FIRST SUNDAY
On the first Sunday of Advent, the family gathers to bless the wreath. The Leader, usually the father, sprinkles the wreath with holy water.
Leader: Our help is in the name of the Lord.
All: Who made heaven and earth.
Leader: Let us pray. O God, all things are made holy by your word. Pour forth your blessing upon this wreath. Grant that we who use it may prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ and may receive abundant graces from you through Christ, our Lord.
All: Amen.
FIRST WEEK
For the first week in Advent, the youngest child lights the first candle.
Leader: Let us pray. O Lord, we ask you to stir up your power and come; that by your protection we may be saved from the dangers that threaten us because of our sins. Through Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns for ever and ever.
All: Amen.
Leave one candle burning during the evening meal, at family prayers, or before bedtime.
SECOND WEEK
Two candles are lighted on the second Sunday by the oldest child and allowed to burn as before. The prayer for the second week is:
Leader: Let us pray. O Lord, stir up our hearts that we may prepare for your only begotten Son, that through his coming we may be made worthy to serve you with pure souls. Through Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns for ever and ever.
All: Amen.
THIRD WEEK
The mother lights three candles. The prayer for the third week is:
Leader: Let us pray. We humbly beg you, O Lord, to listen to our prayers and, by the grace of your coming, bring light into our darkened minds. Through Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns for ever and ever.
All: Amen.
FOURTH WEEK
All four candles are lighted on the fourth Sunday by the father. The prayer for the fourth week is:
Leader: Let us pray. Stir up your power and might, O Lord, and come. Rescue us through your great strength so that salvation, which has been hindered by our sins, may be hastened by the grace of your gentle mercy. Through Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns for ever and ever.
All: Amen.
At the end of Advent, the candles may all be changed to white, the leaves refreshed if necessary, and the wreath decorated with Christmas decorations.
