Advent: A Time of Preparation

Advent gives us time to slow down and take a look at ourselves—where we are going. As Christians, its gives us a vision of our lives, reminds us of God’s actions in the lives of our ancestors in the past and shows us the new possibilities of what our life can be.

The vision of life that Advent gives us is twofold; it looks back to the first coming of Christ at Bethlehem, and it looks to the future when Christ will come again. In the interval between these two events we find meaning for our life as a Christian.

First, we celebrate Christ-become-human. We view his life and experience his presence as a human being in our history. Christ came to show us what life can and should be. He gave us true and valid principles by which we can live true and valid lives. But Jesus knew that the human heart could not live in isolation. He formed the Church around the concept of a people held together by love. In that community we discover unlimited possibilities and meaning. Alone we can do nothing. Together we find real meaning.

Advent Dates 2022

  • November 27 – First Sunday of Advent
  • December 4 – Second Sunday of Advent
  • December 11 – Third Sunday of Advent
  • December 18 – Fourth Sunday of Advent

Simbang Gabi

Thursday, December 15 – 7:00PM
St. Thomas the Apostle Church – Crystal Lake
Rev. Robert Jones

Friday, December 16 – 7:00PM
St. John Neumann Church – St Charles
Rev. Leonard Jacobs

Friday, December 16 – 7:00PM
Christ the Teacher Church – DeKalb
Bishop David Malloy

Saturday, December 17 – 7:00PM
St. Catherine of Siena Church – Dundee
Rev. John McNamara

Sunday, December 18 – 7:00PM
St. Patrick Church – St Charles
Msgr. Daniel Deutch

Monday, December 19 – 7:00PM
Church of the Holy Apostle – McHenry
Rev. Andrew Hernandez

Tuesday, December 20 – 7:00PM
St. Mary’s Church – Huntley
Rev. Christopher DiTomo

Wednesday, December 21 – 7:00PM
St. Mary’s Church – Woodstock
Rev. Burt Absalon

Thursday, December 22 – 7:00PM
St.Margaret Mary – Algonquin
Rev. Burt Absalon

Friday, December 23 – 7:00PM
St.Thomas More – Elgin
Rev. Ryan Browning

Sacrament of Reconciliation

Communal Reconciliation Services

Thursday, December 15th at 7:00 pm

St. Mary, Huntley


Tuesday, December 20th at 7:00 pm

St. Thomas the Apostle, Crystal Lake

(Oak Street Church)


Wednesday, December 21st at 7:00 pm

St. Margaret Mary, Algonquin


Individual Reconciliation

In the Chapel:


Saturday, December 17th

9:00 am 10:00 am & 3:00 pm 4:00 pm


In the Church:


Thursday, December 22nd

12:00 pm 1:00 pm


Friday, December 23rd

12:00 pm 1:00 pm