Photo by Johnathon Kelso 

ATLANTA—Advent begins Sunday, Dec. 3 and is the start of a new liturgical year. Symbolized by the color purple, the season of Advent includes the four Sundays and weekdays leading up to Christmas.  

Please share your parish’s penance services and events to be published in the Dec. 14 print edition by emailing to editor@georgiabulletin.org with “Advent Event” in the subject line. 

From penance services to programs of lessons and carols, here’s a sampling of upcoming events marking this season of reflection: 

TAIZE ADVENT SERVICE: Thu, Dec. 14, 7:30 p.m.; St. Thomas More Church, 636 W. Ponce de Leon Ave., Decatur. Prayerfully celebrate the season with Scripture, song and silence in the Taizé tradition. Contact: Andy Otto for details at aotto@stmga.org.

ARCHDIOCESAN CHOIR ADVENT PROGRAM: Fri, Dec. 15; 7:30 p.m.; St. Andrew Church, 635 Riverside Dr., Roswell. This program of lessons and carols will be presented by the Archdiocesan Choir, whose members represent many parishes. The choir is led by conductor Donal Noonan of the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. The program theme is “Be still, the child is near.” Archbishop Gregory J. Hartmayer, OFM Conv., will preside. Contact: archchoir@archatl.com for more information. 

MARY OUR QUEEN LESSONS AND CAROLS: Fri, Dec. 15, 7 p.m.; Mary Our Queen Church, 6260 The Corners Parkway, Peachtree Corners. Scripture passages recount the fall of mankind, the promise of the Messiah and the anticipation of the Nativity of Christ. Each lesson is followed by a choral piece, soloist, or congregational carol that helps all reflect on the Scripture message. The service will feature MOQ’s Adult Choir, Schola Choir and Youth Choir accompanied by the organist and the MOQ instrument ensemble. Free and open to all. Contact: 770-416-0002 or visit www.maryourqueen.com for details. 

LESSONS AND CAROLS: Sun, Dec. 17, 7 p.m. Cathedral of Christ the King, 2699 Peachtree Road, NE, 2699 Peachtree Rd, NE, Atlanta. The Cathedral Choir will sings songs of the season while lectors read the story of salvation threaded through the Scriptures. 

ADVENT PENANCE EVENING: Mon, Dec. 18; 6-7:30 p.m.; Cathedral of Christ the King, 2699 Peachtree Road, NE, 2699 Peachtree Rd, NE, Atlanta, in the Hyland Center. Enter the holiday season with freedom. Priests from across the archdiocese will be available for the sacrament of reconciliation. For additional information, contact Bernadette Flowers at bflowers@ctking.com.  

ST. THERESA PENANCE SERVICE: Mon, Dec. 18, 7 p.m. St. Theresa Church, 4401 Prestly Mill Rd, Douglasville.

PENANCE SERVICE: Tue, Dec. 19; 7 p.m. St. Thomas the Aquinas Church, 535 Rucker Rd, Alpharetta. The sacrament of reconciliation will be offered in English and Spanish

ST. THOMAS THE APOSTLE RECONCILIATION SERVICE: Tue., Dec. 19; 7-10 p.m.; St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 430 King Springs Rd SE, Smyrna.

OLPH PENANCE SERVICE: Tue, Dec. 19; 7 p.m. Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 210 Old Center Point Rd, Carrollton.  

ADVENT PENANCE SERVICE: Wed., Dec. 20, 7-9 p.m.; in the sanctuary of St. John Vianney Church, 1920 Skyview Dr, Lithia Springs.