Advent has a twofold nature: It prepares us

SEASON OF ADVENT 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. (See GNLY, no. 39.) 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.

72 advent - week 1 NOVEMBER 26 Saturday violet Evening prayer: following Sunday, Volume I, page 137. Night Prayer: beginning tonight, the final anthem may be Loving mother (Alma Redemptoris). NOTES 1. Until next Advent, readings for Mass are taken from Year B (Sundays and solemnities) and Series II (weekdays) of the Lectionary. 2. Blue vestments are not approved for use at any time in Canada. To differentiate the Advent season from Lent, some parishes use blue-shaded (violet) vestments during Advent and red-shaded (purple) vestments in Lent. 3. Prayer of the Faithful: Sample petitions for Advent are given in the Roman Missal, page 1452. 4. Solemn Blessing: A special form of the solemn blessing is provided in the Roman Missal for optional use in Advent (no. 1, page 651). 5. Music: See the liturgical index in the choir editions of Catholic Book of Worship. In CBW III, the seasonal and Sunday psalms are given in nos. 15-28; see liturgical index, no. 702. In the Sunday Lectionary, see no. 173-4, page 44. Solo playing of the organ and other instruments is permitted during Advent (GIRM, no. 313). 6. Advent wreath: For a form for blessing an Advent wreath, see Blessings and Prayers for Home and Family, pp. 209-215. 7. Weddings: See pastoral note 22f. 8. Penance celebration: A carefully prepared penitential service will help the people of God to prepare their welcome for the Lord. It may also serve as preparation for the celebration of (individual) Reconciliation at a later time. While this service may be celebrated any time during Advent, it is recommended during the days before Christmas, demonstrating the community s desire to welcome the Lord with purified

november 2011 73 hearts. It is preferable to celebrate penitential services on weekdays rather than on Sundays. Many helps for preparing a suitable celebration are given in Penance Celebrations (1981, CCCB, Ottawa). 9. Advent at Home: See Blessings and Prayers for Home and Family, pages 208-222. Volume A of the Weekday Lectionary is used until Pentecost Sunday. 27 FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT violet Sunday office Hours: Psalter Week 1, to mark the beginning of the Church s year of prayer. Volume I, page 139. Te Deum. Mass: page 130, cr.; Advent preface I, page 510. Readings: no. 2, page 18 First Reading: Isaiah 63.16b-17; 64.1, 3-8 O that you would tear open the heavens and come down. Ps 80.1ab+2, 14-15, 17-18 (R.3) R. Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved. Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 1.3-9 We wait for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ. Gospel: Mark 13.33-37 Keep alert, for you do not know when the master of the house will come. Sunday Celebration of the Word and Hours: pages 6(4) and 8. GENERAL NOTES 1. Abbreviations used throughout are explained on the inside front cover. 2. Page numbers for Sunday Celebrations (and major Feasts) refer to the third edition of the Lectionary for Sundays and Solemnities, 2009. continues

74 advent - week 1 3. References to Sunday Celebration of the Word and Hours are given as Sunday Celebration. 4. The page numbers for Feasts, Memorials, and ferial (ordinary) days refer to the Lectionary for Weekdays, 1994. 5. The number given after Hours in the daily calendar refers to the Liturgy of the Hours (ICEL version, Catholic Book edition) and gives the page reference for the day s office. 6. The page number given after Mass in the daily calendar refers to the Roman Missal (2011 Canadian edition). The day s readings are found in the Lectionary at the number and page given. 7. The Glory to God and Creed are used only when indicated in this calendar. See pastoral notes 8d and 9f. 28 Monday Hours: page 150. Mass: page 131; Advent preface I, page 510. Readings: no. 175, page 2, Years B, C First Reading: Isaiah 2.1-5 The Lord will gather the nations of the universe in the eternal peace of the kingdom of God. Ps 122.1-2, 3-4, 7-8, 9-10 (R.1) R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord. Gospel: Matthew 8.5-11, 13++ Many will come from east and west to the kingdom of heaven.

november 2011 75 29 Tuesday Hours: page 158. Mass: page 132; Advent preface I, page 510. Readings: no. 176, page 5 First Reading: Isaiah 11.1-10 The Spirit of the Lord will come and rest on him. Ps 72.1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17 (R.7) R. Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever. Gospel: Luke 10.21-24 Jesus exults in the Holy Spirit. 30 Wednesday feast red ST. ANDREW, apostle Hours: page 1201, Te Deum. Mass: page 995; gl., preface of apostles, pages 570-573. Readings: no. 684, page 605; Lect. for Weekdays, vol. A First Reading: Romans 10.9-18 Faith comes from what is heard; is heard comes through the word of Christ. Ps 19.1-2, 3-4ab (R.5a) R. Their message goes out through all the earth. Gospel: Matthew 4.18-22 Peter, Andrew, James and John followed Jesus at once, leaving all else behind. Diocesan celebrations: Victoria (BC): St. Andrew, Apostle, titular of the cathedral and principal patron of diocese.

