Blessing of an Advent Wreath – 2023

The use of the Advent Wreath is a traditional practice which has found its place in the Church as well as in the home. The blessing of an Advent Wreath takes place the First Sunday of Advent or on the evening before the First Sunday of Advent.

When the blessing of the Advent Wreath is celebrated in the home, it is appropriate that it be blessed by a parent or another member of the Family.

All make the Sing of the Cross as the leader says:

Our help is in the name of the Lord.
Response (R/.) Who made heaven and earth

Then the Scripture, Isaiah 9: (lines 1-2 and 5-6) or Isaiah 63 (lines 16-17 & 19) or Isaiah 64 (lines 2-7) is read:

Reader: The word of the Lord.
R/. Thanks be to God.

With hands joined, the leader says:

Lord our God, we praise you for your Son, Jesus Christ; he is Emmanuel, the hope of the peoples; he is the wisdom that teaches and guides us, he is the Savior of every nation.

Lord God,
Let your blessing come upon us as we light the candles of this wreath. May the wreath and its light be a sign of Christ’s promise to bring us salvation. May he come quickly and not delay. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
R/. Amen

The blessing may conclude with a verse from “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”:

O come, desire of nations, bind in one the hearts of humankind; bid ev’ry sad division cease and be thyself our Prince of peace.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

Lisa Blanek
Director, Worship
248.418.7212
lblanek@olorcc.org

Prepare to Enter Advent – 2023

Hello everyone!

Now we prepare to enter into the beautiful season of Advent this coming Sunday, December 3rd. Advent is a time of waiting and hope as we prepare to celebrate the coming of our Savior. I know I say this a lot, but THIS is my favorite time of year! I truly enjoy the Advent season and the beauty of the holiday season. I came across this beautiful Advent Prayer and wanted to share this with you all to read in preparation. Enjoy and God Bless!

Lord Jesus, Master of both the light and the darkness,
send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas.
We who have so much to do seek quiet spaces
to hear your voice each day.
We who are anxious over many things
Look forward to your coming among us.
We who are blessed in so many ways
long for the complete joy of your kingdom.
We whose hearts are heavy
seek the joy of your presence.
We are your people, walking in darkness,
yet seeking the light.
To you we say, “Come, Lord Jesus!”
Amen.

-Henri J.M. Nouwen

Dave Kennedy
Director, Evangelization
248.418.7221
dkennedy@olorcc.org

Global Celebration of Youth – 2023

Pope Francis has asked for this Sunday, the Feast of Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, to also be a celebration of youth and young adults. We want to recognize, appreciate, and encourage all the young people in the parish – everyone from age 12 to 39 – so I can say at least the pope thinks I’m still young! For all the contributions you make to the community and your families, we offer our heartfelt thanks and support as you continue to walk the path with Jesus.

Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, to you we turn in humble prayer. Look with favor upon all young people, bearers of hope for the Church and the world.

Jesus Christ, companion of youth and young adults, bless the paths of discovery and discernment, through times of joy and experiences of hardship, with the constant love and support of your Church. Jesus Christ, alive in the hearts of all your people, grant that we may “journey together, young and old… to nourish our enthusiasm, cause dreams to emerge, awaken prophecies and enable hope to blossom.” *

Jesus Christ, Redeemer of all humankind, open our hearts to encounter all young people, to accompany and be in community together, and as one Church, embark upon our holy mission. Jesus Christ, in the company of the Father and the Holy Spirit, graciously hear our prayer and be with us forevermore. Amen.

* Pope Francis, Christus Vivit, 199

Tony Kreucher
Director, Religious Education
248.418.7242
re@olorcc.org

School Spotlight – November 26th

We are so thankful for the love and support that Our Lady of Refuge community has given to the programs and initiatives we have had throughout the years. It is important for us to continue to grow together in faith and love. Here are two great opportunities for us to support Our Lady of Refuge!

OLR School Kroger Community Rewards

One is by adding Our Lady of Refuge to your Kroger reward account. To do so, simply log in to your Kroger account, click on the “Rewards” tab and then “Community Rewards”. Search for “Our Lady of Refuge School or CODE: QN435” and click “Enroll”. It’s as simple as that!

Also, you are invited to buy Mabel’s Labels with a 20% return on all purchases.

Link: https://campaigns.mabelslabels.com
Then search for Our Lady of Refuge

Again, we thank you kindly for taking the opportunity to support Our Lady of Refuge!

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