This Advent, St. Monica Church in Santa Monica is selling “Waiting in Joyful Hope: Daily Reflections for Advent & Christmas” by Genevieve Glen and Jerome Kodell in their gift shop, Holy Grounds, to spiritually prepare readers for the arrival of Christ at Christmas.

The parish has chosen “Be the Face of God’s Mercy” as the theme for this Advent in recognition of the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy, which begins Dec. 8. On the parish website St. Monica reminds parishioners of Pope Francis’ prayer for the Jubilee of Mercy: “Lord Jesus, you are the visible face of the invisible Father, of the God who manifests his power above all by forgiveness and mercy: let the Church be your visible face in the world, its Lord risen and glorified.”

The St. Monica parish gift shop is located at 725 California Avenue, Santa Monica. For additional information, please visit stmonica.net.