Gaudete Sunday is celebrated on the Third Sunday of Advent, which is Sunday, December 17 this year.

The day takes its common name from the Latin word ‘Gaudete’ (“Rejoice”), the first word of the introit of this day's Mass: Gaudete in Domino semper: iterum dico, gaudete. Modestia vestra nota sit omnibus hominibus: Dominus enim prope est. Nihil solliciti sitis: sed in omni oratione et obsecratione cum gratiarum actione petitiones vestræ innotescant apud Deum. Benedixisti Domine terram tuam: avertisti captivitatem Jacob.

This may be translated as: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice. Let your forbearance be known to all, for the Lord is near at hand; have no anxiety about anything, but in all things, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be known to God. Lord, you have blessed your land; you have turned away the captivity of Jacob.” Philippians 4:4–6; Psalm 85 (84):1

At the DTKC parishes next weekend, you will notice rose colored vestments and tabernacle veils, and pink roses adorning the altar. Additionally, a string quintet will complement the music ministry at both the 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Masses at St. James and St. Elizabeth, respectively.