Webster Advent wreath on East Main Street

 By Tanya Connor | The Catholic Free Press

WEBSTER – People from All Saints Academy are aiming to evangelize with an outdoor Advent wreath.
For the second consecutive year, a wreath the size of a large tire is displayed on the lawn of the Emmaus Center, across from Sacred Heart of Jesus Church. The center, at 17 East Main St., is used for the parish’s activities and houses a perpetual adoration chapel.
A sign invites everyone to the wreath-lighting at 5:15 p.m. each Saturday of Advent. Afterwards, they can reflect on the experience and socialize over refreshments at the Emmaus Center, said Madeline Colón-Usowicz, whose daughters attend All Saints Academy. Sacred Heart is one of the parish sponsors of the school.
Mrs. Colón-Usowicz said she wanted a school tree lighting last year, but it was suggested that Christmas not be rushed during the Advent season.
So she came up with the idea of bringing school and community members together for a prayer service and lighting of an outdoor Advent wreath, bringing to light “the special message of preparation for Jesus’ birth.”
During Advent, beginning four Sundays before Christmas, Catholics and some other Christians anticipate Christ’s coming by lighting candles on a wreath, one candle the first week, two the second week, etc.
Mrs. Colón-Usowicz figured that doing this as “outdoor evangelization” would provide an example and tradition for children, to help them hold on to their faith in adulthood, and help people not familiar with Advent wreaths to learn about the tradition.    
“That solidarity and community is so important, especially in New England, where it’s cold and hard to get out during the winter,” she said.
Sacred Heart’s pastor, Father Adam Reid, supported the idea, Mrs. Colón-Usowicz said.
“The location was perfect – right on the main street,” she said.    
Gathering together in this way helps us not overlook Advent, Father Reid told the adults and children who braved the snow for last Saturday’s lighting of the second candle, “The Candle of Peace.” It was lit during a brief prayer service focused on the prophets.
“Dear Jesus, you entered our world on Christmas as the Prince of Peace,” said the opening prayer. “This Advent, as we strive to become the best version of ourselves, fill us with a deep and abiding peace. Help us share that peace with everyone we encounter, especially those who need it most.”
The first week of Advent the wreath was blessed and the “The Candle of Hope” lit, with a focus on the patriarchs, Mrs. Colón-Usowicz said.
Upcoming themes are joy, featuring John the Baptist; love, featuring Mary, and, for Christmas, faith, featuring Jesus’ birth.
Mrs. Colón-Usowicz said her husband, James Usowicz, made the easel that holds the wreath at a visible angle. He set up its LED spotlights for three purple candles, reminiscent of Lenten repentance and forgiveness, and one rose-colored one, signifying extra celebration. At 5:15 p.m. on Christmas Eve a white star is to be added and lit. The star and candles will remain lit for the Christmas season, through Epiphany.