From Goffine's Devout Instructions: Advent

What does Advent mean?

Advent means the coming, and is used by the Church to represent the four thousand years of preparation for the coming of the Redeemer, and at the same time points us to His second coming as our judge.

When is the season of Advent?

The season of Advent comprises the four weeks preceding Christmas.

When was the first coming of our Redeemer?

When the Son of God was conceived by the Holy Ghost in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and was made flesh, to sanctify the world by His coining.

Was a redeemer necessary?

Yes, for all men sinned in Adam, and needed to be reconciled to God.

Could not the just under the Old Law be saved before the coming of Christ?

Yes; through the expectation of Him and through His future merits all might be saved under the Old Law who made themselves worthy of the grace of Christ by innocence and penance, though they could not be admitted to heaven until Our Lord s ascension.

When will be the second coming of Christ?

At the end of the world, when Christ will come with great power and majesty to judge the living and the dead.

Why has the Church appointed the holy season of Advent?

1. That we may consider the wretched state of mankind

before the coming of Christ, and bring before our minds the

mercy of God, Who sent His only-begotten Son down from

heaven for our redemption.

2. That we may prepare ourselvesworthily for Christmas,

that Christ may then enter our hearts in the fulness of

             His grace, to renew them and to dwell in them.

3. That we may so prepare ourselves for the second advent that

He may be to us a merciful judge.“Watch ye, therefore,because

you know not what hour your Lord will come” (St. Matt. Xxiv. 42).

Prayer

O God, Who hast brought joy to the world through Thy

gracious advent, grant us, we beseech Thee, Thy grace, that we

may prepare ourselves by sincere penance for its celebration and

for the Last Judgment. Amen.

– Goffines Devout Instructions

Thank You, Saint Jude

Glorious Apostle, Saint Jude Thaddeus,

I salute you through the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Through His Heart I praise and thank God

for all the graces he has bestowed upon you.

I implore you, through His love

to look upon me with compassion.

Do not despise my poor prayer.

Do not let my trust be confounded.

God has granted to you the privilege of aiding mankind

in the most desperate cases.

Oh, come to my aid that I may praise the mercies of God.

All my life I will be your grateful client

until I can thank you in heaven.

Amen.

Saint Jude, pray for us, and for all who invoke your aid.

Novena to Saint Jude -- Day 9 (Final Day)

Come to my aid, O God.

O Lord, make haste to help me.

Almighty God, Father of mercies

and giver of all good gifts,

I come before you to honor you in your saints,

and ask their help in my many needs.

You promised that those who ask, would receive,

those who seek, would find, those who knock,

would have doors opened to them.

Hear the prayers of your church, grant my requests,

and pardon my sins.

Amen

Good St. Jude, chosen by Jesus as a messenger of His kingdom,

and bearer of God's power,

I entrust myself to your care

and place in your hands this request of mine (make your request)

You are a witness that nothing is impossible with God and

that all will be well by God's grace.

Pray that I may have a simple faith

and strong hope to believe and trust in God,

my Master, who makes all things possible

and brings all things to good.

Amen

Day 9

Lord Jesus Christ,

you prepare a place for us in your heavenly kingdom.

Grant me a place at your side and bring us all safely home.

Amen

To conclude this novena, say one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory Be.

Our Father

Our Father

Who art in Heaven

Hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come,

Thy will be done.

On earth as it is in Heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread

And forgive us our trespasses

As we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation,

But deliver us from evil.

Amen

Hail Mary

Hail Mary, full of Grace

The Lord is with thee.

Blessed art thou amongst women

And Blessed is the Fruit of thy Womb, Jesus.

Holy Mary, Mother of God,

Pray for us sinners,

Now, and at the hour of our death

Amen

Glory Be

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit.

As it was in the beginning, is now,

And ever shall be.

World without end.

Amen