Advent Calls Catholics to Renew their Faith

Advent, the season when Christians prepare their hearts to receive Jesus anew at Christmas, is a time of prayer and return to the sacraments of confession and the Eucharist. December 3, 2023 is the first Sunday of Advent. This year preparations coincide with the National Eucharistic Revival and with the diocesan emphasis on evangelization through The Church Forward!.

“Advent is God’s invitation to everyone to come home to Jesus for Christmas,” said Bishop David Zubik.

On Wednesday, December 13 every parish in the diocese will have hours for the sacrament of confession, so that everyone can easily find a location that’s convenient, even if it’s not their home parish.
“No matter how long it’s been since your last confession or why you stayed away, both Jesus and our priests are eager to welcome you back,” Bishop Zubik said.

“Throughout Advent, it’s my prayer that everyone will make time to pray, to participate in the sacraments and to share the love of Jesus with others.”

Parishes all have activities to help people grow in faith during Advent, and everyone is welcome to come.

More information about Advent and Christmas celebrations in the Diocese of Pittsburgh are highlighted on the diocesan website, https://diopitt.org/advent and in the December-January issue of the Pittsburgh Catholic magazine, which is in the mail and online at https://catholicmagazines.org/magazine-archive/pittsburgh-catholic/pit1223

Bishop Zubik’s pastoral letter, The Church Forward!, is at https://diopitt.org/the-church-forward