Advent, a season of preparation, is a busy time at Christ Church Cathedral as we joyfully anticipate the celebration of Christmas and the coming of the Christ child. We know you’re busy preparing for Christmas too, and we hope you’ll make time to celebrate with us.
CCC Choirs Perform at Circle Of Lights! | Friday, Nov. 25: Make the trip downtown or tune in to WTHR for the debut performance of the Cathedral Choir, Coro Latinoamericano, and Choristers during the annual Circle of Lights celebration and lighting of the world’s largest Christmas tree! Those who attend the in-person event on Monument Circle should be sure to stop by the CCC lawn for hot cocoa, cookies, and glow sticks. CCC is excited to be a part of this statewide broadcast and fun annual holiday tradition in our downtown neighborhood.
First Sunday in Advent and Wreath Making| Sunday, Nov. 27: Celebrate the first Sunday in Advent and a new liturgical season in person at CCC! Our 8 a.m. worship is a reflective service of Holy Scripture and Holy Communion. While there is no music and the service is shorter, the welcome is warm.
At 10 a.m. worship, we reflect on Holy Scripture and celebrate Holy Communion in a reverent and formal service that’s never stuffy or stiff. This service includes singing and other music by soloists and staff. The weekly sermons may inspire, comfort, or challenge the congregation as listeners filter them through their own experiences.
Our 1 p.m. service is very similar to the 10 a.m. in its structure and content, but it’s conducted entirely in Spanish. The music provided by the Coro Latinoamericano and guitarists is joyful and lively. Even if you don’t speak Spanish very well, you will be welcomed warmly.
After services, we will have a festive reception with an opportunity to make advent wreaths, an annual tradition at CCC. Wreaths are made of fresh evergreens and come with the four candles to be lit each week during Advent symbolizing hope, love, joy, and peace. Bags will be available to take supplies home if desired.
Presentation of the Holy Creche | Monday, Nov. 28: The Christ Church Cathedral Creche erected each year on the lawn is a beloved holiday tradition in Indianapolis. This large-scale nativity of the Holy Family will also include various icons of Madonna and Child by artist and religious iconographer Kelly Lattimore. This inclusive nativity tableau will be up all season long for Indy residents and visitors to enjoy.
Second Sunday in Advent • Lessons & Carols | Sunday, Dec. 4 at 4 p.m.: On the Second Sunday in Advent we invite you to our festival of Lessons & Carols. Advent Lessons & Carols is a worship service of scripture readings or lessons from the Bible interspersed with the singing of Advent carols. Originally, carols were music written for a choir. Within the worship service, hymns were written to allow the congregation to participate in the service. This is a joyous and celebratory service that is fun for all ages!
Our Forum Hour topic at 11:30 a.m. is “Hope is On the Way: the Arrival of God” will be led by The Rev. Canon Greg Baker.
Third Sunday in Advent • La Virgen de Guadalupe | Sunday, Dec. 11 at 1 p.m.: Join us for the Festival of Lady of Guadalupe, a traditional Mexican devotion that includes prayer, serenade, and the Aztec Dance. This service begins with a procession around the Monument Circle (if the weather permits), followed by a Eucharistic service with music presented by Coro Latinoamericano and with the special presentation of the Aztec Dance during the service. After the service, there will be a reception in the Parish Hall where everyone is invited to bring something to share. Families and children are encouraged to dress in the traditional costumes of San Juan Diego or Maria. This service will be in Spanish.
Our Forum Hour topic at 11:30 a.m. is “Hail, Mary: the Bearer of the World’s Hope” will be led by The Rev. Canon Greg Baker.
Las Posadas | Dec. 16-24 : Christ Church’s Posadas will start on December 16th-23rd, at 6:00 p.m. During the Posadas we re-enact Joseph and Mary’s journey seek shelter for them and the New Born King, we will meet at different homes, where everybody is invited to join in. If you are interested in participating, please email Verónica Godinez, and she will email you the address Posada’s schedule. ALL ARE WELCOME!
Fourth Sunday in Advent | Sunday, Dec. 18 : We will round out the Advent Season with the lighting of the final candle on our advent wreath during each service. Children who would like to participate in the Children’s Christmas Pageant will also rehearse during children’s formation hour to prepare for their big day!
Learn more about the Children’s Pageant and our full line-up of 2022 Christmas services and events at https://www.cccindy.org/christmaseve.
Our Forum Hour topic at 11:30 a.m. is “According to Your Word: Mary and a Hopeful Life” will be led by The Rev. Canon Greg Baker.