The Communities of St. Theresa Parish and St. Mary Parish of Hennicker and Hillsbourough, N.H., are encouraging deeper understanding of the Gospel by focusing on Scripture.

"Concentration and focus are ... key to developing a healthy, vibrant spiritual life," the churches' Nov. 29 joint bulletin said. "If we do no bring our full consciousness to the task, concentrate with all our might, be watchful and vigilant, we are not going to see God's loving presence flashing before our eyes. That's why we need Advent."

Advent helps us regain our connection with God and what really matters, because we can often get distracted.

"All of the stresses and demands of life consumer us and we find ourselves constantly trying to play catch up rather than relishing the moment of now," the bulletin said. "Present moments go as quickly as they come, but it is important to discover them and rest in them as often as we can. Though gone in a flash, these 'now' moments of encounter with God teach powerful lessons and offer a grounding in truth that can be found nowhere else."