76 advent - week 1 DECEMBER The following intentions may be included in the Sunday and daily intercessions, at Eucharist and in Morning and Evening Prayer, on several occasions during the month (see pastoral note 9g): General: That the nations of the earth, through knowledge and mutual respect, may grow in harmony and peace. Mission: That children and young people may be messengers of the Gospel and that their dignity may always be respected and preserved from all violence and exploitation. 1 Thursday Hours: page 175. Mass: page 134; Advent preface I, page 510. Readings: no. 178, page 9 First Reading: Isaiah 26.1-6 The righteous nation that keeps faith may enter in. Ps 118.1, 8-9, 19-21, 25-27a (R.26a) R. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Or: Alleluia! (Two or three times) Gospel: Matthew 7.21, 24-27 Everyone who fulfills the will of the Father will enter the kingdom of heaven.

december 2011 77 2 Friday Hours: page 183. Mass: page 135; Advent preface I, page 510. Readings: no. 179, page 11 First Reading: Isaiah 29.17-24 On that day, the eyes of the blind shall be opened. 175 Ps 27.1, 4, 13-14 (R.1a) R. The Lord is my light and my salvation. Gospel: Matthew 9.27-31 The faith in Jesus of the two men who were blind brought about their healing. 3 SATURDAY memorial white ST. FRANCIS XAVIER, priest ordinary office Hours: pages 190 and 1210. Mass: page 996; Advent preface I, page 510 or 582. Readings: no. 180, page 13 First Reading: Isaiah 30.19-21, 23-26 The Lord God will surely be gracious to you when the sound of your cry is heard. Ps 147.1-2, 3-4, 5-6 (R. Isa 30.18) R. Happy are all who long for the coming of the Lord. Gospel: Matthew 9.35-10.1, 5a, 6-8++ Jesus saw the crowd and had compassion for them. Evening prayer: following Sunday, page 197. Or no. 685, page 607. Diocesan celebrations: Antigonish (NS): St. Francis Xavier, priest, principal patron of the university (for the university and the town of Antigonish). Chicoutimi (QC): St. Francis Xavier, priest, titular of the cathedral and continues

78 advent WEEK 2 patron of diocese: Feast, office of a feast; Mass: page 996, gl., (Lectionary no. 685), preface 67. Ecclesiastical province of Grouard-McLennan [Mackenzie-Fort Smith, Whitehorse]: St. Francis Xavier, priest, patron of the missions. Ecclesiastical province of Keewatin-Le Pas [Churchill-Hudson Bay, Moosonee]: St. Francis Xavier, priest, patron of the missions. Evening prayer: following Sunday, page 197. 4 SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT Hours: Psalter Week 2, page 199. Te Deum. Mass: page 137, cr.; Advent preface I, page 510. Readings: no. 5, page 21 violet Sunday office First Reading: Isaiah 40.1-5, 9-11 Prepare the way of the Lord. Ps 85.8ab+9, 10-11, 12-13 (R.7) R. Show us your steadfast love, O Lord, and grant us your salvation. Second Reading: 2 Peter 3.8-14 We wait for new heavens and a new earth. Gospel: Mark 1.1-8 Make straight the paths of the Lord. Sunday Celebration: pages 6 and 10. 5 Monday Hours: page 209. Mass: page 138; Advent preface I, page 510. Readings: no. 181, page 16 First Reading: Isaiah 35.1-10 The Lord God will come and bring salvation to you. Ps 85.8ab-9, 10-11, 12-13 (R. Isa 35.4d) R. Our God will come to save us! Gospel: Luke 5.17-26 We have seen strange and marvellous things today.

DECEMBER 2011 79 6 Tuesday Hours: page 218. Mass: page 139; Advent preface I, page 510. Readings: no. 182, page 19 First Reading: Isaiah 40.1-11 God s people are comforted. Ps 96.1-2, 3 & 10ac, 11-12, 13 (R. Isa 40.10a) R. The Lord our God comes in strength. Gospel: Matthew 18.12-14 God does not desire the loss of the little ones. OM: white, St. Nicholas, bishop: ordinary office (page 1215); Mass: page 997 (Lectionary: no. 182 or 687); Advent preface I, page 510 or 582. 7 WEDNESday memorial white ST. AMBROSE, bishop, doctor ordinary office Hours: pages 225 and 1217. Mass: page 998; Advent preface I, page 510 or 582. Readings: no. 183, page 21 First Reading: Isaiah 40.25-31 The almighty Lord strengthens the powerless. Ps 103.1-2, 3-4, 8+10 (R.1a) R. O bless the Lord, my soul! Gospel: Matthew 11.28-30 Come to me, all you that are weary. Or no. 688, page 607. Evening prayer: following solemnity, page 1221.

