Week One: First Sunday of Advent, November 30, 2025

Theme:  “…Strengthen our trust…”

 

Opening Prayer: Collect from the First Sunday in Advent (adapted)

“Grant we pray, almighty God, that we, your faithful Sisters of Divine Providence, resolve to run forth to meet your Christ with righteous deeds at his coming.  Gathered at his right hand, may we be worthy of all the strength and trust we need to possess Your heavenly gift of eternal life.  We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirt, God, forever and ever.  Amen.

 

Scriptures:

1. Isaiah 2: 1-5 (The Lord will gather all nations into the eternal peace of the kingdom of God.)

“...All nations shall stream toward it; many peoples shall come and say: ‘Come, let us climb the Lord’s mountain, to the house of the God of Jacob, that God may instruct us in God’s ways and we may walk in God’s paths.’”

1. Romans 13: 11-14  (Our salvation is near.)

“…Let us then throw off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light…”

1. Matthew 24: 37-44 (Stay awake, that you may be prepared!)

“As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man…So too you also must be prepared…”

 

Reflection: Please take time to reflect on each question and quote and share your thoughts and insights with other sisters.

1. How is God asking me to strengthen my trust as I prepare for our congregational chapter?

“In solitude one experiences the inspiration of God more frequently.”  Marie de la Roche

1. What is God asking me to let go of, so as to strengthen my trust in God and to be led by the Spirit?

“May God grant me a humble and simple heart…” Bishop Ketteler

1. How am I strengthening my trust of my Sisters in the preparations for and in openness to the outcomes of our congregational chapter?

“…This is the condition for the effectiveness of the divine spirit in us.” Bishop Ketteler

 

Closing Prayer: Congregational Chapter 2026 Prayer:

Provident God, give us a sense of your Presence on our Holy Adventure together.

Strengthen our trust in your providential love and care

as we explore new paths for the future before us.

Open us to see possibilities, give us the courage to embrace them,

and to enter into this Congregational Chapter

ready to embark on a Holy Adventure with You. Amen.

by Sr. Barbara McMullen

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*** Please refer to the attached file for the commission's letter and prayer.