Advent Events at the Basilica of Saint Mary
November 30th
– Christmas tree sale begins at the Basilica School of Saint Mary parking lot. It will run until December 9th. Sale hours are: Monday-Friday 6:00 to 8:00 pm, Saturday and Sunday 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
December 1st
– Breakfast with Santa at the Basilica School of Saint Mary 8:00 to 10:00 am
December 2nd
– Candles for Advent wreaths will be for sale after the Saturday Vigil Mass and all Sunday Masses.
December 4th
– “Ol Saint Nick: Myth and Reality” with Father Paul Scalia at the Catholic Business Network – Alexandria/Springfield Chapter’s Monthly Breakfast Meeting in the Lyceum Auditorium. Event begins at 7:30 am. See Basilica website or flyers in the back of church for more information on how to register to attend.
December 6th
– Plenary indulgence day. First anniversary of our designation as a minor basilica.
– Solemn Sung Vespers for the Feast of Saint Nicholas at 7:00 pm in the Basilica.
– 40 Hours Devotion begins in the Basilica after the 12:10 pm Mass. Sign-up sheets are in the back of the Basilica. Read more about the devotion here.
December 7th
– 40 Hours Devotion continues
– Vigil Masses for Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception 5:00 pm, 7:30 pm (Holy Day of Obligation)
– Parish-wide Total Consecration to Jesus through Mary after Vigil Masses
December 8th
– 40 Hours Devotion ends before 8:30 am Mass.
– Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception Masses 8:30 am, 10:30 am, 12:30 pm (Holy Day of Obligation)
– Parish-wide Total Consecration to Jesus through Mary after Immaculate Conception Masses
– Drop-off Giving Tree items after Masses on December 8th and 9th
December 9th
– Ben-David Warner & Friends Celtic Christmas Concert in the Lyceum Auditorium. Happy Hour at 7:00 pm. Concert 7:30 pm. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased here.
– Drop-off Giving Tree items after Masses on December 8th and 9th
December 14th
– Christmas Dinner Basket Program donation drop-off and basket preparation from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm at the Lyceum. See Basilica website or flyers in the back of church for more information.
December 15th
– Christmas Dinner Basket Program deliveries begin at 8:30 am. Meet at the Lyceum.
– All women of the parish are welcome to attend a women’s Advent retreat hosted by the Catholic Daughters of the Americas. Meg Hunter-Kilmer will speak. Mass at 8:30 am in Basilica. Retreat begins at 9:00 am in Lyceum. Click here for more details.
– Young adult Christmas caroling. Meet for Mass in the Basilica at 5:00 pm. Caroling starts after Mass. A reception will follow in the Lyceum around 7:00 pm.
December 16th
– Bambinelli Sunday: Bring your baby Jesus from your Nativity set to be blessed at Mass.
– Seniors Advent Dinner 4:30 to 6:00 pm in Lyceum Auditorium. Hosted by Basilica’s young adults. All parishioners age 55 and older are welcome to attend. See Basilica website or flyers in the back of church for more information on how to register to attend.
– Lighting of the Basilica’s Christmas tree at 6:00 pm in the courtyard. Followed by lessons and carols in the Basilica.
December 17th
– Additional Confession time at 7:00 pm
December 21st
– Additional Confession time at 7:00 pm
December 24
– Daily Mass at 6:30 am and 8:00 am with Confessions at 9:00 am. We will not have Mass at 12:10 pm or midday Confessions.
Visit stmaryoldtown.org/advent2018 to download printable family Advent calendars, view an interactive Adventcalendar and sign-up for daily Advent video reflections from Bishop Burbudge and Dr. Tim Gray.