Religious Education  

This unit introduces young students to the liturgical season of Advent as a holy time of waiting, anticipation, and joyful preparation. Students explore the meaning of the word Advent ("coming") and learn that the liturgical color purple reminds the Church to slow down and prepare their hearts to welcome Jesus at Christmas. 

The teaching sequences unpack how Catholics prepare through two core actions: talking to God in prayer and showing love through acts of kindness. The unit also introduces foundational Advent symbols, like the circular evergreen wreath and its four candles. Finally, students look to Mary as the ultimate model of Advent. Through the scriptural accounts of the Annunciation and the Visitation, students discover how Mary trusted God's plan, said "yes" to being the mother of Jesus, and immediately went to serve her relative Elizabeth.