By Brea Cannon
Liturgical Rhythm of Life
Fall is one of my favorite seasons; next to winter, spring and summer. I really do marvel at the
changing of seasons. If I lived anywhere else, I would miss the seasons the way we experience
them in the Midwest. I enjoy how both the traditional calendar seasons and the liturgical seasons
complement and lead into each other.
We have shifted into fall and with that we get to prepare ourselves for the next liturgical season,
Advent. It may seem a bit far off, but Advent this year is less than a month away — it begins on
Nov. 29. Around this time every year, I begin to look ahead so I can be ready to enter into
Advent with a heart ready to prayerfully and joyfully prepare for our Savior.
Advent is a beautiful liturgical season that is rooted in preparing for the coming of our Savior,
both as an infant at Christmas and as Lord for the second coming. It may sound a little odd to be
talking about preparing for Advent weeks in advance, but often times when we neglect proper
preparation, it can creep up on us too quick. As we venture together through November, let us
prepare for Advent in two specific ways: 1. Research and find some things to read or watch
(possibly on Formed.org) to help pray and daily prepare during the Advent journey. 2. Continue
or get in the habit of daily prayer and liturgical living.
There are many resources out there for daily reflections. If you struggle to find some materials
for Advent, talk to your priest, faith formation direction at your parish, friends or family
members. Formed.org has materials to walk with you daily or weekly during, and there are some
great Bible reading plans that help your heart prepare for Christ on Christmas. One of my
favorite books is “The Advent of Christ: Scripture Reflections to Prepare for Christmas” by Dr.
Edward Sri. There are many other books and programs that are great for the Advent season.
Collect your materials and make your plans now to be ready on Nov. 29.
Another way to be ready for Advent is to be in the habit of daily prayer and living the liturgy.
One way to dive into that is to celebrate our friends, the saints and the holy days here in
November! Getting in the habit of daily prayer will prepare you for the Advent journey. Pull out
your calendar and take a look at the month ahead.
Month Dedication: Souls in Purgatory
Nov. 1: All Saints Day
Nov. 2: All Souls Day
Nov. 10: St. Leo the Great (Known as one of the greatest and most loyal popes — through the
intercession of St. Leo, pray for our current pope and church leaders.)
Nov. 11: Martin de Tours
Nov. 13: St. Francis Cabrini
Nov. 16: St. Margaret of Scotland (Patron saint of parents who have lost a child — take some
time to reach out to a friend or family member who has lost a child or offer up a small sacrifice
for their pain.)
Nov. 17: St. Elizabeth of Hungry (Patron saint of those in hospital and nursing homes — make a
visit or plan to have a Mass said for those in need.)
Nov. 21: Presentation of Mary
Nov. 22: St. Cecilia (Patron saint of musicians — send a letter of appreciation to your church
choir)
Nov. 22: Christ the King of the Universe (Set the table for a meal and leave an extra place setting
and possible paper crown at the head of the table for Jesus – during the meal reflect on Jesus as
King by reading Revelation 17:14 and Timothy 6:11-16)
Nov. 27: Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal (Consider wearing a medal and praying the prayer
Mary gave to St. Catherine Labouré: “O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have
recourse to thee.”)
Nov. 28: St. Catherine Labouré (Enjoy some French food and research what St. Maximillian
Kolbe shared about St. Catherine and the Miraculous Medal)
Nov. 30: St. Andrew (The St. Andrew Christmas novena begins)
This November, take some time to dive into the liturgy daily with our friends, the saints, and
with holy days, and be sure to look ahead to be prepared for the start of a great Advent season!