Young adults invited to Advent reflection and social at cathedral

Intermountain Catholic

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Last year more than 60 people attended the Advent reflection sponsored by the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry at the Cathedral of the Madeleine.

SALT LAKE CITY — All young adults (those in their 20s and 30s) in the Diocese of Salt Lake City are invited to an Advent reflection night and social, sponsored by the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry.

“This is to prepare ourselves for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ,” said Junuee Castro, director of the diocesan Office of Young and Young Adult Ministry, adding that this gathering will help  young adults prepare for the Advent season and to get closer to God.

The Advent Reflection Night & Social will take place at the Cathedral of the Madeleine on Wednesday, Dec. 5, starting at 6 p.m.

The first Sunday of Advent, which this year is Dec. 2, marks the beginning of 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,” according to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops website.

Preparing for the Advent season is important because “with all the hurry from the daily activities it is hard to stop and reflect … maybe even to pray, so this is a good moment to do that: to stop and think about what is coming,” Castro said.

Last year the reflection drew more than 60 young adults.

This year’s gathering will have fellowship, reflection, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and the opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Fr. Joseph Delka, parochial vicar of the Cathedral of the Madeleine, will be in charge of this year’s reflection.

“Maybe we won’t have this opportunity [to take some time] elsewhere. … Maybe someone is looking for this opportunity, so this is a space to be able to share with other young people and at the same time to prepare ourselves for Christmas,” Castro said.

The USCCB states that 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.”

WHAT: Young Adult Advent Reflection Night & Social

WHEN: Wednesday, Dec. 5 beginning at 6 p.m.

WHERE: Cathedral of the Madeleine, 309 E. South Temple, Salt Lake City

The evening will begin with an hour of fellowship, hot cocoa and snacks. The Advent reflection will be at 7 p.m., followed at 7:20 p.m. by Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and the opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. For information, contact the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry, 801-328-8641 ext. 313.