Many Catholics did not grow up with the Jesse Tree Devotional during Advent.  This year, the parish would like to introduce it not only to the Masses but into each home in the parish.  From the stump of Jesse comes a bud and a sign of new life.  In the “stump” of the pandemic and the situations in the Church today, we pray that God will bring aobut new life in the areas that are "dead".

Each church in the parish has a Jesse Tree for the season of Advent.  At each Mass, we will add the ornament of the day as a way to mark the people and events of salvation history leading up to the birth of Jesus.

Visit the website for a daily reflection as your journey through Advent.  Each day the parish will provide the scripture readings, reflection, and two ornaments to download.  One ornament will be a depiction of the story and the other will be a symbol for children to color. After reading and reflecting on the scripture passage, add the ornament to your Jesse Tree. 

You may also sign up for a FLOCKNOTE that will send the information to your inbox making it easy for you to remain steadfast and committed to a daily reflection through Advent to Christmas. 

If all works well, we will also provide a quick video for your reflection as well found on the parish website and parish YOUTUBE channel and FACEBOOK page.  

What is a Jesse Tree?
A Jesse tree is a devotional used during Advent to learn the events of Salvation History leading up to the birth of Christ.  Each day, you put an ornament onto the tree that connects with a scripture passage that is read.  All the readings speak of God’s preparation for the coming of Jesus in the events of God’s people.  You can start on the first Sunday of Advent and complete on Christmas day with the birth of Jesus

What kind of tree do you use for a Jesse Tree?
One can use any tree that is large enough for 30 or so ornaments and strong enough to hold them.  It can be a branch placed in a pot, a Christmas tree or an image of tree made from crafts that hangs on the wall. 

What do you use for ornaments?
Our parish will provide ornaments for download on our website.  These can be printed and cut out.  Many crafty people make their own ornaments or children print out simple ones that they color and hang.  It is a great family activity that also teaches the major figures and events in the Bible up to Jesus’ birth.  There is a lot of flexibility in choosing the ornaments and symbols used.  The web is a great place to download free templates to use.

Is the Jesse tree for children or adults?
The Jesse Tree is often used in Religion classes to help children learn the major figures in the Bible leading up to Jesus.  However, the parish would like to provide meditations and readings for adults who would like to spend some time reflecting on Salvation History.  By providing material for both adult and children, it can be a great way parents and grandparents share faith with the young while at the smae time reflecting on how God has worked in time.

FIRST WEEK OF ADVENT 
Sunday, November 28, 2021 - Jesse Tree
Monday, November 29, 2021 - Creation
Tuesday, November 30, 2021 - Adam and Eve and the Apple
Wednesday, December 1, 2021 - Noah, Ark and Rainbow
Thursday, December 2, 2021- Abraham and the Field of Stars
Friday, December 3, 2021 - Isaac and the Ram
Saturday, December 4, 2021 - Jacob and the Ladder

SECOND WEEK OF ADVENT
Sunday, December 5, 2021 - Joseph, dream and coat
Monday, December 6, 2021 - Moses and the Burning Bush
Tuesday, December 7, 2021 - Israelites and the lamb
Wednesday, December 8, 2021 - Josua and the horn
Thursday, December 9, 2021- Gideon and the clay pots
Friday, December 10, 2021 - Ruth and the grain
Saturday, December 11, 2021 - Sam
uel and the crown

THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT
Sunday, December 12, 2021 - David, staff, harp
Monday, December 13, 2021 - Elijah and the stone altar
Tuesday, December 14, 2021 - Hezehiah and the tent
Wednesday, December 15, 2021 - Isaiah, Fire and coals
Thursday, December 16, 2021 - Jeremiah and tears
Friday, December 17, 2021 - Habakkuk and the stone watchtower
Saturday, December 18, 2021 - Nehemiah and the city wall

FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT
Sun1day, December 19, 2021 - The Angel Gabriel
Monday, December 20, 2021 - Zachariah and the Tablet
Tuesday, December 21, 2021 - Elizabeth with Child
Wednesday, December 22, 2021 - John the Baptist and shell
Thursday, December 23, 2021 - Joseph and the white lily
Friday, December 24, 2021 - Mary and Immaculate Conception
Saturday, December 25, 2021 - Jesus and the manger