{"id":685,"date":"2010-12-08T22:56:26","date_gmt":"2010-12-09T04:56:26","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/marccardaronella.com\/?p=685"},"modified":"2010-12-09T12:05:32","modified_gmt":"2010-12-09T18:05:32","slug":"10-simple-ways-families-can-give-back-this-advent","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/marccardaronella.com\/blog\/2010\/12\/08\/10-simple-ways-families-can-give-back-this-advent\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Simple Ways Families Can Give Back This Advent"},"content":{"rendered":"

\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

What penance are you doing as a family this Advent?<\/p>\n

Jonathan Sullivan posted<\/a> that it’s never more obvious how “out of step” the Church is with secular culture than at Christmas time (in secular terms, the make-believe season from Thanksgiving to Christmas Day created by marketers). He wrote, “While the wider culture seeks to rush us towards Christmas…the Church asks us to slow down and wait.” So true!<\/p>\n

Penance Parties<\/h3>\n

Unknown to many, Advent is a penitential season (another way we’re out of step with the December Christmas partying culture). Now there’s the custom that Advent penance is different from what’s done in Lent. You’re supposed to “add” at Advent and “lessen” at Lent. In keeping with this, Ileen Grebner, a friend of mine from the Peoria area, sent me this list of charitable activities she called an “Advent Sharing List.” I like this list because it requires you to dig a little while remaining in the spirit of Christmas giving. I think these would make great family Advent penances.<\/p>\n

I almost hesitate to post this list though because then I’ll have to do some. But hey, penance is the reason for the season (of Advent that is).<\/p>\n

An Advent Sharing List for Families<\/h3>\n
    \n
  1. Look through your clothes for things in good shape that you will never wear again. Bundle them for delivery to a thrift store or shelter.<\/li>\n
  2. Buy a gift you would personally like to have. Wrap it for distribution to someone your age at a local shelter.<\/li>\n
  3. As a family go without between meal snacks or even fast from a meal. Contribute the money saved to a local soup kitchen or food pantry.<\/li>\n
  4. Buy a set of gloves and hats, then give them away to a family in need.<\/li>\n
  5. Take time today to sit and pray. Think about what you are thankful for and what your hopes are for the coming year.<\/li>\n
  6. Offer a prayer of thanks for someone who went out of their way today to make your day better.<\/li>\n
  7. Do something good today for someone who will never know you did it or be able to do something for you in return.<\/li>\n
  8. Call or write a friend to thank them for being a good listener and faithful friend.<\/li>\n
  9. Make an ornament for your family Christmas tree.<\/li>\n
  10. Think of a no-cost, \u201cinvisible\u201d present (story, joke, favor, hug) you can give to a family member or a friend and share it today.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    What does your family do for Advent penance? Can you think of any other sharing ideas to add to this list?<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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