Celebrating Advent 2020 Style

Since March, we all have discovered new ways to bring some semblance of normalcy to our everyday tasks. We work and learn from home. We use Zoom and other online video and streaming technology for work, schooling, holidays, mass and much more.

Young adults within the Archdiocese of Philadelphia are using Zoom to journey through Advent together. Sponsored by the Office of Cultural Ministries, the Religious of the Assumption, St. Francis de Sales and St. Agatha-St. James Parishes in Philadelphia and the Penn Catholic Newman Community at the University of Pennsylvania, and with the help of spiritual guides and parish partners, participants are readying themselves for the birth of Christ and the Christmas season through weekly video chats. These chats include exploring scripture and take place on Wednesdays from 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm. 

The Advent season looks much different this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Under social distancing guidelines, some are not comfortable attending Mass in person (in addition to limited capacity allowances) but want a new and innovative way to celebrate and reflect upon the Advent season.

In the Christmas season, young people are looking for guidance and connection to God and the opportunity to turn to spiritual leaders for inspiration and hope. 

Christmas is the perfect time to “[discover God in our own lives, and [be] able to continue nurturing that relationship with God,” said Brother Patrick Travers of the Sodalitium Christianae Vitae and director at the Penn Catholic Newman Community.

For those interested in journeying through the remainder of Advent, you do so by accessing Zoom and enter meeting ID number 899 9777 6073 and password ADVENT, or visit www.facebook.com/PCMRPhilly or www.facebook.com/HispanosPhilly.