Advent and Christmas

SEASON OF ADVENT (from the ORDO)
Advent has a twofold nature: It prepares us for Christmas, when we recall Christ's first coming among us, and it is also a time when we look forward to his second coming at the end of the ages. Advent is a season of joyful expectation.

During Advent, each Sunday's Gospel reading has a specific focus. The Old Testament readings, especially those taken from Isaiah, are prophecies about the Messiah and messianic times. The selections from the writings of the Apostles present exhortations and instructions on different themes of this season.

CHRISTMAS (from the ORDO)
The Christmas Season celebrates the birth of the Lord Jesus and the ways he manifested the presence of God among us. For the Church, only the Easter celebration of the Lord's death and rising is more important than the Christmas Season.

Simbang Gabi 2025 @ Sacred Heart Cathedral

THE RORATE MASS

On Saturday, December 20, 6:00 AM Fr. Rector will celebrate 'The Rorate Mass.' For those of you who want to participate in the celebration of the Mass before sunrise, you are welcome to attend this Mass. To understand the history of this, please read: The Rorate Mass: History and Current Practice.

"By definition, a Rorate Mass is a special Mass dedicated to Our Lady, held before sunrise during Advent. The interior of the church is typically lit entirely by candlelight only - even the choir loft. Depending on local custom, some faithful arrive at church with lit candles guiding their way in the dark. 

Historically, the Rorate Mass was a popular Advent devotion going back at least to sometime before the 8th-century. As the Mass proceeds and sunrise approaches, the church becomes progressively brighter, illumined by the sun as our Faith is illumined by Christ. Such a beautiful way to honor the Blessed Mother as the rising sun commemorates the coming of Christ!"

ADVENT PREACHERS/HOMILISTS

The following activities and/or parish events are scheduled in the parish this Advent:

First Sunday of Advent

• November 29 at 5:10 PM, Evening Prayer I
• November 29 at 5:30 PM Mass, Blessing of Advent wreath and lighting of the first candle.
• November 30, 8:35 AM Morning Prayer
• Lighting of the first candle of Advent wreath at 9:00 AM Mass and 11:00 AM Mass.

• December 5 at 9:00 AM Mass with Sacred Heart School
• December 6 at 5:10 PM, Evening Prayer I
• December 7, 8:35 AM Morning Prayer
• Lighting of the second candle of Advent wreath at 5:30 PM Vigil Mass, 9:00 AM Mass and 11:00 AM Mass.
• December 11 at 6:00 PM Sacred Heart School Christmas Concert

• December 13 at 5:10 PM, Evening Prayer I
• December 14, 8:35 AM Morning Prayer
• Lighting of the third candle of Advent wreath at 5:30 PM Vigil Mass, 9:00 AM Mass and 11:00 AM Mass.
• Pancake breakfast hosted by the Knights of Columbus after the 9:00 AM Mass and 11:00 AM Mass.
• December 15 at 6:30 PM start of Simbang Gabi 2025 (Filipino Night Mass; nine evenings of Masses before Christmas said in Filipino.)
• December 17 at 9:00 AM Sacred Heart School Advent Reconciliation Service 

• December 20 at 5:10 PM, Evening Prayer I
• December 21, 8:35 AM Morning Prayer
• Lighting of the fourth candle of Advent wreath at 5:30 PM Vigil Mass, 9:00 AM Mass and 11:00 AM Mass.
• Simbang Gabi 2025, 6:30 PM (Filipino Night Mass; nine evenings of Masses before Christmas said in Filipino.