Laetare Sunday (/liːˈtɛːri/ or /lʌɪˈtɑːri/) is the fourth Sunday in the season of Lent, in the Western Christian liturgical calendar. Traditionally, this Sunday has been a day of celebration, within the austere period of Lent. This Sunday gets its name from the first few words (incipit) of the traditional Latin entrance (Introit) for the Mass of the day. "Laetare Jerusalem" ("Rejoice, O Jerusalem") is Latin from Isaiah 66:10.If you wish to talk to our vicar, or do a private or counseling confession, please speak with him. He is available by appointment.
This Sunday is also known as Mothering Sunday, Refreshment Sunday, mid-Lent Sunday (in French mi-carême) and Rose Sunday (either because the golden rose (sent by Popes to Catholic sovereigns) used to be blessed at this time, or because the use of rose-colored (rather than violet) vestments was permitted on this day).
Historically, the day was also known as "the Sunday of the Five Loaves," from the story of the miracle of the loaves and fishes. Before the adoption of the modern "common lectionaries", this narrative was the traditional Gospel reading for this Sunday in Roman Catholic, Lutheran, Anglican, and Old Catholic churches.
On Mothering Sunday, Christians have historically visited their mother church—the church in which they received the sacrament of baptism.
In Roman Catholic, Anglican Catholic, Lutheran and Old Catholic churches flowers may appear on the high altar and special music may be played in addition to the organ. Priests are given the option to wear rose-colored vestments at Mass held on this day in place of the violet vestments normally worn during Lent. The term "rose" is used to describe this lighter shade of the color violet in the Western Rite.
The Sunday is considered a day of relaxation from normal Lenten rigors; a day of hope with Easter at last within sight. Traditionally, weddings (otherwise banned during Lent) could be performed on this day, and servants were released from service for the day to visit their mother church, the place in which they received the sacrament of baptism (hence 'Mothering Sunday').
Laetare Sunday is also the last Sunday before the solemness of Passion Sunday begins. Confessions may also be scheduled with the priest.
Trinity 15 Sermon: Trusting God Over Anxiety and Worry
Jesus says we cannot serve two masters — and anxiety itself can become one. This Trinity 15 sermon explores Matthew 6:24-34 and the call to trust God over worry.
Thankfulness and Saving Faith: A Trinity 14 Reflection
Why did only one leper return to Jesus? In Luke 17:11-19, all ten lepers received physical healing, but only one returned to thank Christ. Fr. Dan explains that gratitude is more than good manners. It is the response of a heart that recognizes God’s mercy and seeks relationship with the Giver rather than simply enjoying the gift. Through thanksgiving, the Samaritan received not only cleansing but true spiritual wholeness.
Love That Crosses the Road: The Good Samaritan and Grace
The Good Samaritan teaches us that Christian love is more than feeling sympathy or performing respectable religious duties. Because Christ has first shown mercy to us, we are called to cross the road, draw near to those in need, and make His love visible through acts of compassion.