Advent calls Catholics to renew their faith and prepare for building on Jubilee year of Hope

During the season of Advent, Christians focus on prayer and the sacraments to prepare their hearts to receive Jesus at Christmas. This Advent season leads up to the end of Jubilee 2025, a special year of grace called for by Pope Francis as a time to be renewed in hope.

The Diocese of Pittsburgh will mark the end of the jubilee year on Sunday, December 28, 2025, with a closing Mass at noon at St. Paul Cathedral.
 
“This Advent season is a time to reflect on the love of Christ we share, to prepare for Christmas and look forward to finding new ways to build on hope with renewed zeal for acts of faith and charity in the coming year,” said Bishop Mark Eckman.
 
On Wednesday, December 17, 2025, parishes in the diocese will offer “The Light is On for You“ for the sacrament of confession, so that everyone can easily find a location that’s convenient, even if it’s not their home parish. “Our love for God and others comes after we realize how much we have been forgiven, and how much God has rejoiced over us. But the opposite is also clear: if we do not think we have any sins to be forgiven, we cannot love. When we face the facts of our sin and turn to the Lord, our God runs to meet us with arms outstretched,” Bishop Eckman said. 
 
Parishes have activities to help people grow in faith during Advent. This Jubilee Year of Hope continues as the Diocese of Pittsburgh is offering a text-to-join Advent devotional focus. Text 2025 ADVENT to 84576 to receive daily text messages, helping you to prepare your heart for Jesus’ coming.
 
For more information about Advent, and for the schedule for Christmas Masses in the Diocese of Pittsburgh, visit: https://diopitt.org/advent.