GAUDETE IN DOMINO SEMPER (III ADVENT)

Gaudete in Domino semper.  Iterum dico: Gaudete!

That is...

Rejoice in the Lord always.  Again, I say: Rejoice!

The above is the beginning of the Introit appointed by both the Roman Missal and the Roman Gradual for this coming Sunday, that is, the Third Sunday of Advent, aka "Gaudete Sunday".  You'll see rose colored vestments worn by the priest celebrating Mass this weekend, and on the Advent wreath, the third candle lit is the rose candle.

The Introit according to the Roman Missal is rather brief:

Rejoice in the Lord always.  Again, I say: Rejoice!  Indeed the Lord is near.

The Roman Gradual has a longer version:

Rejoice in the Lord always.  Again, I say: Rejoice!  Let your kindness be known to all men.

The Lord is near.

Be not anxious over anything, but in all ways of prayer make your petitions known to God.

Year C's Epistle reading (from St. Paul's letter to the Philippians - that is, last year's Epistle) also includes the longer Introit.

In this Sunday's Gospel reading, Jesus himself refers to John the Baptist (remember him, that herald's voice in the desert?) as "the messenger sent before me who will prepare the way for you."

Today's entrance hymn reflects the Gospel of the day while the offertory and recessional hymns and even the Communion responsory give us that taste of "Rejoice!".  The recessional hymn especially: Rejoice, again I say: Rejoice!

Therefore...

MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS

ORDINARY OF THE MASS:

Kyrie, Sanctus and Agnus Dei: Mass XVII (as customary for the Sundays of Advent and Lent)

Memorial Acclamation: Mortem tuam annuntiamus, Domine (#19 on page 26 in the Pew Missal)

Amen: single (do do-re, or fa fa-so, or so so-la, whatever you're in the "mode" for)

PROPER OF THE MASS:
Readings are in the Pew Missal on page 64.
Psalm 146: R./ Lord, come and save us (Fr. Samuel F. Weber, OSB)
Alleluia "Conditor Alme" (BMP/adapted from "Conditor Alme Siderum", Mode IV)

Hymns, etc.:

Entrance hymn: Maroon hymnal, #10 On Jordan's Bank ("Winchester New") (Listen)

Offertory hymn: Maroon hymnal, #2 O come, O come, Emmanuel ("Veni, Emmanuel")

Communion responsory: Magnificat (Tone 8G/Ciro Grassi)
- Magnificat anima mea Dominum, that is, My soul magnifies the Lord.
Recessional hymn: Worship hymnal, #493 Rejoice! the Lord is King, verses 1 and 4 ("Darwall's 148th") (Listen)

Quod scripsi, scripsi!
BMP