As the season of Advent approaches, parishes throughout the Diocese of Trenton have planned activities to bring their communities together spiritually and socially. The following events have been announced:

-- St. Leo the Great Parish, Lincroft, will hold a family Advent wreath making gathering from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Nov. 26 in the school café at 50 Hurley’s Lane. The gathering will include singing Christmas carols, snacks and desserts. Items to bring include: desserts and snacks to share, gloves and small pruners. The cost is $5 for the wire frame, greens and candles. Coffee, tea, hot chocolate/marshmallows, juices, live music, coloring books and crayons for children will be provided. To sign-up, visit www.stleothegreat.com/evangelization-1. Payments can be made at the door.

-- St. Barnabas, Bayville, will hold a family Advent wreath making session Nov. 26 at 2 p.m. in the Father Brennan Hall at 33 Woodland Road. There is no cost. Call Terry at 732-269-2208, ext. 120, by Nov. 17 to ensure there are enough supplies for everyone.

-- St. Charles Borromeo Parish, Cinnaminson, will present “Journey to Bethlehem,” an Advent evening of Scripture, song, sermon and silence Nov. 28 at 7 p.m. in the church at 2500 Branch Pike. Presenter is Tony Bucci.

-- Francis House of Prayer, Rancocas, will host an Advent Retreat Day: Nov. 28 from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Advent is such a special season of grace, often lost in the shuffle of the Christmas rush. We will travel with the book “Abandonment to Divine Providence” by Jean Pierre de Caussaude with a commentary by Dennis Billy. This classic on trust in God’s goodness and providence is a perfect fit for the anxiety of our times. Donation is $35, includes book and lunch. The Francis House of Prayer is located at 30 Springside Road. Call 609-877-0509 or email [email protected]  to register; leave your name, phone number and program you wish to attend. See FHOP.org for more information.

-- St. Joseph By the Sea, Mantoloking, will hold an Advent Silent Weekend Dec. 1-3. Arrival is 6:30 to 7 p.m., and departure is at 1 p.m. This weekend provides time away from our daily cares to listen to Isaiah’s dream, awaiting the birth of God’s Anointed One. This retreat offers time for reflection, Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Mass. Cost is $215. To register, call 732-892-8494 or visit www.sjbsea.org. St. Joseph By the Sea retreat house is located at 400 Highway 35 N.

-- St. Dominic Parish, Brick, will hold its annual Advent wreath gathering from 1 to 3 p.m. Dec. 3 in the parish center at 250 Old Squan Road. The event will include refreshments, music and community. The cost of a complete kit is $15 each and includes wreath, greens, and candles; half a kit is $10 each and includes greens and candles. Bring your own wire and wire cutters, all additional materials will be supplied. Checks can be made out to St. Dominic’s PTA. To register, call Jen Vella at 383-333-9858.

-- Sacred Heart Parish, Riverton, will host an Advent Family Retreat Dec. 3 from 3 to 5 p.m. in the Lower Church at 103 Fourth Street. Families will be able to make their own Advent wreaths. Please RSVP to [email protected] or 856-829-1836 to reserve a spot and supplies.