Parishes throughout the Diocese of Springfield marked the season of Advent with special liturgies, Angel Tree donation programs, and visits from Santa.

A parishioner of St. Michael's Cathedral Parish in Springfield poses with a poster marking the Dec. 12 celebration of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

The Latino community at St. Michael's Cathedral Parish celebrates the feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

A painting of Our Lady of Guadalupe is displayed at the Bishop Marshall Center adjacent to St. Michael's Cathedral during a celebration of the Dec. 12 feast day.

According to Sister of St. Joseph Betty Matuszek, pastoral assistant at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish in Springfield, "Angels at Mt. Carmel's Christmas Carol Festival turned in their wings with some sadness, but the cookies in the parish center eased their regret."

Infant Jesus figures from parishioners' homes are blessed by Stigmatine Father Paolo Bagattini on Gaudete Sunday at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish in Springfield. The children of the parish also received a gift, a Nativity puzzle brought from Rome by Father White.

Parishioners of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish in Springfield attend the recent Santa Breakfast in the parish center.