Gaudete Sunday - The Organ at Liturgy in Advent

Gaudete Sunday – This Sunday’s nickname, “Gaudete,” means “Rejoice!” Gaudete is the first word of the Introit chant for the mass from the 3rd Sunday of Advent and sets the theme of joy for the liturgy. Advent is about the Lord’s Second Coming. This is a reminder for instrumentalists that during this liturgical season, musical instruments are not to be used (except the organ to support the choir’s singing as necessary) – with the Advent exception coming today when the discipline is relaxed.

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After Gaudete Sunday in December, the next time the organ will be fully used is Christmas.

Gaudete Sunday in Advent

Gaudete Sunday, also known as the Third Sunday of Advent, holds a special significance during the Advent season. It acts as a joyful break from the otherwise penitential character of the season and signifies the nearness of the Lord’s coming.

Like Laetare Sunday during Lent, Gaudete Sunday provides a break during this penitential segment and signals the nearness of the Lord’s coming.

Gaudete Sunday is marked by gladness and anticipation as the Church invites the faithful to worship and hail with joy the Lord who is now nigh and close at hand. The readings and prayers during this Sunday emphasize the expectations and preparations for the Christmas feast and the second coming of Christ.

This day serves as a reminder to rejoice and be thankful for the promised redemption that brings joy and gladness to the hearts of the faithful.

Organ Selections – Gaudete Sunday

At St. Mary Magdalen Chapel, we continue the mass ordinary setting with the Gregorian Missa XVII supplemented with Credo V.

On the organ music rack today, the following selections are prepared:

J.S. Bach: Es ist gewiblich an der zeit (from Peters Chorale Preludes from the German Masters of the 17th and 18th centuries)
Beethoven: Zweistimmige Fuge fur Orgel 1783 WoO 31
Christopher Uehlein: Fantasy on “Ecce Nomen Domini Emmanual” – from Four Variations on Carols for Advent
Eugene Lindusky: Say to the Fainthearted: Take Comfort
J.S. Bach: Wie Nach Einer Wasserquelle – BWV 1119
J.S. Bach: Herr Christ, der einig Gottes Sohn – aria – BWV deest (Emans Nr. 85)
Pachelbel: Magnificat Fugue I.4 (from Dover edition)

Choral Selections – Gaudete Sunday

I’ve listed the choral selections that our choir will sing for this Sunday’s liturgy – Gaudete Sunday 2016.

O Come O Come Emmanuel
Veni Redemptor Gentium – Video sample: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lY5EztLcSVo
Ave Maris Stella – Video sample: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sY87cpBmF4s
Ave Maira chant – Video sample: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvUzq1PrjrA
On Jordan’s Bank

Choir direction by Andrew Petracca at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church, Camarillo, California. Traditional Latin Mass.

More References for Gaudete Sunday

For more on the Advent season, here is a link to Pope Benedict who talk’s about the Virgin’s “yes” – ADVENTCAzT 15: Rejoice from Father Z’s site.

Consider the following CD for your Advent music library: An Advent Procession based on the The Great “O” Antiphons. This selection comes from the choir of St. Mark’s Cathedral in Seattle, Washington.