Laetare Sunday

Andrew J. Macirowski Pastoral Coordinator for Worship & Music / Principal Organist

The 4th Sunday of Lent, also known as Laetare Sunday gets its name from the first few words of the Entrance Antiphon for the day.

The entrance antiphon is one of the propers of the Mass, that is the text that changes each day in accord with the liturgical calendar, and in the hierarchy of the liturgy, one of the parts that should be sung each day.

The readings for the day take a more hopeful turn as we are now 21 days from the celebration of Easter. In Year A, the Gospel of Jesus curing the man born blind is proclaimed. In Year B, the famous John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life. In Year C, the story of the prodigal son is heard.

The full translated text reads: Rejoice, Jerusalem, and all who love her. Be joyful, all who were in mourning; exult and be satisfied at her consoling breast.

Some differences from the rest of the Lenten season:

The clergy wear Rose-colored vestments, not unlike Gaudate Sunday, the day of rejoicing during the Advent season. The organ may be used as a solo instrument, a departure from its otherwise restricted use during the season of Lent. Flowers may be temporarily used in church decorations. The sense of being able to rejoice with the hope of the resurrection can be reassuring for some and the Church gives us this day for that reason. With the 5th Sunday of Lent, a more somber tone returns as we enter Passiontide, Palm Sunday with the commemoration of the Lord’s entry into Jerusalem, the Last Supper and the crucifixion, followed by Holy Week and the Sacred Paschal Triduum.