What is Advent?
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Advent/Christmas resources
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How can we prepare our hearts for Christ's coming?
Advent is a four-week season leading up to Christmas when we anticipate the birth of Christ. This year, Advent begins on Sunday, November 30, 2025. This is a powerful time to invite Christ more deeply into your life. Check out resources below to help you and your family live, learn, and love Jesus this Advent Season!
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Register for a daily text to inspire your Advent
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Prepare your heart for Christ's coming this Jubilee Year of HopeWe close the Jubilee Year of Hope with this Advent season. It's a beautiful opportunity to spend time cultivating hope as we await Christ’s coming. To help, the theme of this year's Advent text-to-join campaign is: Waiting in Jubilee Hope.Register for a daily text to help you grow in hope all through the Advent season.
No texting? No problem! We'll email you the messages!To join, register below or text ADVENT2025 to 84576.We can't wait to pray with you this Advent season! -
Register here
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On December 17, the Light is On for You
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Receive God's mercy in the sacrament of confession
The Light is On For You is Wednesday, December 17, 2025. Every parish in the Diocese of Pittsburgh will have opportunity for Confession. Check with the parish of your choice for times and locations.
If it has been a long time, don't worry. God is waiting to grant you His mercy.
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The Advent Wreath
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Why are there four candles in the Advent Wreath?
The four represent Jesus coming as the light in darkness. Light one candle each Sunday until all four candles are lit.
Week 1, Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025: The Purple Candle of Hope
As we light the first purple candle, we look forward to Jesus’ coming with hope.
Week 2, December 7, 2025: The Purple Candle of Peace
As we light the second purple candle, we reflect on our lives and work on becoming better-versions-of-ourselves in preparation for Jesus’ coming.
Week 3, December 14, 2025: The Pink Candle of Joy
As we light the pink candle, we are filled with joy for the near arrival of Jesus on Christmas day.
Week 4, December 21, 2025: The Purple Candle of Love
As we light the fourth purple candle, we rejoice in the endless love that God has for us, which we see in the birth of his Son.
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Why are the Advent candles purple and pink?
Purple is the primary color associated with Advent. Within the Catholic Church it symbolizes penance, preparation, and sacrifice. This third candle is pink, symbolizing anticipation and rejoicing.
Set up your Advent wreath in a spot where everyone in your home will see it often, like the kitchen table.
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Visit the Pittsburgh Creche
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It's a beautiful way to honor the Holy Family during the Advent and Christmas seasons..
The Crèche is open to visitors at the plaza in front of US Steel Tower on Grant Street, Downtown.Plan a visit with your family!
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2026 Pittsburgh Creche Fundraising Lottery Ticket* If you are interested in purchasing a Pittsburgh Crèche lottery ticket, contact [email protected].
For many years, the Pittsburgh Crèche has stood as a visible sign of our faith in the heart of Downtown Pittsburgh – a beautiful public proclamation of the birth of our Lord. Did you know that it costs nearly $90,000 each year to maintain and store the Crèche? Your support helps preserve this cherished tradition for generations to come.
You can make a difference by purchasing a 2026 Pittsburgh Crèche Fundraising Lottery Ticket (valid January 1, 2026 – June 30, 2026). Each ticket costs $25 and is based on the Pennsylvania Daily Evening Lottery Drawing at 7:00 pm. For more information regarding the Pittsburgh Crèche, please email [email protected].
Help us keep this timeless symbol of faith shining bright in our city! Thank you for your support!
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Follow along as the Pittsburgh Crèche is built. Hear comments from Union volunteers who constructed the Crèche along with JE Scenic Technologies who built the Nativity set.
Make a donation to the Pittsburgh Creche
* Credit card, Google Pay, and Apple Pay options available
** The above is NOT a portal for purchasing Pittsburgh Crèche lottery tickets
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Family Advent Activities
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Do you display a Nativity set in your home?
Make setting it up a prayerful experience for you and your family! Pray this blessing togather this year as you place the figurines. Ask Jesus to help you prepare your hearts for His coming on Christmas.
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Prepare your hearts for Christmas through good deeds
Are you looking for fun way to encouage your family to grow closer to Jesus this Advent?
Pick up some hay or straw and invite each member of your family to add a piece to the empty manger during Advent. On Christmas morning, see how your good deeds have made a welcome bed for the Baby Jesus' arrival.
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Have you ever thought of blessing your Christmas tree?
It's a beautiful way to gather your family and to praise Jesus, the Light of the World. The lights on a Christmas tree are meant to symbolize the light that Jesus brings to our lives. Come together to pray it on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.
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