▼ Video Message from Most Reverend Gerald M. Barbarito ▼

First Week of Advent

Actions with Hope through ministry in the Diocese of Palm Beach 

Make Straight Paths for Your Feet

Hebrews 12: 1-13

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely,[a] and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of[b] the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.

3 Consider him who endured such hostility against himself from sinners,[c] so that you may not grow weary or lose heart. 4 In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5 And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as children—

“My child, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord,
    or lose heart when you are punished by him;
6 for the Lord disciplines those whom he loves,
    and chastises every child whom he accepts.”

7 Endure trials for the sake of discipline. God is treating you as children; for what child is there whom a parent does not discipline? 8 If you do not have that discipline in which all children share, then you are illegitimate and not his children. 9 Moreover, we had human parents to discipline us, and we respected them. Should we not be even more willing to be subject to the Father of spirits and live? 10 For they disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share his holiness. 11 Now, discipline always seems painful rather than pleasant at the time, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

12 Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, 13 and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint, but rather be healed.

This week of Advent, place yourself in the grand scheme of salvation history, reflect on what God's promise to send his son means for your life and how we can prepare for Christ's return at the second coming. Place your hope in the Lord, and trust his divine plan.

Read: Romans 5:1-11 - and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.

Being Lead By God

Office of Vocations and Seminarians

During this Advent season, the Office of Vocations and Seminarians in the Diocese of Palm Beach reflects the virtue of hope in a simple but powerful way—by walking with young people as they discover where God may be leading them. Every conversation, retreat, and moment of prayer is a reminder that God is still calling, still guiding, and still planting new beginnings in our Church. Our seminarians and discerners show us that hope isn’t just an idea—it’s a daily choice to trust that God has a plan for each of us, even when we can’t see the full picture. In their courage and openness, we glimpse the quiet, steady hope that Advent invites us to embrace.

The Hope of Advent within our families

Office of Marriage Family Life, Faith Formation and Youth Ministry

Advent creates hope by turning families toward Christ, grounding them in prayer, strengthening unity, and reminding them that God enters their lives with light, mercy, and promise. Advent activities such as acts of kindness, preparing a nativity scene, or creating a Jesse Tree draw families together. Shared rituals build connection and reinforce the belief that God works through family life.

Unlike the commercial rush, Advent invites families to embrace simplicity and focus on what truly matters. This shift reduces stress and replaces it with hopeful expectation of God’s gift—Emmanuel, “God with us.”

Visit the December Events page to find out what family events are happening around the Diocese of Palm Beach.

Diocese of Palm Beach Family Life >

Hope in This Sacred Place

Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Cemetery

Hope reminds us that love never truly fades and gives us strength during life’s hardest moments.

In this sacred place, it becomes a quiet force that carries us through each day, offering comfort when our spirits feel worn.

It steadies us, reminding us to breathe, to pause, and to trust that brighter days will come.

And hope softly assures us that we are never alone, even when our hearts are heavy, guiding us forward with a light that never completely goes out.

Hope Shines

Catholic Charities DPB

As we light the first candle of Advent, we welcome Hope—the quiet assurance that God is present and working in every circumstance. At Catholic Charities, hope shines each time a family finds stability, a senior receives care, or a person in crisis discovers support and dignity.
This week, may we open our hearts to hope and extend it generously to those who need it most.
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace.” – Romans 15:13

Esperanza

Ministerio Hispano

La espera del tiempo de Adviento es sinónimo de esperanza. Te exhortamos a sembrar esa esperanza en los demás a través de un gesto solidario con los que más lo necesitan durante esta primera semana de adviento. Que tu generosidad sea signo de esperanza y símbolo de Jesús, que se acerca a todos.

Para mayores recursos: 

https://www.crs.org/sites/default/files/documents/2025-10/corona-de-adviento-esp.pdf