Prepare
Together
Advent at St. John Paul II Catholic Parish
Prepare Together this Advent
The Book of Acts ends with St. Paul proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about Jesus Christ “with all boldness and without hindrance” (Acts 28:31). Its open-ended conclusion can remind us that the Church’s mission continues—and that we have a part to play in it!
Join us this Advent by Stepping Into the Story, a parish-wide initiative to help us step into the Great Story of hope and salvation, which we are called to carry out in our everyday lives. To carry this journey throughout the year, we will be having a parish Year of the Eucharist to help us, as a parish, renew our devotion to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. Read below to learn more about these Advent initiatives and more!
Advent Devotional
Download The Advent of Rescue, 2026 Advent Reflections based on The Rescue Project. Limited printed copies are available as well.
Need help?
View step-by-step instructions to download the book here.
STEP INTO THE STORY
When we understand the Gospel as the ultimate narrative of reality, we stop arguing theology and start discovering a story that actually answers the deepest longings of our souls.
The story of salvation history isn't finished. The Book of Acts leaves its final chapter open because you are called to write the next chapter with your life. Explore the four fundamental questions below to discover where you came from, how you were rescued, and how to step into your unique role in God’s mission today.
Join us this Advent
Live Nativity
Saturday, December 5
Our Lady of Good Hope | 5:30-7:00 PM
Join us for a live nativity, hot cocoa bar and music from musicians in our parish family on Saturday, December 5 at Our Lady of Good Hope from 5:30-7:00 PM.
Feast of the Immaculate Conception
A Holy Day of Obligation
Monday, December 7 (vigil)
St. Henry | 7:00 PM
Tuesday, December 8th
Our Lady of Good Hope: 9:00 AM | 5:30 PM
St. Mary of the Assumption: 8:00 AM | 7:00 PM
St. Henry: 7:00 AM
Las Posadas
Wednesday, December 16 | 6:30 PM
St. Mary of the Assumption
Join us for an event for the whole family. Beginning at 6:30 there will be a procession in the parish center where participants walk from “house to house” reenacting the journey of Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem. After the 7:00 PM Mass the festival will continue in the parish center, including a breaking of a piñata.
Additional Confession Times
Thursday, December 3
SMA | 8:45 - 9:30 AM
Thursday, December 10
SMA | 8:45 - 9:30 AM
Saturday, December 12
SMA | 9:00 - 10:00 AM
Monday, December 14
OLGH | 5:30 - 6:30 PM
Tuesday, December 15
SH | 7:00 PM until last penitent
Thursday, December 17
SMA | 8:45 - 9:30 AM
Saturday, December 19
SMA | 9:00 - 10:00 AM
Monday, December 21
OLGH | 5:30 - 6:30 PM
Tuesday, December 22
SH | 7:00 PM until last penitent
Tuesday, December 1 | 6:30-7:30 PM
Highway to Heaven
FAMILY ADORATION NIGHT
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Building on our devotion to St. Carlo Acutis, who called the Eucharist his “highway to heaven,” we are inviting families to a special evening of Eucharistic adoration with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament at the start of Advent. Whether you have toddlers, teens, or are attending on your own, you are invited to “come as you are” to spend time in prayer and adore Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. The evening will include a Holy Hour organized into four 15-minute prayer movements:
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Gathering & Witness: Welcome, a 2-minute testimony from a middle-school student on the experience of Adoration, an introduction to St. Carlo Acutis, and a short Gospel reading.
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Exposition & Guided Prayer: Solemn Exposition of Jesus on the altar in the monstrance, gentle reflection prompts with soft silence, and dimming the lights to help families settle in.
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Sacred Silence & Praise: 10 minutes of quiet prayer—with optional prayer/drawing slips for kids—followed by singing.
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Benediction & Fellowship: Bringing prayer slips to the altar basket, the traditional Benediction blessing, Divine Praises, and heading to the PMR for hot cocoa and cookies!
Meet the Author
YEAR OF THE EUCHARIST
Beginning on the First Sunday of Advent, November 29, 2026, and continuing through the new liturgical year, St. John Paul II Parish will celebrate a Year of the Eucharist.
Our hope is to grow in deeper faith, reverence, and love for the Holy Eucharist—especially the Sacrifice of the Mass and the Real Presence of Jesus Christ. In the Eucharist, Christ gives us his Body and Blood and makes present the one sacrifice of the Cross.
