On this particular Sunday, you will notice that the candle most recently lit on the Advent Wreath as well as the vestments worn by the priest differ from the other Advent Sundays. Rather than the deep hue of violet, the candle and the vestments are rose color—a softened hue of violet. This rose color serves as a cue for us to rejoice for the Lord Christ is close at hand. In other words, Christmas is coming soon. 

The name for this Sunday is Gaudete Sunday, which means ‘rejoice’. The first word of the entrance song that is given when no other hymn supplants it as it usually does for this Sunday is rejoice. Why should we rejoice? St. Paul in his letter to the Philippians tells us why: The Lord is near. How is this so? Through the outpouring of God’s grace. This grace is more than just morality or virtue or freedom from sin, although these things cultivate our receptivity to his grace. This grace is life, that higher life which is unaffected by physical death. It is that spiritual light which banishes blindness 
from the soul. The hallmarks of its presence in a person are peace, love and truth. The indwelling of the Holy spirit in our frail bodies is the agent that makes this grace operative within us. 

It is when we consider just how graced we are that we are able to truly rejoice. This is more than just a happy face, but a deep conviction that God is with us always in whatever situation we may 
find ourselves. It is this conviction which inspired St. Paul to write these words to the Philippian Church in the midst of some of his darkest hours. If we put this conviction into practice, our joy will 
radiate to all those around us because we are filled with a share of God’s life and all goodness diffuses itself. As Christmas draws near, let the joy we experience not be merely temporary, but a lasting joy because we are convinced of God’s abiding love for us.

As a means of opening ourselves to God’s grace please take advantage of the opportunities for the Sacrament of Reconciliation that Assumption offers for Christmas: 
Thursday, December 22nd ............ 6:00-8:00pm 
Friday, December 23rd ................. 2:00-4:00pm 
Christmas Eve - December 24th ... 10:00-11:00am 
                          NO 3:00 Confessions this day

My sincerest thanks to who gave so generously for We Give Catholic for our parish. This enables us to do many things that would otherwise be out of the question. This summer we will be focusing 
on the steps and concrete on the north side of the church as well as creating a ramp that is for the physically challenged to enter the church from this side. May God reward you for your generosity