On Sunday, March 30, the church celebrates Laetare Sunday, also known as Rose Sunday. It is a day of rejoicing. The name Laetare Sunday, the fourth, or middle, Sunday of Lent, comes from the first words of the Introit at Mass, “Laetare Jerusalem.” 

“Rejoice, O Jerusalem”. Rejoice, Jerusalem, and all who love her. Be joyful, all who were in mourning; exult and be satisfied at her consoling breast.”

The verse comes from the 66th chapter of Isaiah, and in Latin, the imperative verb “rejoice” is rendered “laetare” — hence the name.

During the first six or seven centuries, the season of Lent comprised only thirty-six fasting days. The four days preceding the first Sunday (starting on Ash Wednesday) were afterward added, to make up forty days’ fast.

In a strict sense, the Thursday immediately preceding Laetare Sunday is the midpoint of Lent, and it was at one time observed as such. Today, the special signs of joy that were once permitted on this day, which were intended to encourage the faithful in their course through the season of Lenten penance, are transferred to the following Sunday. 

Similarly to Gaudete Sunday in Advent, the use of flowers on the altar and of the organ at Mass beyond supporting the singing of the choir and congregation are allowed. Rose-colored vestments are used instead of the traditional violet throughout Lent. The Church rejoices that the promise of Christ’s resurrection is drawing near, and will be celebrated in full on Easter, which Catholics anticipate as Lent continues.

It is customary for the Blessing of Expected Mothers on Laetare Sunday. It draws upon the joy and rejoicing of John the Baptist’s leaping in the womb as is found in the Gospel account of Luke: “When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, ‘Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.’”

The contrast between Laetare and the other Sundays is emphasized and is emblematical of the joys of this earthly life, restrained rejoicing mingled with a certain amount of sadness.

At the Downtown Kenosha Catholic parishes of St. James and St. Elizabeth, we celebrate Laetare Sunday in the following ways:

1. The clergy wear rose-colored vestments
2. Pink roses will adorn the altar
3. Blessing of Expectant Mothers after all weekend Masses
   Anyone woman wishing to receive this blessing should proceed to the communion rail in front of the Blessed Mother’s side altar
4. The use of instrumental organ music during prelude, recession/postlude, and interludes during Mass
5. The singing of an entrance hymn beyond the strict use of the Introit antiphon
6. Accompanied Eucharistic Acclamations, scored for strings and winds: A German Mass by Franz Schubert
7. Orchestral music at the 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Masses (Cantor & Organ at 4:00 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 7:30 a.m., and 1:00 p.m.)

Prelude: Pavane, Op. 50 (Gabriel Fauré, 1845-1924)
Composed in 1887, Pavane is a brief, elegant orchestral work in F-sharp minor, evoking the slow, stately Renaissance dance of its name with a modern, Romantic twist. It was dedicated to Countess Élisabeth Greffulhe and premiered in 1888 in Paris. Known for its haunting flute melody, subtle harmonies, and melancholic yet refined mood, the piece reflects Fauré’s lyrical style—eschewing overt drama for quiet sophistication.

Postlude: Symphony No. 25 in G minor, K. 183/173dB , I. Allegro con brio (Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, 1756-1791)
Composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in October 1773 at age 17, Symphony No. 25 is a four-movement work (Allegro con brio, Andante, Menuetto, and Allegro) written in the dramatic “Sturm und Drang” style—a pre-Romantic musical style from the 18th century that uses dramatic contrasts, minor keys, and intense rhythms to convey deep, turbulent emotions. It showcases an early maturity in his symphonic writing after a trip to Vienna. Scored for two oboes, two bassoons, four horns, and strings, this “Little G minor Symphony” stands out for its emotional intensity and gained modern recognition as the opening music in the 1984 film “Amadeus”.

Rejoice next Sunday and be joyful! Easter, and the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, will soon be here.