The First Week of Advent

Evangelizing with the Saints: Part 1

St. Francis Xavier

Tuesday, December 3

St. Francis Xavier, a sixteenth-century Jesuit priest, is one of the greatest evangelists in Church history. His preaching in India, Southeast Asia, and Japan converted thousands. St. Francis Xavier, pray for us as we strive to preach the Good News!

St. John Damascene

Wednesday, December 4

St. John Damascene was a seventh-century monk and priest who defended the use of icons in Christian worship, wrote poetry in praise of God, and preached the faith under Islamic rule. St. John Damascene, pray that we will use the arts to convert the nations!

St. Nicholas

Friday, December 6

St. Nicholas was a third-century bishop who spread the Good News of God's love by serving the poor. His great generosity gave rise to the legend of Santa Claus. St. Nicholas, pray for us as we strive to serve our neighbors and bring them to Christ!


St. Ambrose

Saturday, December 7

St. Ambrose, a fourth-century bishop, is one of the great teachers and hymnographers of Church history. He stood up to the Roman emperor and converted the great St. Augustine. St. Ambrose, pray that we can preach truth to power and bring back those who have strayed from the Church!


Grant, O Lord, that we may begin with holy fasting this campaign of Christian service, so that, as we take up battle against spiritual evils, we may be armed with weapons of self-restraint.

This collect prayer begins the Mass for Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. Jesus is calling us to "take up battle against spiritual evils." We'll explore fasting itself in a few weeks; during the week of Ash Wednesday, we're going to dig into an important set of weapons the Lord gives us to fight evil: sacramentals.

What's a sacramental? Well, if you attend Mass on Ash Wednesday, you're probably going to receive one on your forehead.

A Ministry of Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church
480 152nd Avenue, Holland, MI 49424
lanecatholic@oll.org

Privacy Policy and Terms of Use

Copyright © 2024