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.


"Forgiving and Making Peace" Prayer Celebration Notes

Focus		Recognizing our need to be reconciled and to ask forgiveness
Materials		Prayer table with Bible, Advent Wreath or candle, liturgy, music
Reading		Joel 2:12–19; Psalm 32:1–2, 7–8; Luke 17:1–4
Music		"Hands of Healing," "Song of the Body of Christ/ Cancíon del Cuerpo de Cristo," Blest Are We – Music CD 4; "Prepare the Way," Christopher Walker (OCP Publications)
Preparation		If the prayer celebration is to be followed by individual confession, review the sacrament of Reconciliation with your group to help them understand its importance to our faith journey. Select a leader and a Scripture reader. Print out and photocopy liturgy, "Forgiving and Making Peace."
Adaptation		Since many young people learn visually, use a symbol to represent their need for God's forgiveness, such as the illustration of a broken heart. Illustrations of whole hearts can be distributed at the end of the celebration.
Additional Materials		"Hands of Healing," "Song of the Body of Christ/ Cancíon del Cuerpo de Cristo" Blest Are We Music CD 4 Call RCL Benziger at 1-877-ASK-4-RCL (1-877-275-4725). ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36655-7 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