80 advent WEEK 2 8 THURSday solemnity white THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY Hours: proper office, page 1224. Te Deum. Mass: page 999; gl., cr., proper preface. Readings: no. 689, page 830, Lect. for Sun. and Sol. First Reading: Genesis 3.9-15, 20 I will put enmity between your offspring and the offspring of the woman. Ps 98.1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4 (R.1a) R. Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvellous things. Second Reading: Ephesians 1.3-6, 11-12 God chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world. Gospel: Luke 1.26-38 Rejoice, favoured one, the Lord is with you. Sunday Celebration: pages 172 and 199. Diocesan celebrations: Calgary (AB): Immaculate Conception of Mary, titular of the cathedral and patron of diocese. Edmundston (NB): Immaculate Conception of Mary, titular of the cathedral and principal patron of diocese. Grand Falls (NL): Immaculate Conception of Mary, titular of the cathedral and patron of the diocese. Kingston (ON): Immaculate Conception of Mary, titular of the cathedral and patron of archdiocese. London (ON): Immaculate Conception of Mary, principal patron of diocese. Mont-Laurier (QC): Immaculate Conception of Mary, titular of the cathedral and patron of diocese. Ecclesiastical province of Montréal [Joliette, Saint-Jean-Longueuil, St-Jérôme, Valleyfield]: Immaculate Conception of Mary, principal patron of ecclesiastical province. Nelson (BC): Immaculate Conception of Mary, titular of the cathedral and patron of diocese.

DECEMBER 2011 81 Ecclesiastical province of Ottawa [Hearst, Pembroke, Timmins]: Immaculate Conception of Mary, titular of the cathedral of Ottawa and principal patron of ecclesiastical province. Québec (QC): Immaculate Conception of Mary, titular of the cathedral and principal patron of archdiocese. Saint-Boniface (MB): Immaculate Conception of Mary, principal patron of ecclesiastical province. Saint John (NB): Immaculate Conception of Mary, titular of the cathedral and principal patron of diocese. ANNIVERSARIES: See pastoral note 25a. Mont-Laurier (QC): Bishop Vital Massé s ordination (1993). Rimouski (QC): Archbishop Bertrand Blanchet s ordination (1973). Emeritus (2008). 9 Friday Hours: page 242. Mass: page 142; Advent preface I, page 510. Readings: no. 185, page 25 First Reading: Isaiah 48.17-19 O that you had paid attention to my commandments! Ps 1.1-2, 3, 4+6 (R. see Jn 8.12) R. Those who follow you, Lord, will have the light of life. Gospel: Matthew 11.16-19 This generation listened neither to John nor to Jesus. OM: white, St. Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin: ordinary office (page 1500); Mass: page 1003 (737-742); Advent preface I, page 510 or 574-577.

82 advent WEEK 3 10 Saturday Hours: page 250. Mass: page 143; Advent preface I, page 510. Readings: no. 186, page 27 First Reading: Sirach 48.1-4, 9-11 Then will arise Elijah. Ps 80.1ac+2b, 14-15, 17-18 (R.3) R. Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved. Gospel: Matthew 17.10-13 Elijah has come already and they did not recognize him. Evening prayer: following Sunday, page 256. 11 THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT Hours: Psalter Week 3, page 258. Te Deum. Mass: page 144, cr.; Advent preface I, page 510. violet or rose Sunday office Readings: no. 8, page 24 First Reading: Isaiah 61.1-2a, 10-11 I will greatly rejoice in the Lord. Luke 1.47-48, 49-50, 53-54 (R. Isa 61.10b) R. My soul shall exult in my God. Second Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5.16-24 May your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Gospel: John 1.6-8, 19-28 Among you stands one whom you do not know. Sunday Celebration: pages 6 and 12. Diocesan celebrations: Calgary (AB): Dedication of St. Mary Cathedral (1957). See pastoral note 25b.

DECEMBER 2011 83 12 MONday feast white OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE patroness of the americas Hours: pages 1326 and 1688, Te Deum. Mass: page 1004, gl.; preface of Mary, pages 566-569. Readings: nos. 707 712, pp. 719 750, especially First Reading 707(11): Zec. 2.10-13 Lo, I am coming to you, daughter of Zion. Rejoice! or First Reading 708(2): Rev. 11.19a; 12.1, 3-6a, 10ab I saw a woman arrayed with the sun, the moon under her feet. Judith 13.18bc, 19.20 (R.9) R. You are the highest honour of our race. Gospel 712(5): Luke 1.39-47 Blessed is she who has believed in the fulfillment of the Lord s promises. ANNIVERSARIES: See pastoral note 25a. Saint John (NB): Bishop Robert Harris ordination (2002). NOTES The Canadian Catholic Aboriginal Council, created by the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) in 1998, proposes that the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe (December 12) be a National Day of Prayer for Aboriginal People. All are invited to pray for aboriginal peoples on this day.

84 advent WEEK 3 13 Tuesday memorial red ST. LUCY, virgin, martyr ordinary office Hours: pages 277 and 1242. Mass: page 1006; Advent preface I, page 510 or 584. Readings: no. 188, page 31 First Reading: Zephaniah 3.1-2, 9-13 Salvation is promised to the lowly and the humble. Ps 34.1-2, 5-6, 17-18, 19+22 (R.6a) R. The Lord hears the cry of the poor. Gospel: Matthew 21.28-32 John the Baptist came and the sinners believed him. Or no. 692, page 611. ANNIVERSARIES: See pastoral note 25a. St. Jérôme (QC): Auxiliary Bishop Donald Lapointe s ordination (2002). Emeritus (2010). Trois-Rivières (QC): Bishop Martin Veillette s ordination (1986).

DECEMBER 2011 85 14 Wednesday memorial white ST. JOHN OF THE CROSS, priest, doctor ordinary office Hours: pages 285 and 1245. Mass: page 1007; Advent preface I, page 510 or 582. Readings: no. 189, page 33 First Reading: Isaiah 45.6b-8, 18, 21b-25 Let the heavens rain down righteousness. Ps 85.8ab-9, 10-11, 12-14 (R. Isa 45.8) R. Let the clouds rain down the Just One, and the earth bring forth a Saviour. Gospel: Luke 7.19-23 Tell John what you have heard and seen. Or no. 693, page 611. ANNIVERSARIES: See pastoral note 25a. Victoria (BC): Bishop Remi J. De Roo s ordination (1962). Emeritus (1999).

86 advent WEEK 3 15 Thursday Hours: page 293. Mass: page 148; Advent preface I, page 510. Readings: no. 190, page 36 First Reading: Isaiah 54.1-10 The Lord has called you like a wife forsaken and grieved in spirit. Ps 30.1+3, 4-5, 10-11ac+12 (R.1a) R. I will praise you, Lord, for you have rescued me. Gospel: Luke 7.24-30 John is the messenger, who prepares the way for the Lord. 16 Friday Hours: page 300. Mass: page 149; Advent preface I, page 510. Readings: no. 191, page 39 First Reading: Isaiah 56.1-3a, 6-8 Thus says the Lord: My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the peoples. Ps 67.1-2, 4, 6-7 (R.3) R. O God, let the nations praise you! Gospel: John 5.16-17, 33-36++ John is a lamp, burning and shining.

DECEMBER 2011 87 17 saturday Hours: page 318. Mass: page 151; Advent preface II, page 512. Readings: no. 193, page 42 First Reading: Genesis 49.2, 8-10 The sceptre shall not depart from Judah. Ps 72.1-2, 3-4, 7-8, 17 (R.7) R. Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever. Gospel: Matthew 1.1-17 An account of the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah, the son of David. Diocesan celebrations: Sault Ste-Marie (ON): Dedication of Precious Blood Cathedral (1905). See pastoral note 25b. NOTES 1. The Advent weekdays from December 17-24 are intended as a direct preparation for Christmas (GNLY, no. 42). During this time memorials of saints are observed only as optional memorials (GNLY, no. 16c). Optional memorials during the rest of December are omitted or celebrated in this way Office of Readings: a third reading in honour of the saint may be added; Morning and Evening Prayer: the antiphon and prayer of the saint may be added after the prayer of the day; Mass: the collect of the saint may be used instead of the proper collect. Except where special devotion exists, the National Liturgy Office strongly recommends that the seasonal Mass should be celebrated, in the spirit of CSL, nos. 108 and 111. 2. The Gospels of the last days of Advent speak of the events leading up to the birth of Jesus. The first reading presents important prophecies about the Messiah. 3. O Antiphons. One of the liturgical notes of the days of preparation for Christmas is the antiphons for the Canticle of Mary at Evening Prayer called the O Antiphons for the O that begins each one. The antiphons are also used as the Gospel Acclamation verse for the day. continues

