This month NotreDameOnline is pausing to remember and rejoice in the goodness of God. Emmanuel – “God is with us!” “Peace be with you!” This past month witnessed some collaborative and exciting events with people making a difference today by preparing the way for God’s kingdom. In addition to our Advent-Christmas Season, we will also explore a few highlights and lowlights of COP30: Faith, Justice, and Care for Our Common Home gathering in Belém, Brasil and Pope Leo XIV trip to Turkey and Lebanon.
Advent-Christmas Season
A short, engaging introduction for teens.
https://youtu.be/eC0FGQLBp7w?si=Pltm7URta0xarOpm
website link: https://prayasyougo.org/about-us
Advent – App & Audio Reflections
https://www.catholicbishops.ie/
Advent Calendar
Today is the Second Sunday of Advent. Advent is the four-week season before Christmas during which we prepare for the coming of Christ. The word Advent comes from the Latin word adventus, which means “coming.” The season of Advent is a time of waiting, conversion and of hope, which has a twofold character as:
A time of preparation for the Solemnities of the Christmas season, in which the first coming of the Son of God to humanity is remembered; and, A time when – by remembrance of this – our minds and hearts look forward to the Second Coming of Christ at the end of time.
For these two reasons, Advent is a period of devout and expectant delight.
Our digital Advent calendar is a helpful resource for our ‘journey’ towards Christmas. Each day, by clicking on a virtual door, we are inviting you to take a few minutes to avail of our resources to discover the true meaning of Advent and Christmas. Source: [ https://www.catholicbishops.ie/adventcalendar/day-1-sunday-30-november-2025/ ]
COP30: Faith, Justice, and Care for Our Common Home
In November 2025, world leaders will gather in Belém, Brazil, for COP30, the United Nations climate conference focused on strengthening global commitments to address climate change. Taking place in the heart of the Amazon region, COP30 highlights the urgent connection between environmental protection, human dignity, and social justice.
Faith communities are playing an important role in this global conversation. Jesuit partners are offering reflections, analysis, and action-oriented resources to help people—especially young people—understand how climate justice connects with faith, ethics, and care for creation.
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) provides official information on COP30 goals, negotiations, and global climate commitments, offering students a real-world view of international cooperation.
Pope Leo XIV has repeatedly called for courageous global action rooted in solidarity, responsibility to future generations, and care for our common home—echoing the Gospel call to protect life in all its forms.
https://notredameonline.org/wp-content/uploads/COP30_Belem_Highs_Lows_and_Student_Assignments.pdf
Pope Leo XIV: A Pilgrim of Hope
Pope Leo XIV walks the world as a pilgrim of hope, reminding the Church and humanity that hope is not an idea, but a journey shared. His pilgrimages—whether to places marked by ancient faith, present suffering, or fragile dialogue—embody a Church that goes out, listens deeply, and trusts God’s quiet work in history.
Rooted in the Gospel and inspired by the promise of “life in abundance,” Pope Leo’s leadership emphasizes encounter: crossing borders of culture, tradition, and division with humility. He speaks hope not as optimism, but as courage—grounded in prayer, nourished by solidarity, and sustained by faith in God’s faithfulness.
