Mass during the Advent

[cw4lsu]

I am new to the church and have been attending since March and was confirmed recently on Nov 4 through the RCIA process. I was wondering does the order of Mass differ during the Advent season or is it similiar to Mass during ordinary time. I know it varies a little during Lent and Easter. I know during Easter the priest usually has the rite of sprinkling at the beginning and during Lent we usually “sing” the Kyrie Eleison at my parish insteading of “reciting” in English Lord have mercy. I was just wondering how the Mass varies during Advent as opposed to Mass during ordinary time?? Please help.

 

[benedictgal]

Advent, like Lent, is a penitential season of the Church. During Advent, as during Lent, the Gloria is neither sung nor recited. However, unlike Lent, the Alleluia is sung during Advent.

Although Advent is a penitential season (the priest wears purple vestments during the 1st, 2nd and 4th Sundays and Rose during the 3rd Sunday -called Gaudete Sunday), the focus is centered on the two comings of Christ. The first two Sundays concentrate on His Second coming. Thet last two, because they are so near towards Christmas, focus on his coming among us as Man through the mystery of the Incarnation.

Contrary to what you find in the secular world, when you enter the Church on the first Sunday of Advent, you will find a wreath with four candles (three purple, one rose). This is the Advent wreath. The four candles signify the four Sundays of Advent. If there is a white candle, that is lit on Christmas, to signify Christ.

The music is more muted during Advent. We don’t break out into Christms carols until the first vigil Mass of Christmas Eve. Instead, the Church sings hymns such as O Come, O Come Emmanuel, the King Shall Come when Morning Dawns and other Advent hymns to remind us that we are in joyful hope.

I hope this helps you.