Way of the Star: A Guided Advent Journal for Prayer and Meditation

This Advent, pray like you've never prayed before!

Way of the Star: A Guided Advent Journal for Prayer and Meditation is a deeply immersive Catholic Advent devotional that teaches you how to pray with scripture, music, art, and imagination. Rooted in musica divina--prayer through sacred music--this one-of-a-kind Advent experience invites you into a richer, ever-deepening encounter with Christ from the first week of Advent through the octave of Christmas. Created by the Vigil Project, a collective of professional Catholic musicians dedicated to helping the Church encounter God through beauty, Way of the Star is more than a prayer journal. It is a scripture study, imaginative prayer guide, music album, and art experience woven into one cohesive Advent journey.

Organized around five central gospel stories from the life of the Holy Family, this guided Advent devotional leads readers week by week through

• scripture reflections grounded in the Advent and Christmas liturgies;
• original sacred music written and recorded specifically for this journey;
• stunning original artwork that invites contemplation; and
• companion videos seamlessly accessed through QR codes.

Together, the writing, music, and art help you imagine yourself within familiar Advent scenes:

• Sit with Mary in the quiet of her room after the angel Gabriel departs.
• Lean in to hear her conversations with Joseph.
• Hear the gravel crunch beneath their feet on the road to Bethlehem.
• Smell the stable as they settle into their makeshift shelter.
• Behold the shining faces of the shepherds and Magi as they approach the infant.

Known for their excellence in creating devotional Catholic music that aids listeners in deep and personal prayer, the Vigil Project keeps a regular touring schedule that has brought them to hundreds of parishes and major events throughout the US and Europe.

This Advent, the Vigil Project invites you into a deeper encounter with the mystery of our Savior's coming--not only in the manger at Christmas but also in his transforming presence in everyday life. Perfect for personal prayer, small groups, parish study, and Advent retreats, Way of the Star includes free companion videos and original music from the Vigil Project, available at avemariapress.com > pages > way-of-the-star-resources.

Let the Vigil Project guide you through an imaginative and memorable encounter with Emmanuel--God with us--as you meet him anew in prayer during this season. This Advent, don't just prepare for Christmas--enter into it.

The Vigil Project is a nonprofit apostolate founded in 2016 by a community of music artists united in a vision to restore excellence in Catholic music and invite Catholics into deeper encounter with God. Focused on music for devotional prayer and parish ministry, the Vigil Project has released ten studio albums, has toured hundreds of parishes across the US and Europe, and will soon release a first-of-its-kind documentary film series, Meaning of Music.

Recently, the Vigil Project led the International Summit for Catholic Musicians in Italy, bringing together musicians from a dozen countries for prayer and formation. Through its music, events, and resources, the apostolate remains dedicated to excellence, innovation, and creativity in service of the Gospel.

The Vigil Project team is based in New Orleans, Louisiana; South Bend, Indiana; and Cincinnati, Ohio.

Greg Boudreau is cofounder of the Vigil Project. His love for sacred music began in childhood, watching his mother lead music at Mass.

After graduating from Auburn University with a bachelor's degree in business management, he discerned a call to full-time music ministry and worked with numerous apostolates, providing music for events centered on Eucharistic encounters. After marrying his wife, Lizzy, the couple formed a musical duo, released two albums, and toured nationally, sharing the Theology of the Body through song and personal testimony.

In 2016, weary from the road, they collaborated with friends on a collection of songs for Lent and Easter that later became the foundation of the Vigil Project.

Boudreau resides in Covington, Louisiana, with Lizzy and their children.

Andrea Thomas is cofounder of the Vigil Project. She studied vocal performance at Belmont University and, during her freshman year, auditioned for the VeggieTales Live! stage production, earning a lead role that took her on a one-hundred-show tour.

She later transferred to Franciscan University of Steubenville, where she earned a bachelor's degree in theology with minors in marketing and finance. After graduation, she held university positions in development and conference planning. Desiring a greater sense of community as well as music for her own life of devotion, she collaborated with other musicians on a project for Lent and Easter that later became the foundation of the Vigil Project.

Thomas has recorded more than a dozen studio albums and toured throughout the United States and Europe, passionate about helping people encounter God through the beauty of music.

She resides in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Natalie Haydel Barker is the artist for Way of the Star by the Vigil Project. She is the founder of Colors by Natalie, a creative brand known for its vibrant abstract artwork and custom commissions.