Annual Bless the Baby Jesus Advent Prayer Service

The annual Bless the Baby Jesus Advent Prayer Service will be held with Cardinal Rigali on Sunday, December 7, 2008, at 2:00 p.m. at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul (18th Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia). It is an excellent opportunity for families to grow in faith as the "domestic church." The Second Vatican Council spoke of the family as the "domestic Church," in which the Christian faith is lived and passed on to the young, and where all pray together. The Family Life Office and Catholic Social Services plan this event to provide an afternoon of joyful prayer in the spirit of the Advent season, complete with beautiful pre-Christmas music. Everyone is encouraged to bring an image or figurine of the Baby Jesus, perhaps from their family Nativity Crèche, to be blessed by Cardinal Rigali during the service. This is also an opportunity for people to assist the less fortunate. Baskets will be available to collect new infant clothing, infant formula, and monetary donations for the poor. Please come and enjoy this prayerful Advent celebration.