Greetings ! We hope you are doing well amidst all that is happening in our world .
Thank you for checking out this year ’ s Advent Reflection Guide , brought to you by Catholic Volunteer Network and Catholic Apostolate Center . This Guide is both an invitation to reflect with us , as well as an invitation to learn about us .
In these pages , you will find original reflections , prayers , and service suggestions from current and former volunteers in our network who have served throughout the U . S . and around the world . Advent is always a special time to ask our volunteers to reflect – this year even more so .
Despite the ongoing pandemic , volunteers continue to serve in full-time in ministry placements ranging from education to social services to parish outreach . These ministries have often looked different in 2020 , as volunteers have adjusted to service sites that have gone partially or fully remote . Other volunteers , like those serving in healthcare placements , have joined frontline workers in their daily efforts to keep communities healthy during COVID-19 .
We are so grateful for the women and men who have answered the call to service this uncertain year . Their faith and persistence give us great hope . Their commitment to social justice and racial justice inspires us . By offering their gifts , these volunteers have embodied the words of Isaiah the Prophet in the First Sunday of Advent readings ( Isaiah 63:16B-17 , 19B ; 64:2-7 ): “… we are the clay and you the potter : we are all the work of your hands .”
We hope these reflections may help your own spiritual journey as we wait and watch for Christ this Advent season .
Peace be with you ! Catholic Apostolate Center & Catholic Volunteer Network
Catholic Apostolate Center hosts an extensive library of Advent resources on their website : www . catholicapostolatecenter . org / advent-resources . html
Advent 2020