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St. Stephen's Episcopal Church

215 N. 7th, Terre Haute, Indiana

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Gaudete

The Rector's Blog · December 7, 2022

Disciples, Apostles, and Saints!

This week we celebrate the Third Sunday of Advent, often referred to as Gaudete Sunday. Gaudete is Latin for “rejoice,” the first word in the Introit for that week’s mass.

The tradition that developed around Gaudete Sunday is guided by that spirit of rejoicing; a sentiment we more associate with the Christmas Season than Advent.

In recent years, we mark this day with a rose-colored candle in the wreathe and vestments for the Eucharist. But the themes of the season continue: we are still preparing.

For earlier generations, Gaudete was a respite from penitence: as we would mark the season as a “little Lent”. And many still adhere to this philosophy of the season. But I find such a response limiting. That solemness is characterized by abstaining from pleasure for the sake of growth. This season in which we prepare for the Incarnate Joy to be with us, feels entirely different.

The need for a reminder, here in the middle of December, that we are to rejoice in the glory of God to come, is no less valuable now. In fact, I think it is even more so. For we are called to rejoice, not in presents and music, cookies and greens returning to our lives, but for a God breaking into the world with an eternal gift of love for us. Let us rejoice that this promise is for the whole world.

With love,
Drew

Filed Under: The Rector's Blog Tagged With: Advent, Gaudete Sunday, rejoice

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CONTACT

St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church
215 N. 7th St
Terre Haute, IN 47807

812-232-5165

officeadmin@ststephensth.org

ABOUT

St. Stephen’s is a sacramental community following Jesus’s Way of Love.

We worship on Sundays at 8 & 10.

AFFILIATIONS

St. Stephen’s is a member of The Episcopal Church and congregation of the Episcopal Diocese of Indianapolis.

St. Stephen’s is a member of the Homeless Council of the Wabash Valley

PARKING

St. Stephen’s is across from Indiana State University. Nearby parking lots are run by ISU and are free after 5pm weekdays and are free all weekend long. 

Five marked spots in the lot directly behind the church are available during the week.

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