The archbishop of an archdiocese that serves nearly 600,000 Catholics encourages attendance at Mass during the Advent season even as he promotes love for one another.

The Most Rev. Jerome Listecki, archbishop of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, said in a post on the archdiocese's website that Advent challenges parishioners to elevate their practice of the faith. Advent, which is marked on the four Sundays before Dec. 25, is a preparation for Christmas.

“During Advent, do we envision ourselves as saints? This is not ‘egotistical;’ it’s a vocation that we are all called to embrace. It is a life of holiness,” Listecki said in the post. “Am I prepared to assume my citizenship in the Kingdom of Heaven? What identification will I be able to use to demonstrate that I belong to God?”

Advent commemorates the birth of Jesus and makes preparation for the return of Jesus Christ.

“He will come for us at the time when we least expect it. In a blink of an eye, we will be standing before the Lord Jesus. … This judgment will demand from each of us an individual accounting of our actions in this world,” Listecki said. “There will also be a second coming of Jesus. This is the final judgment of the world. … Until then, we must prepare ourselves by leading lives worthy of our baptismal commitment and LOVE ONE ANOTHER.”

The Archdiocese of Milwaukee invited Catholics to Mass to celebrate Advent as it promoted the lighting of the second of four candles in the Advent wreath – the Candle of Peace on Dec. 5. Advent may be celebrated by putting up an Advent wreath and lighting candles each week.

“Come to Mass and experience peace,” the archdiocese said on Facebook.