This Advent, Archbishop Terrence Prendergast, SJ is calling on the Catholic faithful, both clergy and laity, to honour our faith by restoring solemnity and reverence to the Church’s sacred celebrations.

The 81-year-old Jesuit and Archbishop-emeritus of Ottawa-Cornwall considers this an important step to continue drawing younger people to the pews.

“There's signs around the world of young people coming back to the faith and discovering the beauty of Catholicism,” said Prendergast. “I'm going to suggest that our worship be a bit more solemn than it has been. We've been pretty casual sometimes with our faith. I think with the traditions that we have of a certain amount of Latin and use of incense in our worship is drawing people into the mystery of encountering Christ.

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“Here, Eucharistic adoration is becoming very popular among our young people. It's interesting that they who gaze at cell phones most of the day are awed by the Blessed Sacrament and the monstrance.”

Prendergast intends to share this insight, and others, during the Dec. 6 Diocesan Advent Renewal Retreat he will lead on behalf of the Diocese of Calgary. Appearing virtually, he will deliver remarks and lead viewers in prayerful reflection from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. local time.

He told The Catholic Register that he’ll offer a counterpoint to the notion that the Christmas season comes too soon.

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“I'm going to suggest that we try to go with the fact that people have their trees up and put the (Nativity) cribs in their houses and maybe reflect with Mary and Joseph and the Magi and the shepherds about their encounter with Christ and what that means for us and for them,” said Prendergast.

The Diocese of Saskatoon is also hosting an Advent retreat on Dec. 6, titled “Rejoice,” inspired by Philippians 4:4, St. Paul’s call for us to “Rejoice in the Lord always.” The 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. local time event at Holy Family Cathedral will feature Mass, contemplative prayer sessions, fellowship and talks led by the Sisters of the Verbum Dei Missionary Fraternity.

The fraternity started hosting yearly Lent retreats in 2021 and an Advent retreat in 2024.

Astrid Alas, the diocesan adult faith coordinator, anticipates the 2025 gathering will be a meaningful day of spiritual accompaniment.

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“It is not only very important to prepare ourselves for the season, but also to have a meaning for it, and to know you are not alone,” said Alas. “Some of the participants may face loneliness and this an opportunity to come together to reflect on the importance of the upcoming feast of Christmas.”

Alas shared her hope that all attendees’ “hearts rejoice like the Virgin Mary teaches us, not only in the worldly joys that are temporary, but in the coming of God, Our Saviour.” She added that Philippians 4:4 is St. Paul’s invitation “to replace our worries and to refocus on the important things.”