Advent book pilgrimage begins on Dec. 3

Advent is a time when the world prepares to celebrate the coming of Christ in human incarnation. Often the true meaning of Christmas is lost to a secular society. People get caught up in all the preparations and the message and transformational power of Advent escapes some people.

Ascension Press has several publications to help both individuals and parish groups on a spiritual journey to get the most of out of the Advent season. They include the following: “Rejoice! Advent Mediations with Joseph;” “Rejoice! Advent Mediations with Mary;” “Rejoice! Advent Mediations with the Holy Family;” “Rejoice! An Advent into the Heart of Scripture (Part A and B)”   

For its second Advent pilgrimage, a group of about 25 “pilgrims” from Saint Mary Catholic Church in Ardmore selected Ascension’s “Rejoice! Finding your Place in the Advent Story.” The pilgrimage begins on Dec. 3.
 
Paisley Clowe, a parishioner of Saint Mary Catholic Church is excited about the Advent reading. 

“The king is coming at Christmas. Imagine if an earthly king were coming to your house at Christmas? Perhaps he had decided to visit the parish and wanted to come to as many parishioners’ houses as time would allow, and he was coming to yours? How would you prepare?” Clowe said.
 
“First, you would take a look at your house from the outside and inside. Does the path need sweeping, the hedges need trimming? After all the cleaning and planning has been done, you would begin by adorning your house little by little until the day comes when you are truly ready for the king’s visit. And you would be ready for what his visit and his presence could mean to you and your family,” Clowe said.

Dana Dempewolf is the facilitator of the local group.

“While we prepare for the Christ child by hanging garland and ornaments, let us take the time to ponder what is hanging in our hearts. While we wait through the darkening days of winter, let us walk with the Holy Family toward the Light of hope. We will explore the places, meet the people, experience the events that shaped the first Advent, and most important find our place in the story,” Dempewolf said. “By immersing ourselves in the environment that God’s people were living as they prepared for the Messiah, we will experience this sacred season in a new way.”

The program was created under the spiritual leadership of Father Mark Tupps, Sister Miriam James Heidland and Father Josh Johnson. 

“Advent is a pilgrimage to a sacred destination. God wants you open your heart this Advent to meet the Messiah,” Father Tupps said. 

Paisley Clowe explained why others should join the Advent reading.

“The king is really coming. As Christians, we know that Christ is with us now through the Holy Spirit and through the sacraments, but the universal Church collectively prays each year during Advent for the renewed coming of Christ. This journey to Christmas, like all pilgrimages, whether short or long, will have twists and turns as we physically, emotionally and spiritually move through the weeks of Advent. The people and situations that come into our path, when we reflect on it, can often teach us valuable lessons,” Clowe said.

Ascension Press furnishes textbooks, videos and support materials. For more information about any of the Advent Rejoice Pilgrimage Programs contact Ascension Press at (800) 376-0520.   

Charles Albert is a freelance writer for the Sooner Catholic.