SACRED SEASON — Students from the Franciscan University of Steubenville perform in St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church in Weirton during a recording session for the series. -- Contributed

STEUBENVILLE — As the Catholic Church enters the sacred season of Advent, the Franciscan University of Steubenville has created a new way for the faithful to prepare their hearts. The “Advent Lessons and Carols” video series is now available free to the public on Franciscan University’s newly expanded digital platform, FaithandReason.com.

The series presents an immersive and prayerful journey through salvation history, featuring Scripture, choral music and meditations performed by Franciscan University student ensembles under the direction of Vincent E. Rone, associate professor of fine arts and director of sacred music at the university. Each segment walks viewers from the fall of Adam to the Incarnation.

“The church gives us the season of Advent as a time to prepare for the second coming of Christ and to celebrate the mystery of his birth. Our ‘Advent Lessons and Carols’ invites the faithful into that preparation with Scripture, prayer and sacred music that lifts the heart to God,” Rone said. “We hope it inspires all who watch to enter Christmas with renewed joy and gratitude.”

“Advent Lessons and Carols” traces its origins to 19th-century England and has become an enduring expression of Christian hope and preparation. Franciscan University has embraced and continued this tradition to draw the community into deeper reflection.

From the ancient hymn “Ave Maris Stella” to cherished carols such as “Silent Night,” “We Three Kings” and “Hark! the Herald Angels Sing,” the series offers music that captures the quiet hope and joy of the Advent and Christmas seasons, university officials said.

The video series was professionally recorded and taped at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church in Weirton.

“Advent is a sacred invitation to slow down, listen and let our hearts be renewed in the hope of Jesus Christ. At Franciscan University, our mission is to help people encounter that hope in a real and personal way,” said the Rev. Dave Pivonka, TOR, the university president. “Through this series, we offer a moment of peace and beauty to anyone longing for the Lord. I pray these Scripture readings and sacred songs draw people everywhere into a deeper awareness of God’s mercy and the incredible love made flesh for us in Jesus Christ.”

In addition to the digital series, the university will host its annual live Advent Lessons and Carols service at 7 p.m. Dec. 5 in Christ the King Chapel. The concert is free and open to the public.

The release of Advent Lessons and Carols marks another milestone for FaithandReason.com, Franciscan University’s dynamic online hub for Catholic formation, evangelization and culture. The platform now offers:

• Original video series on Scripture, theology, liturgy and Catholic culture;

• Conversations and interviews with leading Catholic thinkers;

• Spiritual reflections to support personal prayer and growth; and

• Podcasts and opportunities for pilgrimages to holy sites around the globe.