We start the New Liturgical Year this Sunday, First Sunday of Advent. We are in Cycle C and so the gospel to be used is the Gospel of St. Luke. (Cycle A St. Matthew; Cycle B St. Mark). The Advent Wreath is again visible in the sanctuary. It has 4 candles 3 in purple and 1 in pink or rose, representing the 4 Sundays of Advent. We lit each candle every Sunday of Advent. On the Third Sunday of Advent, Gaudete Sunday the “rose” candle will be lit in anticipation of Christmas. Gaudete, a Latin word which means “rejoice” is taken from the first word of the introit verse of the Third Sunday of Advent. It sets the tone of joyful expectation for the Lord’s birth and Second coming. The color of the vestment of the celebrant is rose.