Third Sunday of Advent, Year B

This is Gaudete Sunday, from the first word of the Latin Introit: Gaudete!

12 noon – Manger Scene Setup in Church. Help needed!

O WISDOM
December 17, the Octave before Christmas begins. Each day at Evening Prayer, an O Antiphon is sung before the Magnificat. Today it is O Sapientia, in English O Wisdom. Hear a commentary on Wisdom.

♦ Let the beauty of art open your heart to the Advent mysteries.
♦ Advent Week 3: Third Candle

WORD

GOSPEL VIDEO: John 1: 6-8, 19-28
REFLECTION:  John did not get in the way

Pray the Scripture for this Sunday. Click HERE then scroll down and click on today’s date for a video reflection. Consider today’s Gospel in your life through lectio divina.

Prepare your family or group for the readings. See reflections, sermons, and images on The Text This Week. See resources from the St. Louis University Sunday Web Site

Enjoy a commentary on today’s readings
and a vigorous explanation of the Gospel.

WORSHIP

Make straight the way of the Lord.

ENTRANCE ANTIPHON
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice.
Indeed, the Lord is near.
Philippians 4: 4-5

INTROIT: Gaudete in Domino semper

RESPONSORIAL PSALM: Luke 1: 46-54, Magnificat

HYMNS:
♦ People, Look East
♦  Advent Gathering Song
♦ Prepare! Prepare!
♦ The Cry of the Poor

COMMUNION ANTIPHON
Say to the faint of heart: Be strong and do not fear.
Behold, our God will come, and he will save us.
Cf. Isaiah 35: 4

Beginning on December 17, the church chants the O Antiphons at Evening Prayer, and includes them in the Gospel Acclamation at Mass. The beloved Advent hymn, “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel,” is based on the O Antiphons. Here is Steve Angrisano’s Emmanuel, a contemporary interpretation.

Listen to an excerpt from a sermon by Saint Augustine – Office of Readings

WORLD

Today is Day Two of the Christmas Novena.

Mark your calendar now for Advent and Christmas. Open today’s door on the online Advent calendar.

Advent Wreath, Week 3:  Third Candle Reflection
After the lighting and reflection, listen to the song, sing along. [For the lyrics, click on SHOW MORE under the video.]

Here’s an Advent Meal Prayer. Send an e-card. Print an Advent coloring page.
Find prayers, recipes and many Advent activities. You’ll find resources HERE.
Here’s an overview of the season in our parish. If you’re planning ahead, you can check out the overview of the Christmas season, too.

SOUNDS OF THE SEASON
♦ Filipino Advent song
♦ Ready the Way A contemporary American Advent song
♦ Uboga Droga The Road of Poverty, a Polish Advent song
♦ Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme Wake, Awake! JS Bach’s Cantata BWV 140

POPE FRANCIS: Church is a ‘House of Joy’

VIDEOS
ADULTS: Advent – a message from the Catholic Church
CHILDREN: Tell Me the Story: John the Baptist
YOUTH: Decrease ME or Increase YOU

SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION – December 21
At 7:00 p.m. in Saint Jude Church, on Thursday, December 21, we participate in a communal celebration of the Sacrament of Penance, with individual confessions and seasonal prayer, readings and music. If you haven’t confessed for awhile, you are welcome, be not afraid! If you confess regularly, you are welcome, keep it up! To prepare for the sacrament, click HERE.

The time draws near.
Come, Emmanuel!