Advent, A Time of Prayer and Preparation

The liturgical color of advent, violet (and rose), are colors to remind of this preparatory season. Advent anticipates the joy of Christmas through penance and patient waiting. Violet is the color that symbolizes penance, sacrifice, and prayer. Moreover, during Advent, we meditate on the birth of Jesus (Christ our King) at Christmas. In this way, the color violet, traditionally associated with royalty, takes on a dual meaning, representing both the penitential nature of the season and the kingship of the birth of Christ.  

The third Sunday of Advent is called Gaudete (Rejoice) Sunday. On this day, we celebrate that our wait is almost over and the priest and deacon has the option to wear a rose vestment and the rose candle is lit on our Advent wreath. This liturgical color, rose, signifies joy in anticipation of the coming of the Messiah.  

These colors of the Advent season are intentional reminders of how we should orient our hearts as we prepare for the birth of Christ. These colors help us keep our hearts mindful in the hopeful anticipation coming of our Savior. During Advent, we are called to patiently wait, just as the Isrealites awaited the promised Messiah. This waiting is not passive; it is an active waiting that involves a sincere desire for transformation. With that said, our Pastorate Penance Service will be held on Wednesday, December 6 at 6:00pm EST at Sacred Heart Church. Multiple priests will be available for the sacrament of confession. 

In addition, this weekend we will be offering the Magnificat Advent Companion (one per family) for your daily prayer throughout Advent. Together, let us prepare our hearts to welcome the light of Christ into our lives and embrace the true joy of Christmas. 

Scheduled Confession times

Monday - 5:00pm St. Charles (Otterbein)
Thursday - 5:00pm St. John the Baptist (Earl Park)
Friday - 9:00am Sacred Heart (Fowler) 

Peace,

Fr. Sean