Happy Gaudete Sunday!

by Fr. Chris Axline  |  12/15/2024  |  Weekly Reflection

Hello St. Mary Magdalene,

The name for today’s feast actually comes from the introit of this Sunday’s Mass, “Gaudete in Domino semper, iterum dico, Gaudete” which comes from Philippians 4:4 (“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, ‘Rejoice’”). What’s fascinating about this verse is that “Gaudete” is an imperative (command) form of the verb to be joyful. Put another way, the Church is commanding us to be joyful! Hence we see some new symbols in our liturgy including the rose colored candle and vestments worn by the priest.

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Happy Advent

by Fr. Chris Axline  |  12/01/2024  |  Weekly Reflection

Hello St. Mary Magdalene,

It is with great joy that we resume a format of the bulletin that enables us to include regular articles and catechetical/evangelical materials for your reference. To kick this off I want to reflect on the season of Advent.

Advent is too often overlooked, it’s sometimes viewed as a “mini Lent” a time of penance in preparation for Christmas. Yet, that’s not actually what Advent is about; it’s about hope, joy, and expectation at the coming of Christ.

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