THE Catholic Church is again hosting a digital Advent calendar on the bishops' website, writes William Scholes.
It goes live on www.catholicbishops.ie on Sunday November 29 and clicking on each day's virtual door will present a series of Advent information and resources.
Archbishop of Armagh Eamon Martin explained that Advent was a special time of spiritual preparation ahead of the remembrance of Jesus' birth.
"Advent also prepares us for the second coming of Christ at the end of time," he said.
"As Christians, we must always be prepared for the coming of the Lord - "You must stand ready because the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do no not expect" (Matthew 24:37-44).
"Preparation does not happen at once but over time and so each day of Advent amounts to a period of time which allows us to journey and reflect on the joy of the Gospel."
The start of Advent marks the beginning of the Church's year and Archbishop Martin said that this year, it also coincided with preparations for a Jubilee Year of Mercy which Pope Francis has called from December 8 2015 to November 20 2016.
"As Pope Francis said during his presentation of the Year of Mercy, 'God forgives all, and God forgives always. Let us never tire of asking forgiveness'," he said.
"I welcome the inclusion of materials for the Year of Mercy in this year's Advent calendar and I invite everyone during the Advent season to visit and to reflect on the information provided on our online calendar, especially the themes of mercy and peace."
The calendar features an audio thought for the day reflecting on different themes of the Advent season, including contributions from students at Catholic primary and secondary schools.
"As Advent is the season of preparation for the coming of our Lord, I encourage the faithful, notwithstanding our hectic schedule over the coming weeks, to make time to pray - alone and with loved ones - and by so doing to draw nearer to Christ," said Archbishop Martin.
