The Archdiocese of Milwaukee invites the faithful to a prayer service Dec. 1 at 18 parishes in southeastern Wisconsin to celebrate its "Gift of Sunday" Advent Mission, part of the Advent season observances.

“Join us for a beautiful prayer service and presentation that encourages everyone to come to Mass and rediscover Jesus’ presence in the Eucharist – this Advent Season and beyond!” the archdiocese posted on its Facebook page Nov. 15, adding there will be several services in Spanish and one in American Sign Language. "The Gift of Sunday" prayer service and presentation is at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 1, the archdiocese announced.

This mission is based on "The Gift of Sunday," a theological reflection on celebrating Sundays issued by Archbishop Jerome Listecki, according to the archdiocese.

Advent begins on Advent Sunday, the fourth Sunday before Christmas Day, and is a time of reflection and anticipation before the birth of Jesus and also the second coming of Christ, according to Crosswalk. It is also the start of the new liturgical year. Advent 2021 is Nov. 28-Dec. 24. 

“Advent is a reminder of how the Jewish people waited for the Messiah and how Christians wait for the second coming of Christ, today,” Crosswalk states on its website.

The Archdiocese of Milwaukee lists the locations of the parishes presenting "The Gift of Sunday" Advent Missions in English on its website, archmil.org. 

Advent Missions in American Sign Language will be held at St. Roman Parish in Milwaukee.

Advent Missions in Spanish will take place at St. Mark Parish, Kenosha; Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, Milwaukee; and St. Dominic Parish, Sheboygan.