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Our week begins with “Gaudete Sunday.” Gaudete means “rejoice” in Latin.  The spirit of joy that begins this week comes from the words of Paul, “The Lord is near.”  This joyful spirit is marked by the third candle of our Advent wreath, which is rose colored, and the rose-colored vestments often used at the Mass. Preparing our…

The month of December is traditionally dedicated to the Immaculate Conception. This belief of the Church was defined by Pope Pius IX in 1854 as an article of revealed truth.  Here’s how Blessed Pope Pius IX defined the doctrine in his proclamation of December 8, 1854: “The most Blessed Virgin Mary was, from the first…

What is Advent? Advent, which comes from the Latin word for "arrival" or "coming," is a period of preparation for the birth of our Lord. It is a time of joyous anticipation, but also of penance and preparation for the great Christmas feast. The liturgical color of the season is purple, a sign of penance. …