CPMC 2023 Advent Reflections
We invite you to join CPMC as we reflect and pray during this Advent season of hopeful anticipation of Jesus’ birth. To lead us, we requested the insights and perspectives of four individuals in the form of Advent reflection essays. We hope these reflections encourage you and invite you into a deeper relationship with Christ through your ministry.
First Week of Advent:
“Prepare” by Brittany Holberg
Brittany Holberg is an Oblate of the Sisters of the Morning Star. She is housed on Texas Women’s Death Row.
Second Week of Advent:
“God, the Center of Existence” by Jake Theriot
Jake Theriot is from New Orleans, Louisiana. He graduated from the University of Notre Dame in May 2022 with his bachelor’s degree in English and theology. From August 2022 to July 2023, he served as the Assistant Catholic Chaplain at California State Prison-Sacramento through the Jesuit Volunteer Corps. He is currently working towards his Master of Social Work at Loyola University Chicago, and he hopes to continue working with individuals affected by incarceration.
Third Week of Advent:
”The Difference Between Waiting and Awaiting ” by Joshua Stancil
After completing an 18-year prison sentence in North Carolina, Joshua earned a BA in English from Arizona State University; launched a marketing and publishing company, Deep River Media; and just last year founded Living With Convictions, a 501c3 nonprofit that provides transitional housing to men and women starting over after prison. His writings have appeared in numerous Catholic publications, including Magnificat and Convivium. He is the author of the forthcoming book, Shakedowns, Shanks, and Shackles: A Writer’s Guide to Prison Life.
Fourth Week of Advent:
“The Lord Is with You” by Bishop Mark Rivituso
Bishop Rivituso is the Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of St. Louis. Originally from St. Louis, Bishop Rivituso was ordained in 1988 and has previously served as a pastor at several parishes and as Vicar General for the Archdiocese of St. Louis. CPMC appreciates his many years of pastoral care for people affected by incarceration.
