As a unique Advent prayerful resource, the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference has provided its online Advent 2017 Calendar which can be enjoyed by people of all ages.  The calendar is available online, and on your smartphone, on catholicbishops.ie.  This year’s Advent Calendar focuses on the theme of family as we prepare together for next year’s World Meeting of Families in Dublin from 21 – 26 August.  Each day during Advent you are invited to click open a virtual door where you will find faith content for family, school and parish.  During Advent, families are invited to take special time together to pray, to talk, and to be together.  Family members are encouraged to undertake a daily act of kindness or charity – as suggested by the calendar – and by so doing reaching out to help those around us.  By using the online calendar, we hope that you will be part of our journey through Advent this year – http://www.catholicbishops.ie/advent-calendar/.