Bible, Advent Wreath or candle, music
Reading		Luke 15:11–24
Music		"Children of the Lord," Blest Are We – Music CD 3; "Prepare the Way," Christopher Walker (OCP Publications), "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel"
Preparation		Select a Scripture reader for the prayer celebration, and give him or her sufficient time to practice the reading beforehand. Print out and photocopy the liturgy "Changing Our Ways." Assign groups for the antiphonal reading. Prepare for your role as leader of the prayer celebration.
Adaptation		Have the children dramatize the story of the Prodigal Son during the prayer celebration. Invite the children to suggest props and costumes that might be used.
Additional Materials		"Children of the Lord" Blest Are We Music CD 3 Call RCL Benziger at 1-877-ASK-4-RCL (1-877-275-4725). ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36654-9 Blest Are We Song Book Words and melody for children; contains music for levels 1-8 ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36617-4 Blest Are We Accompaniment Book Contains accompaniment music for levels 1-8 ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36618-2