Let the Waiting Begin!
"In Advent we await an event which occurs in history and at the same time transcends it." - Saint John Paul the Great
Christmas has already arrived in the world around us, store shelves are full of Christmas decorations and there is Christmas music 🎶everywhere - don't get me started on the radio stations playing 24/7 Christmas music! As I walk the dogs at night, I cannot believe how many people have already put up their trees! 🎄And while people enjoy the lights, the music, and the busyness, very few seem to realize that the Church ⛪is quietly entering a completely different season.
And that’s why Advent is such an important moment for gentle evangelization.
One of the easiest ways for your parish to be that quiet, steady voice reminding people that Advent has a beauty and purpose all its own is to post and share content about this important liturgical season. But where to find material and ideas?!
Create & Curate Your Own Advent Content
There has never been more excellent Catholic content online. Rather than starting from scratch, invite your parishioners to explore Advent resources created by some of the most talented Catholics out there.
Here are 3 links you can share.
Hallow's Complete Guide to the Season of Advent
Catholic Icing's Advent and Christmas Crafts and Activities for Kids
The USCCB's Daily Advent Calendar 2025
Canva + Quote (Advent Edition)
Canva is a wonderful tool that should be part of every parish's arsenal. (Even the free version is pretty robust.)
If you are not using Canva or are not sure where to start check out these blog posts:
Who does not love a good quote?! Between Scripture and the Saints you have thousands of possibilities. Below is an easy step by step process for finding quotes and turning them into beautiful posts ready for you Facebook page and Instagram.
Step 1 - Find a Template
One of the great things about Canva is its extensive library of templates, including many free ones.
Go to the Canva library and search Quotes for Facebook or Quotes for Instagram. (If you want to narrow the number of designs add the word "Advent" to the search box.) Up will pop all kinds of ideas. Choose the one you like - but don't get bogged down trying to find the perfect one.
Step 2 - Choose an Advent Quote
Go to Google and search for Advent Quotes, Catholic Advent Quotes or Advent Quotes of Saints.
Once again you will have plenty to choose from. Pick one or more quotes.
Another idea is to chose a line or two from this year's Sunday readings during Advent - that's what I've done.
Step 3 - Add Your Quote to the Template
Copy and Paste your quote to the Canva Template you chose. The way I often choose which quote to use is based on length. I try to find one that will fit relatively well into the text box of my Canva Template. Having said that you can always choose to make the font size bigger or smaller to accommodate the text box.
Step 4 - Make It Look Like Advent
If you chose a template that is not "Advent looking" you can simply make a few changes. You might want to change the color to purple or pink. Maybe you want to change the photo or graphic to something more Advent relevant - you can't go wrong with an Advent wreath!
Step 5 - Download & Share
Download your design as a PNG and post it to your social media.
Step 6 - Add a Caption + a Call to Action
Don't forget to include a caption. I usually include the quote itself - because lots of people are scrolling on their phone with a small screen. And I also add a Call to Action, e.g. ask people to comment about the quote, or ask them their favorite Advent tradition - and to tell us in the comments.
TIME SAVING TIP
Use the same template, but different quotes to create 4 or more posts in one sitting. On the right just above your design you can click on the icon to duplicate the page as many times as you like. Simply change up the quote and in less than 10 minutes (you need a few of those minutes to go down the inevitable rabbit hole 😁) you have a great post for each week of Advent.
Advent Videos
YouTube is definitely your friend when it comes to videos for Advent. In the YouTube search bar type in Catholic Advent. Many options will come up. Add to your search descriptors such as Traditions, For Kids, Meaning of, etc. I usually choose videos that are 5 minutes or less simply because everyone's attention span is so short these days.
Either share the video directly or copy and paste the link to your social media. Be sure to add some sort of a caption - perhaps a sentence or two about why you chose this particular video. And don't forget the Call to Action.
I love Aleteia (aleteia.org) for so many reasons. (1) Everyday they have plenty of new and interesting stories. (2) There are 7 different language editions, which is great for parishes with a large Spanish speaking population, or French speaking where I live. (3) If there is nothing relevant in the daily news, you can search their vast library of articles for something that catches your fancy.
As with YouTube, you can share the link to the article directly to Facebook or copy and paste it. You'll automatically have the photo and the headline from the article.
Not to sound like a broken record, but don't forget your caption and Call to Action. It takes an extra few minutes but is so important to try and create engagement with your audience.
Want More Advent Content? Subscribe to Grace Notes!
The easiest way to get ready-made Advent content each week is by subscribing to Grace Notes, Creative Catholic Content's free weekly newsletter.
Every Monday you’ll receive:
A tip
2 to 3 pieces of content you can use immediately (e.g. ready-to-post image, a seasonal idea, quote, etc.)
Grace Notes helps you keep Advent Christ-centred - without starting from scratch.
Easy Peasy
There you have it - 5 simple ways to share Advent content that will help your parish slow down, pray, and prepare their hearts for the coming of Christ.
See ya soon! 👋
P.S. Did I mention signing up for the FREE Grace Notes!? 🤣
