1. Advent, which comes from the Latin word for "arrival" or "coming," is a period of preparation for the birth of our Lord. Advent begins four Sundays before Christmas and is the start of the Christmas season, which lasts until the feast of the Baptism of Our Lord. The first Sunday of Advent also marks the beginning of the liturgical year, the Church's "New Year's Day," at which time we change the cycle of readings we are using at Mass.

2. Monday 30 th November 2015 Advent is a time of waiting, a time of preparation. What am I waiting for? What do I find difficult about waiting? What am I hoping for? Where do I see Hope/God in my life?

3. St. Andrew Priscilla Marck MAGNIFICAT Advent Collection, p. 18 The feast of Saint Andrew invites us to ponder his response to Christ’s call: "Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men. At once they left their nets…" (Mt. 4:19-20). With his brother Peter, Andrew immediately left his fishing nets to catch souls for the Kingdom.

4. Let us pray……… GOD OF HOPE, As we begin this Advent season and light this candle, we wait for your coming. Help us to watch for signs of you in the world around us and in the people we meet. Be with us as we wait for you and fill us with hope as we try our best to serve you. Amen.