Journeying the Way of Love
Advent and Christmas 2024
Advent is a season of anticipation and preparation, and spiritual renewal, inviting us to reflect on the profound love that entered the world in the person of Jesus. It is a time to cultivate a deeper sense of hope and compassion, both within ourselves and toward others. As we await the coming of the Christ child, we are called to seek beloved community—extending kindness, pursuing justice, and seeking reconciliation.
The Christmas story reminds us that love is not passive but requires action: reaching out to those in need, embracing the marginalized, and creating spaces of peace. In this season of waiting, we are invited to consider how we can be bearers of love in a world often marked by division and strife, making room in our hearts for the transformative power of God’s love.
As we prepare to enter into the period of Advent, we are delighted to share our Advent and Christmas schedule with you. We look forward to welcoming you to the Cathedral and celebrating the festive period with you.
All are welcome. Free of charge. No reservation needed. | Toustes sont les bienvenu.e.s. Entrée libre.
Sunday, December 1st, 2024
11:00 a.m. | Holy Eucharist for the First Sunday of Advent (in person and online)
6:00 p.m. | An Advent Procession (in person and online)
Sunday, December 8th, 2024
11:00 a.m. | Holy Eucharist for the Second Sunday of Advent (in person and online)
Saturday, December 14th, 2024
4:00 p.m. | A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols (in person only)
Sunday, December 15th, 2024
11:00 a.m. | Holy Eucharist for the Third Sunday of Advent (in person and online)
6:00 p.m. | A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols (in person and online)
Sunday, December 22nd, 2024
11:00 a.m. | Holy Eucharist for the Fourth Sunday of Advent (in person and online)
Tuesday, December 24th, 2024 | Christmas Eve
12:00 p.m. | Eucharistie Festive avec chants de Noël (in person only)
5:00 p.m. | Procession and Festal Eucharist (in person only)
10:00 p.m. | Procession and Festal Eucharist (in person and online)
Wednesday, December 25th, 2024 | Christmas Day
11:00 a.m. | Christmas Day Eucharist (in person and online)
Other weekday services during Advent
All are welcome to also join us for our midweek services throughout Advent (in person only):
Tuesdays at 12:00 p.m. | Célébration Eucharistique (Français)
Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. | Evening Prayer (Bilingual)
Wednesdays at 9:00 p.m. | Contemplation and Compline (Bilingual)
Saturdays at 12:00 p.m. | La Prière de Midi (Français)
Decorating the Cathedral at Christmas
Dedications in memory of or in honor of loved ones for decorating the Cathedral at Christmas are being accepted until the deadline of Wednesday December 11th, 2024 to be included in the Christmas bulletins. Donations may be for any amount and submitted using the special envelopes in the pews or on-line at amcathparis.com/donate - please note “for Christmas decorations”. Questions may be sent to parish.coordinator@americancathedral.org
Pray the Psalms in Advent
Join The Rainbow Ministry as we journey through Advent, reading, praying, and being inspired by the psalms each day. Email The Rainbow Ministry on rainbow.ministry@americancathedral.org to join the dedicated whatsapp group to receive daily notifications from this special “Advent Calendar” starting on Monday, November 25th.
Lay-led, bilingual, inclusive worship is held every Wednesday. At 7:00 p.m. we gather for prayer, scripture, poetry and fellowship at Evening Prayer. At 9:00 p.m. we offer Contemplation and Compline, the night prayers of the church and a time for centering, quiet, and reflection. Evening Prayer is followed by a time of fellowship and discussion over a potluck. All are welcome.
Love in a Backpack
The Love in a Box (LIAB) program is a cherished annual tradition bringing the joy of the holidays to children in need. For over 20 years, as part of our Cathedral Mission & Outreach program, we have worked with schools and community partners Paris-wide, coordinating the preparation and distribution of gifts to numerous charities throughout France. This year, instead of boxes, backpacks will be filled with many goodies, toys, and practical gifts that will bring great joy to hundreds of children of all ages.
Pick up a backpack to fill at the end of the service - join us and be part of the “Love in a Backpack” giving joy!
In addition to the “Love in a Backpack” project, we are also collecting lightly-worn, clean, warm clothing items to donate to those in need. Please bring contributions for teens (boys & girls), men and women on November 24th and December 1st at the 11:00 a.m. service.
For more information, please visit amcathparis.com/news/liab2024 or contact Mission & Outreach with any queries on mission.outreach@americancathedral.org
The Episcopal Church Advent Calendar
Join us each day of Advent as we follow The Episcopal Church’s Advent Calendar- Journeying the Way of Love. This calendar offers daily suggestions in English, French, and Spanish, for engaging in the seven practices that encompass the Way of Love: turn, learn, pray, worship, bless, go, and rest.
Each morning at 9:00 a.m. we will be sharing our reflections on our Facebook and Instagram accounts (@amcathparis). Give us a follow, and join us in Journeying the Way of Love.
Advent Meditations from Racial Justice and Beloved Community (RJBC)
Each week of Advent, RJBC (Racial Justice and Beloved Community) of The Convocation of Episcopal Churches will be sharing Meditations, check back here each week to follow along.