This year, Advent begins the evening of December 2nd. It marks a new liturgical year. The Advent season is a time of preparation for the coming of Christ at the end of history and commemorating his birth at Christmas. The purple color used at the liturgy, and while Advent is no longer an official time of penance, its history is rooted in the idea that great feasts are preceded by a time of conversion and renewed discipline.

Small Changes in the Mass

Starting in Advent you will see the chalice covered with a veil. This is described in the General Instructions of the Roman Missal as a “praiseworthy practice” (no. 118). Here is a good explanation of the significance of the chalice veil. You will also notice greater reverence shown to the altar by the clergy and servers though additional bows and a slower pace of setting the altar for the Eucharist.

Advent Music at Mass

Because it is a penitential season, we do not sing the Gloria at Masses during Advent. We are fasting from this song in anticipation of singing it with greater joy on Christmas. The opening words of the Gloria come from the angelic greeting to the shepherds.

As we have for many years at OLMC, we chant a few parts of the Mass in Latin (and Greek). Occasionally, we get asked, “why do we sing in Latin?” Some people are under the mistaken impression that Vatican II did away with Latin in Catholic worship. To the contrary, the Council encouraged its continued use, while also encouraging more use of the vernacular. This article gives a good explanation.

If this seems strange to you, please spend a few minutes practicing these parts of the Mass.

Kyrie (Lord, have mercy)

Sanctus (Holy, Holy)

Post Consecrationem (After the Consecration)

Agnus Dei (Lamb of God)