Lighting the Way for Women Online Event

Each year, St. John Vianney Church holds an Advent-by-candlelight event called Lighting the Way for Women. Featuring beautiful decorations, music, and fellowship, it is an evening that helps women, who are typically very busy during the holidays, to slow down, find peace, and focus on the real meaning of Advent.

Though we cannot meet in person this year, we thought it was important to continue our annual tradition with an online version of Lighting the Way. On this page, you will find videos of normal parts of our event (a spiritual reflection from a guest speaker, beautiful Advent songs, and Scripture readings with carols) plus lots of bonus material (a DIY Advent wreath video, dessert decorating tutorial, Jesse Tree how-to, and more). 

There’s no set date or time when you have to tune in. Instead, you choose the content you’re interested in and the days and times that work with your schedule. If you have other women in your home, you can light some candles, grab a glass of wine, and watch the videos together. Or, schedule a Zoom meeting with friends and have a virtual watch party to recreate some of the fun of the in-person event. May your Advent be filled with prayerful preparation and joyful expectation!
 

ADVENT PRAYERS, E-BOOKS, AND SPIRITUAL RESOURCES

Prepare the Way, (free Advent retreat) from the St. Paul Center
Advent reflection, videos, and a free e-book from EWTN
Daily Devotions from Blessed Is She
Best Advent Ever Reflections from Dynamic Catholic
Free Advent and Christmas Liturgical e-book from Catholic Culture
The Road to Bethlehem, Daily Advent reflections from Formed.org
Daily E-mail Advent Reflections from Bishop Barron
Advent Workshop from Catholic Culture
Advent Season Explained from Catholic Resources
Rejoice Advent Meditation on the Holy Family (2020) from Ascension
Rejoice Advent Meditations on Mary (2018) and Joseph (2019) from Ascension
The O Antiphons Explained from the Catholic Education Resource Center
O Antiphons Prayer Companion Printable Booklet from Family Feast and Feria
Advent Photo Challenge from Catholic Sistas
Lectio Divina Guide for Advent from Catholic Bible
Day-By-Day Advent Calendar from the USCCB
A Collection of Advent Prayers from Catholic Online

EVENTS
Night of Hope Livestreamed Catholic Conference (Dec. 12, 7-9 p.m.)
Blessed Is She Advent Talk (Dec. 12, 1 p.m.)

RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES

The Big List of Advent Ideas for Catholic Families from Catholic Sprout
Using Advent Crafts to Teach Kids the Faith from Ascension
Advent Wreath Craft with Printables from Look to Him and Be Radiant
100+ Advent Crafts for Catholic Kids from the Kennedy Adventures
Advent Wreath Crafts for Families from Catholic Icing
8 Ways to Get Ready for Advent with Kids from Teaching Catholic Kids
O Antiphons Downloadable Coloring Pages from Look to Him and Be Radiant
O Antiphons Crafts and Downloadables from Catholic Icing
Advent Prayers for Teens from Ave Maria Press

How to Make an Advent Wreath for Your Home

ADVENT WREATH RESOURCES
Blessing and Prayers for the Advent Wreath from Catholic Culture
Weekly Prayers for the Advent Wreath from Catholic Culture
Prayers for Each Week of Advent from Devotion to Our Lady
Blessing Your Advent Wreath from the USCCB
 

The Jesse Tree Devotion

JESSE TREE RESOURCES
Jesse Tree Explanation and Video from Catholic Sprouts
Jesse Tree Explanation, How-To and Printables from Catholic Icing
Free Printable Jesse Tree Ornaments from Catholic Inspired
Jesse Tree Explained, Catholic Culture
Women for Faith and Family Jesse Tree
 

Advent Cupcake Decorating

 

ADVENT DESSERT RESOURCES
Wilton Buttercream Icing Recipe from My Recipes
Advent Recipes from Catholic Culture
Recipes for December from Catholic Cuisine
Advent Foods for Feast Days from Epic Pew

 

ADVENT MUSIC

 


 


 
 

ADVENT SPIRITUAL REFLECTION

Mary as a Light for Our Path by Michelle Nilsson

Michelle Nilsson is the Associate Director of the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis for the Diocese of Madison. She holds an undergraduate degree in Education and a Master’s Degree in Theology from Franciscan University in Steubenville. She has served the Church in various dioceses and roles for the past 15 years including campus ministry, foreign missions, youth ministry, sacramental preparation, adult faith formation and as a parish director of religious education. Michelle is married and resides in Madison with her husband Matt, kids: Luke, Joshua, and Annalise, and her dog named Cooper. Read Michelle's full bio here.

Michelle's spiritual reflection can be done individually or as part of a group discussion. You can watch all four segments at once or view one video each week of Advent. 

Spiritual Reflection Part 1: Knowing Our Identity and Calling to Relationship with God

 
Catechism of the Catholic Church 2567
Luke Chapter 1:26-38

Spiritual Reflection Part 2: Receiving Christ and Sharing Him with Others


Luke Chapter 1:39-56

Spiritual Reflection Part 3: Joys and Sufferings of Discipleship


Luke 2:22-38

Spiritual Reflection Part 4: Mary Is Our Mother


Breath of Heaven by Amy Grant
 

Thank you to everyone who made this online event possible: Kellie Pearson, Claire Spiegelhoff, Elaine McDonald, Dona Bolton, Brenda Riley, Michelle Nilsson, Terri Sitorius, Patty O'Brien, and the Kranenburg family.