On this Gaudete Sunday, it is with great joy that we invite you to an incredible Advent opportunity—a candlelit Rorate Caeli Mass at Our Lady of the Rosary on Saturday, December 19 at 6:30 am.
 
On December 1, Fr. McCullough posted an excellent video on our WWPR Facebook page describing the Rorate Caeli Mass and how it will look a little bit different. The video can also be accessed on our parish website. If you’d prefer the written word from the Vicar, then here you go! 

What is the Rorate Caeli Mass? The Rorate Caeli Mass gets its name from the Latin of the entrance antiphon: Drop down dew from above, you heavens, and let the clouds rain down the Just One; let the earth be opened and bring forth a Savior. The Mass dates back many centuries and was referred to as the “Golden Mass” because of its beauty. The Mass is a votive Mass of the Blessed Mother for the Annunciation—thus, the priest wears white for the Blessed Mother instead of the normal Advent purple. The Mass begins in darkness with the exception of LOTS
of candles that not only foster a prayerful atmosphere, but also have a practical purpose to help the priest read the words on the page! The darkness of the Church is akin to the darkness of the world before the coming of Christ. Then as the sun slowly rises, light begins to fill the Church, and around the Consecration of the Blessed Sacrament, it becomes clear that the coming of the Light of Christ will defeat the darkness. Our Lord comes to us through the Blessed Mother, so it is fitting to give her honor as we prepare during Advent for the coming of her Son—the Light of the World who will defeat sin and darkness.

What will be different about this Mass? Many aspects of the Mass will be the same as normal—your Parochial Vicar will be the celebrant, the prayers and readings will be in English, and there will be some common hymns. However, there will be a few different elements to the Mass that I want to take a moment to explain. We are blessed to have a group of young adults from our pastoral region who will prepare the music, including traditional Latin antiphons and a few Mass parts in Latin (Sanctus, Agnus Dei, etc.). Because of the antiquity of the Mass, the Latin antiphons/chants enable us to stay close to how the Mass was celebrated over the centuries. I am excited to hear what the choir will put together! Another visual difference is the beautiful connection to the history of this Mass. I will be celebrating Mass at the high altar at OLR, ad orientem. This is in part to facilitate the placing of the candles for more light (so I can read) and also to help make sure we have time to get ready for the 8:30am Mass. Mass celebrated ad orientem is a visual and poignant reminder that the priest is gathering the prayers of the people and offering them to God the Father in union with Jesus’ sacrifice on the Cross. It should be an incredible Mass and great opportunity for final Advent preparations for Christmas. We hope to see you there super early!
 
In Mary’s Immaculate Heart,
Fr. Jeff