The Advent Circle Garden has its origin in the Waldorf tradition - a number of years ago, some catechists from the Family Mass Community in Oak Park adapted it for Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. The spiral is made of evergreen garlands, and there are pillar candles on stands at both the entrance to the spiral, and at the center. The spiral is decorated with images, scenes and articles representing the History of the Kingdom of God through the Gifts of Creation, the Messianic Prophecies, and the Infancy Narratives of Jesus’ birth.
One walks into the garden with a candle, in silence, regarding everything as they move to the center, and allowing time to reflect on the beauty and bounty of God's creation, the words of the Prophets, and the stories of Jesus coming into the world. As one walks back out of the spiral, they choose a place to set their candle down, adding their own light to the garden.
This year, the garden is open to our community on the following dates:
Saturday, December 14, 8:30-10:00am
Sunday, December 15, 11:30am-2:00pm
Monday, December 16, 4:00-8:30pm
Tuesday, December 17, 5:30-7:00pm
(Youth Ministry at 7:00 pm)
Wednesday, December 18, 7:15-8:30pm
Thursday, December 19, 7:15-8:30pm
(prayer service at 7:30 pm)