Many Catholics did not grow up with the Jesse Tree Devotional during Advent.  This year, the parish would like to introduce it not only at Masses but also 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 about new life in the areas that are "dead".

Visit the website for a daily reflection as you 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. 

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 start on the first Sunday of Advent and complete it 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 a tree made from crafts that hang 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.  For adults, the parish is providing meditations and readings for those 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 same time reflecting on how God has worked in time.

FIRST WEEK OF ADVENT 
Sunday, December 3, 2023 - Jesse Tree
Monday, December 4, 2023 - Creation
Tuesday, December 5, 2023 - Adam and Eve and the Apple
Wednesday, December 6, 2023 - Noah, Ark and Rainbow
Thursday, December 7, 2023- Abraham and the Field of Stars
Friday, December 8, 2023 - Isaac and the Ram
Saturday, December 9, 2023 - Jacob and the Ladder

SECOND WEEK OF ADVENT
Sunday, December 10, 2023 - Joseph, Dream and Coat
Monday, December 11, 2023 - Moses and the Burning Bush
Tuesday, December 12, 2023 - Israelites and the Lamb
Wednesday, December 13, 2023 - Joshua and the Horn
Thursday, December 14, 2023 - Ruth and the Grain
Friday, December 15, 2023 - Samuel and the Crown
Saturday, December 16, 2023 - David, Staff, Harp

THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT
Sunday, December 17, 2023 - Elijah and the Stone Altar
Monday, December 18, 2023 - Isaiah, Fire and Coals
Tuesday, December 19, 2023 - The Angel Gabriel
Wednesday, December 20, 2023 - Zachariah and the Tablet
Thursday, December 21, 2023 - Elizabeth with Child
Friday, December 22, 2023 - John the Baptist and Shell
Saturday, December 23, 2023 - Joseph and the White Lily
Sunday, December 24, 2023 - Mary and Immaculate Conception

FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT
Monday , December 25, 2023 - Jesus and the Manger