An Advent Quiz for Catholics

The word Advent means:

• Spend lots of money on Christmas gifts

• Arrival/Coming

• Birth of Notable King

• Prepare/Make the Way

Answer explanation

The word 'Advent' comes from the Latin 'adventus', meaning 'arrival' or 'coming'. It signifies the period leading up to Christmas, focusing on the anticipation of Christ's birth.

The official liturgical color for most of the season of Advent is:

• Red

• White

• Purple

• Pink

Answer explanation

The official liturgical color for most of Advent is purple, symbolizing penance and preparation for the coming of Christ. Pink is used on the third Sunday, known as Gaudete Sunday, to signify joy.

Which of these is not a meaning of one of the four candles on an Advent Wreath?

• Peace

• Hope

• Patience

• Joy

Answer explanation

The four candles on an Advent Wreath symbolize Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. 'Patience' is not one of the meanings associated with the candles.

On the third Sunday of Advent, Gaudete Sunday, it is a tradition for the Pope to...

• Sing Silent Night in several languages

• Order coffee and donuts for all those who attend Mass

• Bless the baby Jesus that children bring to him from their nativity

• Bless the Christmas candle and other candles that will be used throughout the liturgical year

Answer explanation

On Gaudete Sunday, it is a tradition for the Pope to bless the baby Jesus figures that children bring from their nativity scenes, symbolizing joy and anticipation for the Christmas celebration.

Traditionally, on an Advent wreath with four candles, each candle represents:

• Jesus' Birthday Cake

• 40 years

• 1,000 years

• 40 days

Answer explanation

On an Advent wreath, each of the four candles symbolizes a thousand years of waiting for Jesus' birth, making '1,000 years' the correct answer.

Catholics should fast during Advent.

• True

• False

• Only from Christmas cookies

Answer explanation

True. Catholics are encouraged to fast during Advent as a form of penance and preparation for the celebration of Christmas, reflecting on spiritual growth and self-discipline.

According to the Church, every Catholic is required to go to Confession during the season of Advent.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

The Church does not require every Catholic to go to Confession during Advent. While it encourages the sacrament, it is not mandatory for all Catholics during this season, making the statement false.

During Advent, in addition to the Solemnities of Christmas, we also prepare for:

• Christ's Second Coming

• living our faith in the New Year

• a Christmas brunch that will get a lot of likes on social media

• our own death

Answer explanation

During Advent, we prepare for Christ's Second Coming, reflecting on His promise to return. This season emphasizes both His birth and the anticipation of His future arrival, making it a time of spiritual readiness.

When are the O'Antiphons sung during Advent?

• Every Monday and Friday

• December 23-27

• Beginning on November 30

• December 17-23

Answer explanation

The O'Antiphons are sung from December 17-23, leading up to Christmas. Each antiphon highlights a different title of Christ, making this period significant in the Advent season.

Which of the Names of Jesus is not found on the Jesse Tree?

• Key of David

• King of Kings

• Light of the World

• Radiant Dawn

Answer explanation

The name 'King of Kings' is not traditionally associated with the Jesse Tree, which focuses on names like 'Key of David', 'Light of the World', and 'Radiant Dawn'.