December 2, 2009

Advent liturgies, family-friendly events to attend in December

There are many liturgies, retreats and family-friendly events happening around the archdiocese in December to enrich the holy seasons of Advent and Christmas. 

Abbey day retreat
On Dec. 12 the Abbey of St. Walburga will offer “Lectio Divina for Advent: Holding Eternity Within” presented by Abbess Maria Michael Newe. O.S.B. Participants will explore Scripture readings from the liturgy. The program includes presentations, quiet time for personal meditation and prayer, and the opportunity for the sacrament of reconciliation. Abbey day retreats begin at about 9:30 a.m. and conclude about 3:45 p.m. Admission of $35 per person includes lunch. Pre-registration and a $10 deposit secure your reservation. The abbey is located about 35 miles north of Fort Collins on U.S. Highway 287. The entrance road is on the west side of the highway, at mile marker 381. For more information, call 970-472-0612, e-mail aswretreats@gmail.com  or visit online at www.walburga.org.
‘Lights, Lessons and Carols’
Alumni and friends of Regis University are invited to the school’s annual Advent celebration of music and prayer, “Lights, Lessons and Carols,” set for 4 p.m. Dec. 4 in the St. John Francis Regis Chapel.  The theme for this year’s event is “In a Quiet Light.” Regis University is located at 3333 Regis Blvd. in Denver.

Advent retreat day
A day of reflection on “Advent and Aging: Living between Memory and Hope,” is set from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 7 at Most Precious Blood Parish Center, 2250 S. Harrison St. in Denver.  Cost for the day is $30, which includes lunch.  Register by calling 303-756-3083.

Gabriel House celebration
Gabriel House, located at 1341 Oneida St. in Denver, will be the site of a Christmas gathering to celebrate the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Dec. 12 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.  The event will include tasty Christmas delights, refreshments and holiday raffles.  Details on the celebration are available by calling 303-377-1577 or e-mail gabrielhousedenver @yahoo.com.  Donations will be accepted. Gabriel House is the Archdiocese of Denver’s Catholic ministry and support center for pregnant women.

Musical ‘Joseph’
The Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities is presenting the Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice musical, “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” through Dec. 27. This retelling of the biblical life of Joseph, filled with high-spirited songs and energetic choreography, is a perfect holiday event for the whole family.  Call 720-898-7200 for directions and ticket information or log onto www.arvadacenter.org for more information.

Blossoms of Light
See the Denver Botanic Gardens in a different light this holiday season as the grounds are turned into an illuminated winter wonderland.  More than one million colorful lights decorate plants and trees. New this year are detailed ice sculptures.  Blossoms of Light runs nightly from 5:30 p.m.-10 p.m. at the Denver Botanic Gardens, 1005 York St., Denver.  More information is available by calling 720-835-3500 or visit online at www.botanicgardens.org.

Denver Zoo Lights
Experience the magic of the zoo at night at the Denver Zoo Dec. 12-Jan. 4.  See the holiday safari featuring 40 brilliantly-illuminated acres of lights with dozens of animal sculptures.  For times and directions, call 303-376-4800 or visit online at www.denverzoo.org.