During Advent, Austin Catholic Schools students participate in their long-standing weekly Advent Wreath Lighting Ceremony. The Advent wreath is part of their tradition.

Advent is a Christian Festival that can be observed in the home as well as in the church. It is a time to remember the First Coming of Christ and to anticipate his Second Coming.

The circle of the wreath symbolizes God himself, his eternity and his endless mercy, without beginning, nor end. The green of the wreath represents our hope of newness, renewal and eternal life. When we light the candles it signifies the light of God that came into the world through Christ to bring newness, life and hope.

There are four candles on the Advent wreath that represent the four weeks of Advent.

Three candles are purple and one is pink or rose. The three colored candles represent a period of waiting, expectation and preparation.

The first candle corresponds to the time of expectation and hope, the second candle to the peace that is to come. The pink or rose candle for the third week symbolizes joy for the promise is almost fulfilled, and the fourth candle represents the love of God for mankind.

Austin Catholic Elementary School’s schedule is: Third Week of Advent, Monday at 1:05 p.m.; Fourth Week of Advent, Monday, Dec. 22 at 1:05 p.m. in the North Entrance of ACES.

Pacelli High School’s schedule is: Third Week of Advent, Tuesday at 9:40 a.m.; Fourth Week of Advent – Monday, Dec. 22 at 11:15 a.m. They will be held in the Pacelli Chapel.