Beginning the Church's liturgical year, Advent (from, "ad-venire" in Latin or "to come to") is the season encompassing the four Sundays (and weekdays) leading up to the celebration of Christmas.

The Advent season is a time of preparation that directs our hearts and minds to Christ’s second coming at the end of time and also to the anniversary of the Lord’s birth on Christmas. The final days of Advent, from December 17 to December 24, focus particularly on our preparation for the celebrations of the Nativity of our Lord (Christmas).

Check out some of the links for resources to prepare your household as we wait in joyful hope.

Because of the Covid-19 pandemic, and per the guidelines of the Diocese of Des Moines, we will not be able to gather for a communal reconciliation service.

There are additional opportunities for individual reconciliation this Advent:

• Wednesday, December 16 from 5-7 pm
• Thursday, December 17 from 5-7 pm. 

Reconciliation is also available on Saturdays from 4-4:30 pm and by individual appointment by emailing Fr. Tim.

Examination of Conscience

To prepare for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, to reflect individually upon one's relationship with the Lord, or to consider daily one's life of Christian faith, a resource can help with this review and prayer. Here are resources from two websites, to help with this examination of one's conscience and life. 

On the website of the US Catholic Bishops there are resources for an examination of conscience. Several variations are offered, for different age groups and based upon different starting points.

Here is an examination of conscience from Loyola Press, which provides questions you can use to help prepare your heart to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation.