ADVENT |
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What is the meaning of the Advent Wreath?
Since circles have no beginning and no end, the circular shape of the Advent Wreath is used to symbolize God the Father and eternal life. The wreath holds four candles which are lit over the four weeks of Advent. There are three violet (purple) candles and one rose candle, each representing 1,000 years. Added together, the four candles symbolize the 4,000 years that humanity waited for the Savior. Violet is a liturgical color that is used to signify a time of penance, sacrifice, and prayer. During the first two and the last weeks of Advent we light violet candles. The Third Sunday of Advent is called Gaudete (Rejoice) Sunday. On this day we celebrate that our waiting for Christmas is almost over. Rose is a liturgical color that is used to signify joy, so we light the rose candle on the third Sunday of Advent. Each of the four candles on an Advent wreath has their own meaning. The first Sunday of Advent symbolizes Hope with the Prophet’s Candle reminding us that Jesus is coming. The second Sunday of Advent symbolizes Faith with the Bethlehem Candle reminding us of Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem. The third Sunday of Advent symbolizes Joy with the Shepherd’s Candle reminding us of the Joy the world experienced at the coming birth of Jesus. The fourth Sunday symbolizes Peace with the Angel’s Candle reminding us of the message of the angels: “Peace on Earth, Good Will Toward Men.” When Advent Wreaths are decorated the materials often have symbolic meaning. The use of evergreens reminds us of our eternal life with Christ, holly represents the crown of thorns from the Passion of Jesus, and pinecones symbolize Christ’s Resurrection.
Since circles have no beginning and no end, the circular shape of the Advent Wreath is used to symbolize God the Father and eternal life. The wreath holds four candles which are lit over the four weeks of Advent. There are three violet (purple) candles and one rose candle, each representing 1,000 years. Added together, the four candles symbolize the 4,000 years that humanity waited for the Savior. Violet is a liturgical color that is used to signify a time of penance, sacrifice, and prayer. During the first two and the last weeks of Advent we light violet candles. The Third Sunday of Advent is called Gaudete (Rejoice) Sunday. On this day we celebrate that our waiting for Christmas is almost over. Rose is a liturgical color that is used to signify joy, so we light the rose candle on the third Sunday of Advent. Each of the four candles on an Advent wreath has their own meaning. The first Sunday of Advent symbolizes Hope with the Prophet’s Candle reminding us that Jesus is coming. The second Sunday of Advent symbolizes Faith with the Bethlehem Candle reminding us of Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem. The third Sunday of Advent symbolizes Joy with the Shepherd’s Candle reminding us of the Joy the world experienced at the coming birth of Jesus. The fourth Sunday symbolizes Peace with the Angel’s Candle reminding us of the message of the angels: “Peace on Earth, Good Will Toward Men.” When Advent Wreaths are decorated the materials often have symbolic meaning. The use of evergreens reminds us of our eternal life with Christ, holly represents the crown of thorns from the Passion of Jesus, and pinecones symbolize Christ’s Resurrection.
We look forward to seeing you in person* at the Mass.
Saturday Vigil 4:30pm
Sunday Masses 7:30am, 9am, 11am
*Masks are needed for those who are not vaccinated or those who wish to wear them.
Saturday Vigil 4:30pm
Sunday Masses 7:30am, 9am, 11am
*Masks are needed for those who are not vaccinated or those who wish to wear them.
CLICK to view Sunday Mass
If you can not attend Mass in person, you can find Fall River Diocese Television Mass on Sundays at 11am on WLNE-TV, ABC Channel 6, New Bedford-Providence or click the picture (link) on the left to view online.
CLICK TO READ the Pastoral Letter and Resources
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SacramentsBaptism
Last Sunday of the month by appointment. Please call the Parish Office to register. Penance Confessions heard Saturday 3:30pm-4:15pm and anytime by appointment. Marriage Please contact us at least six months in advance. Couples should call the Parish Office for an appointment with the Pastor. Sacrament of the Sick To receive this sacrament or for communion for the home bound please call the Parish Office. Considering a vocation? http://fallrivervocations.org |
We, at St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Parish, strive to imitate the example of our patroness in the "little ways" of serving God by serving one another. St. Theresa's is centered in prayer and the sacramental life of the Catholic Church, especially the celebration of the Holy Eucharist.
Our mission is summed up in the Commandment of Christ:
"Love One Another, As I Have Loved You."
Our mission is summed up in the Commandment of Christ:
"Love One Another, As I Have Loved You."
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