Catholic Advent Recollection Emcee Script Theme: Embracing the True Gifts of the Messiah Emcee: Good afternoon everyone! Welcome to our Advent Recollection titled "Embracing the True Gifts of the Messiah." Opening Prayer: (2:00 PM) Let us begin our recollection by invoking the Holy Spirit and aligning our hearts with the spirit of this season. Let us rise for the opening prayer. (Music fades in) Emcee: (2:05 PM) We are all excited to be here as we prepare for the joyous celebration of Christmas. As we enter this season of anticipation and reflection, may we open ourselves to the blessings and true gifts that the Messiah offers. Animation: (2:05 PM) To kickstart our recollection, let us enjoy a short animation that will set the mood and remind us of the true meaning of Christmas. (Animation plays) Emcee: (2:15 PM) Thank you for the beautiful animation. We are now honored to have Rev. Fr. Augusto C. Pulido deliver a welcome message. Welcome Address: (2:15 PM) Rev. Fr. Augusto C. Pulido Emcee: (2:20 PM) Thank you, Father Pulido, for your warm welcome and words of inspiration. Now, let me introduce our speaker for today's recollection, Rev. Fr. Christian Emmanuel Gabinete. Introduction of the Speaker: (2:20 PM) (Image of Rev. Fr. Christian Emmanuel Gabinete appears on screen) Emcee: (2:25 PM) Fr. Gabinete is a well-known speaker and spiritual guide who has dedicated his life to spreading the message of love and hope. He is passionate about helping others deepen their faith and embrace God's grace. Please join me in giving him a warm welcome. Talk: (2:25 PM) Rev. Fr. Christian Emmanuel Gabinete Emcee: (3:20 PM) Thank you, Fr. Gabinete, for your insightful and inspiring talk. We are all deeply touched by your words and challenged to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. Group Sharing: (3:20 PM) To further internalize the message of today's recollection, we will now have a time for group sharing. This is an opportunity to share your thoughts and reflections with your fellow participants and deepen your understanding of the gifts of the Messiah. (Facilitates group sharing) Emcee: (4:00 PM) As we come to the end of our group sharing, let us prepare our hearts and minds for the Holy Mass. This is the culmination of our recollection, where we can offer our prayers and thanksgiving to God for the gifts of love, hope, and salvation. Holy Mass: (4:00 PM) Emcee: (5:00 PM) As we conclude our Advent Recollection, may we carry the spirit of this season with us throughout the rest of the year. May we remember the true gifts of the Messiah – love, hope, and peace – and share them with others. (Closing music plays) Emcee: Thank you for joining us today. We pray that this recollection has been a time of spiritual enrichment and renewal. Please remember to pick up your materials on your way out. Home Sweet Home: (5:00 PM) We wish you a safe journey home and a blessed Advent season. Opening Prayer for Catholic Advent Recollection Theme: Embracing the True Gifts of the Messiah Leader: God of light and love, we gather before you on this day, enveloped in the anticipation of your coming. Open our hearts and minds to the true gifts of this holy season. Lead us, O Lord, like the star of Bethlehem, that we may journey with hope towards the light of your newborn Son. May we find comfort in the humble manger, where your divine presence dwells among the poorest and most vulnerable. Fill us with the love that radiates from the Holy Family, a love that transcends all divisions and brings peace to the world. Let the flame of faith burn brightly within us, guiding our steps towards a deeper understanding of your message. May we embrace the true gifts of Christmas – not the fleeting joys of the world, but the eternal gifts of your love, your hope, and your peace. Send your Holy Spirit upon us, O Lord, to transform our hearts and minds. May we become instruments of your love and share the Good News of your birth with all whom we encounter. Through your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.