In the Catholic Church, Advent is a period of preparation, extending over four Sundays, before Christmas. The word advent comes from the Latin advenio, "to come to," and refers to the coming of Christ. This refers, first of all, to our celebration of Christ's birth at Christmas; but second, to the coming of Christ in our lives through grace and the sacrament of Holy Communion; and finally, to His Second Coming at the end of time. In preparation for the Advent Season, the Chaldean Americans Ladies of Charity hosts an Advent by Candlelight event each year. Each table is hosted by a different woman who decorates her table in Christmas decor. This year the celebration was held on December 8 at Shenandoah Country Club. Cherie Najor was the keynote speaker and CALC Executive Director Jane Shallal focused on the hundreds of families CALC helped in 2011.