Faith

Advent traditions help us see God's work in human history. Click here to read more.
Journey through Advent with Mary. Click here to read more. 

The liturgical calendar is a tool designed to shape our hearts to Christ. The sanctoral calendar surrounds us with holy men and women who show us what it means to welcome the Lord.

November 30 – St. Andrew, Apostle

St. Andrew is honored as the "First-Called". Upon recognizing Jesus as the Messiah, he immediately brought his brother to Christ. Andrew suffered martyrdom on an X-shaped cross. His feast marks the start of the traditional St. Andrew Christmas Novena.

December 3 – St. Francis Xavier

St. Francis Xavier traversed India, Indonesia, and Japan, bringing the Gospel to hundreds of thousands. As patron of foreign missions, his feast reminds us that our faith is inherently missionary.
December 4 – St. Barbara and St. John Damascene
St. Barbara accepted martyrdom rather than renounce Christ. On this day, the Church also honors St. John Damascene, whose writings defended sacred icons. Together, they testify to holding fast to truth. 
December 6 – St. Nicholas
The 4th-century Bishop of Myra defended orthodoxy and cared deeply for the poor. Marking his feast with small traditional gifts or quiet, anonymous acts of charity honors God's selfless love.

December 7 – St. Ambrose

Bishop of Milan and mentor to St. Augustine, St. Ambrose's defense of Christ earned him the title "The Honey-Tongued Doctor." As patron of beekeepers and candle-makers, his memorial is an ideal time to bless candles for Advent.

December 8 – Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception

(Holy Day of Obligation)
This solemnity celebrates that Mary was preserved from original sin through the merits of her Son. Attending Mass, receiving Reconciliation, and praying the Litany of Loreto prepares us to welcome Christ.

December 9 – St. Juan Diego

An indigenous layman, St. Juan Diego delivered Our Lady of Guadalupe’s message to the bishop in Mexico City in 1531. His obedience helped bridge two cultures and brought millions to the faith, reminding us that God uses the humble to accomplish His greatest works.

December 10 – Our Lady of Loreto

This feast centers on the Holy House of Loreto—traditionally held to be Mary's home in Nazareth where the Annunciation occurred. It serves as a reminder that God entered real human history in a physical home.

December 11 – Our Lady, Queen of Angels and St. Damasus I

We honor Mary in her royal dignity over the heavenly hosts. We also recall Pope St. Damasus I, who restored the Roman catacombs and commissioned St. Jerome to translate the Vulgate Bible. 

December 12 – Our Lady of Guadalupe

Appearing on Tepeyac Hill, Our Lady left her miraculous image on St. Juan Diego’s cloak. Her feast invites us to place fresh roses at an icon or support the vulnerable.

December 13 – St. Lucy

St. Lucy was a 4th-century Sicilian martyr who carried food to Christians in the catacombs wearing a wreath of lit candles. Observing her feast with a family lighting of the Advent wreath or donating food to a shelter reminds us that Christ overcomes all darkness.

December 14 – St. John of the Cross

A Carmelite reformer and Doctor of the Church, St. John guided souls toward union with God. He taught that spiritual growth requires letting go of earthly attachments. Spend time in Eucharistic Adoration for a peaceful respite from December's noise.

December 21 – St. Thomas the Apostle and St. Peter Canisius

Though remembered for doubting, St. Thomas made the profound confession: "My Lord and my God!" before carrying the Gospel to India. This day also honors St. Peter Canisius, who wrote clear catechisms.

December 23 – St. John of Kanty

A priest and university professor, St. John was famous for giving his own clothing and meals to beggars. His example calls us to support a clothing drive or practice self-denial so we may welcome the Savior with an open heart.

December 24 – Christmas Eve & Midnight Mass

Christmas Eve marks the threshold between expectation and fulfillment. Attending Midnight Mass or placing the Christ Child in the manger anchors our celebrations in Emmanuel—God with us.

December 25 – The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas)

We celebrate the central mystery of our faith: the Son of God taking on human flesh. Born in a manger, Christ reveals a God who draws near in simplicity. Gathering for Mass, sharing a meal, and exchanging gifts reflect God’s gift of His Son.