Gaudete means Rejoice

Gaudete Sunday!!  Have you ever hear of it?  I am sure you all have experienced it, but maybe did not know it was called Gaudete Sunday. 

 

Gaudete Sunday was last Sunday.  In this time of anticipation of the birth of our Savior, we shift our focus from anticipation to rejoicing.  The short definition of Gaudete is “rejoice.” 

 

Much like Lent, Advent readings are often somber in nature.  It is also the reason priest wear purple vestments, but not this Sunday.  Rejoicing is the reason we change from purple to rose colored vestments, and we light the rose colored candle.  This change in color is a reminder that even though we are filled with secular Christmas joy, the real reason for the season is close.  Having presents, huge meals, and gamily get togethers bring joy, but not the same joy as the coming of Christ.   

 

This week, spend some time rejoicing in the Lord and all his wonderful blessings, but most importantly, stop and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas, the birth of our Savior and the forgiveness of our sins.  Rejoice in the Joy of the Christmas season and the fulfillment of God’s wonderful plan to save us all.

Advent is about Anticipation

The following is part of the weekly note I sent to the St. Pius X families the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. 

 

What are you thankful for?  There are so many things I am thankful for, I am not sure I can list them all.  I am very thankful for the staff, students, and the families of the St. Pius X community.  Everyone has been so kind to me as I transitioned into this position.

 I am also thankful for the wonderful student leaders that are developing right in front of my eyes.  From the Leadership Day to the canned food drive, I am thankful for all those that make St. Pius X unique and stand out above all the rest. 

 I am thankful for the many blessings of Catholic Education.  The ability to celebrate our faith in a school setting is refreshing and a privilege to be a part of.

 As we celebrated the end of the Liturgical year, last weekend, on the Feast of Christ the King, we now start the season of Advent, the coming of Christ into this world.  Advent is a season of anticipation of the Nativity of the Lord.  With the hustle and bustle of the upcoming Christmas Season, I would like to encourage everyone to spend time anticipating the birth of Christ. 

 There are many things we can do to help build this anticipation, things such as lighting candles on an Advent wreath, using a daily Advent calendar, or praying a daily Advent devotional.  All of these will help build the anticipation of Christmas day and the birth of Christ. 

 With the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season, please take some time to share with your children the true meaning of the Christmas season.  Help them by building the anticipation of the coming of Christ.  Remember, Advent is the time to wait, not the time to celebrate.  And soon enough, the Christmas Season will be upon us.