Advent 2020 Liturgies and Events
Understanding Advent
"Advent - Christ Comes," a short article written by Deacon Bart Merella, reveals some lesser known facts about the Advent season and its origins. Find out about the distinctive characteristic of the 4th week of Advent - the 'O Antiphons' - and discover how King Pepin of France figures into the season!
Celebrating Christmas
Did you know that it took three centuries before early Christians finally decided that the Incarnation of Jesus would be festively celebrated at all, much less on a specific date? In "The Origins of Christmas," Deacon Bart Merella walks us through a fascinating history of the celebration of the Birth of Christ.
Advent Confessions & Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
Weekdays of Advent through December 23 (except December 8), the Cathedral opens at 11am, and the Blessed Sacrament is exposed on the main altar from 11am to Noon, before the 12:10pm Mass. Confessions in English and Spanish are available in the Cathedral from 11am to Noon on those days. Confessions by appointment continue to be available by calling the rectory at 202-347-3215.
We invite you to a mix of in-person and online/livestreamed liturgies and events for Advent.
- "The Advents of Christ: A Bible study on the presence of Christ," led by our Dominican seminarians | Mondays of Advent, November 30, December 7, 14 & 21, 7 to 8pm (via Zoom)
- Organ Recital by James Wetzel | Wednesday, December 2 at 12:10pm (in-person and livestreamed)
- Advent Retreat, "Preparing for the Prince of Peace with the Prayer of St. Francis," with Fr. Johnpaul Cafiero, OFM | Saturday, December 5, 10am to Noon (via Zoom)
- Reflexión de Adviento, "La fe nace del mensaje, y el mensaje consiste en hablar de Cristo, y Aguardamos la manifestación de nuestro Señor Jesucristo," | Saturday, December 5, 9:30am to Noon with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Rosary and Confessions in the Cathedral (in-person; in Spanish)
- Masses for the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception | Tuesday, December 8 at 8am, 12:10pm (Cardinal Gregory), 5:30pm and 7:00pm (Spanish) (all Masses in-person, with 12:10pm & 7:30pm Masses livestreamed)
- Mass for the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe | Saturday, December 12 at 8am
- Virtual Walk with Mary | Saturday, December 12 at 1:30pm (Rosary) followed by Mass (2:30pm) with Cardinal Gregory and Bishop Dorsonville (livestreamed only, on Archdiocese of Washington YouTube channel)
- Mass for the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe | Sunday, December 13 at 1pm (Spanish) with Bishop Dorsonville (in-person and livestreamed)