Although the season of Advent should always be "meaningful," it may be even more so this year given the pandemic, presidential election, and everything in between, the pastor at St. Joseph's Catholic Community of Grand Rapids said.

The Rev. Blake Rozier said he plans to help his congregation better understand Jesus' gift of himself in the Eucharist. 

"This Advent I hope for our parish community to grow in knowledge of our Lord present in this Sacramental way, and in growing in our knowledge, to desire all the more to be receptive to Him in the Blessed Sacrament," Rozier said in the parish bulletin.

His plan is to encourage parishioners to watch a program called Presence and participate in a community holy hour. Presence can be viewed either at St. Joseph's Church at 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 10 and 17 or by signing up for a free membership as a parishioner on formed.org. One episode will be watched each week. The in-person showings at the church will be followed by the holy hour. Rozier said holy hours offered in the fall were well received. He believes it will be a change for the community to come together and pray. 

Those who still aren't comfortable attending the program or aren't able to make it can watch the episodes through formed.org. Just search "Presence: The Mystery of the Eucharist." 

Rozier announced as of January Eucharistic Adoration will be offered on the first and third Thursday of the month at St. Augustine's Catholic Church, in addition to the chapel at St. Joseph's. The church will also be open for a holy hour starting at 6:30 p.m.

"You are welcome to stop by our churches to pray," Rozier said in the bulletin.