The Third Sunday of Advent is Gaudete Sunday, so named from the opening antiphon of the Introit Gaudete in Domino semper (Rejoice in the Lord always).

At the 10.30 am Mass at St Canice’s on Sunday 16th December, we will mark this day with a special Sung Mass that will include music by Mozart. Our cantor, Pascal and Organist Christine will lead the Music. We have enjoyed the singing and music by these two exceptional musicians throughout the year.

This is an opportunity for us to invite our friends to join us in the lead up to Christmas and share in the rich musical tradition of St Canice’s.

Rejoice!

On Gaudete Sunday, having passed the midpoint of Advent, the Church lightens the mood a little, and the priest may wear rose vestments. It is also known as the ‘pink candle’ Sunday, the Sunday we light the pink candle on the Advent wreath.

In these days of penance and preparation leading up to the feast of our Saviour’s birth, it reminds us of the joy that is to come, and serves, amid this season of penance, as a kind of ‘break’ when we recall the hope we have because of the coming of Jesus.