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!
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.)
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
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
Mary as a Light for Our Path by Michelle Nilsson