2024-12-14 5:00 pm Celebration of the Saturday Vigil Mass for the 3rd Sunday of Advent

Welcome to the Celebration of the Saturday Vigil Mass for the 3rd Sunday of Advent. This evening we light the third candle of Advent which is pink in color. This Sunday is known as Gaudete Sunday -- the Sunday of Joy. Our readings are filled with joy because the Lord is coming soon. The prophet Zephaniah declares: "The Lord, your God, is in your midst ... he will rejoice over you with gladness." St. John the Baptist declares in the Gospel that the one who is coming will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire -- not just water. Psalm 12 also speaks to the joy of the Lord and that we can sing praises to the Lord. Let us rejoice and be glad as we prepare for the birth of our Lord. The Responsorial Psalm is "Cry out with joy and gladness: for among you is the great and Holy One of Israel."