88 advent WEEK 4 The hymn O come, Emmanuel is based on these antiphons and is fittingly used at Eucharist and the Liturgy of the Hours. Evening prayer: antiphon, O Wisdom, page 325. 18 FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT Hours: Psalter Week 3, page 258. Te Deum. Mass: page 150, cr.; Advent preface II, page 512. violet Sunday office Readings: no. 11, page 27 First Reading: 2 Samuel 7.1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16 The Kingdom of David shall be made sure forever before the Lord. Ps 89.1-2, 3-4, 26+28 (R.1a) R. Forever I will sing of your steadfast love, O Lord. Second Reading: Romans 16.25-27 The mystery, so long held secret, is now revealed to all. Gospel: Luke 1.26-38 You will conceive in your womb and bear a son. Sunday Celebration: pages 6 and 14. Evening prayer: antiphon, O Sacred Lord, page 333.

DECEMBER 2011 89 19 MONday Hours: page 334. Mass: page 153; Advent preface II, page 512. Readings: no. 195, page 47 First Reading: Judges 13.2-7, 24-25a The angel of the Lord appeared and announced the birth of Samson. Ps 71.3-4a, 5-6ab, 16-17 (R.8) R. Fill me with your praise and I will sing your glory! Gospel: Luke 1.5-25 The angel Gabriel announces the birth of John the Baptist. Evening prayer: antiphon, O Flower of Jesse s stem, page 342. 20 TUESday Hours: page 343. Mass: page 154; Advent preface II, page 512. Readings: no. 196, page 50 First Reading: Isaiah 7.10-14; 8.10d Behold, the virgin is with child. Ps 24.1-2, 3-4ab, 5-6 (R.7c+10c) R. Let the Lord enter; he is king of glory. Gospel: Luke 1.26-38 You will conceive in your womb and bear a son. Evening prayer: antiphon, O Key of David, page 350. Diocesan celebrations: Hamilton (ON): Dedication of Christ the King Cathedral (1933). See pastoral note 25b. NOTES Tonight at sundown the Jewish feast of Chanukah (Hanukkah) begins. See pastoral note 30.

90 advent WEEK 4 21 WEDNESday Hours: page 351. Mass: page 155; Advent preface II, page 512. Readings: no. 197, page 52 First Reading: Zephaniah 3.14-18a The king of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst. or First Reading: Song of Songs 2.8-14 The voice of my beloved! Look, he comes, leaping upon the mountains. Ps 33.2-3, 11-12, 20-21 (R.1a+3a) R. Cry out with joy to the Lord, you holy ones; sing a new song to him. Gospel: Luke 1.39-45 Why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me? OM: St. Peter Canisius, priest, doctor, page 1008: see December 17, note 1. Evening prayer: antiphon, O Radiant Dawn, page 358. 22 THURSday Hours: page 359. Mass: page 156; Advent preface II, page 512. Readings: no. 198, page 55 First Reading: 1 Samuel 1.24-28 Hannah gave thanks for the birth of her son, Samuel. Responsorial Canticle: 1 Samuel 2.1, 4-5, 6-7, 8abcd (R.1a) R. My heart rejoices in the Lord, my Saviour. Gospel: Luke 1.46-56 The Mighty One has done great things for me. Evening prayer: antiphon, O King of all the nations, page 367.

DECEMBER 2011 91 23 FRIday Hours: page 368. Mass: page 157; Advent preface II, page 512. Readings: no. 199, page 57 First Reading: Malachi 3.1-4; 4.5-6 I shall send my messenger, the prophet Elijah, to prepare for the coming of the day of the Lord. Ps 25.4bc-5ab, 8-9, 10+14 (R. Lk 21.28) R. Lift up your heads and see; your redemption is near at hand. Gospel: Luke 1.57-66 The nativity of John the Baptist. OM: St. John of Kanty, priest, page 1008: see December 17, note 1. Evening prayer: antiphon, O Emmanuel, page 375. 24 SATURday Hours: page 376. Morning Mass: page 158; Advent preface II, page 512. Readings: no. 200, page 59 First Reading: 2 Samuel 7.1-5, 8-12, 16 The kingdom of David shall last forever before the Lord. Ps 89.1-2, 3-4, 26+28 (R.2a) R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord. Gospel: Luke 1.67-79 The dawn from on high will break upon us.

CHRISTMAS 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. (See GNLY, no. 32.)