BLESSING OF THE ADVENT WREATH

When the people are gathered, the Priest approaches the altar with the ministers while the Entrance Chant is sung.

ENTRANCE ANTIPHON Cf. Ps. 25 (24):1-3

 
To you, I lift up my soul, O my God.
In you, I have trusted; let me not be put to shame.
Nor let my enemies exult over me;
and let none who hope in you be put to shame.

When he has arrived at the altar, after making a profound bow with the ministers, the Priest venerates the altar with a
kiss and, if appropriate, incenses the cross and the altar. Then, with the ministers, he goes to the chair.

When the entrance chant is concluded, the Priest and the faithful, standing, sign themselves with the Sign of the
cross, while the Priest, facing the people, says:

Priest: In the name of the Father,

and of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit.
People: Amen.
Priest: The Lord be with you.
People: Amen.

INTRODUCTION TO THE CELEBRATION

The Priest, or a Deacon or another minister, may very briefly introduce the faithful to the
Mass of the day.

Priest: My brothers and sisters,

today we begin the season of Advent.
We open our hearts to God's love
as we prepare to welcome Christ
into our lives and homes.
The candles of this wreath remind us
that Jesus Christ came to conquer the darkness of sin
and to lead us into the light of his glorious kingdom.

PRAYER OF BLESSING
Priest: Let us pray.
And all pray in silence with the Priest for a while. Then the Priest with hands extended over the Advent Wreath, says
the Prayer of Blessing.

Lord God, your Church joyfully awaits

the coming of its Savior,
who enlightens our hearts
and dispels the darkness of ignorance and sin.
Pour forth your blessings upon us
as we light the candles of this wreath;
may their light reflect the splendor of Christ,
who is Lord, for ever and ever.
People: Amen.
Afterward, taking the aspergillium, the Priest sprinkles the Advent Wreath.

LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLE

The first candle then is lighted.

Family: Father,
as we begin our Advent pilgrimage,
we light a candle of hope.
Grant us the courage to hope;
hope for your presence,
hope for your peace,
hope for your promise.
People: Amen.
After the candle is lighted, the Penitential Act follows.