Congratulations to our Notre Dame de Lourdes Children’s Choir for winning the Elementary School Division of the B-101 Christmas Concert competition. Congratulations to Mrs. Wertner for conducting our choir and for preparing our students for this competition. In addition to the financial award, our students will be given the opportunity to perform at the B-101 studios, perform with the Philly Pops at their Christmas Concert, and receive a shout-out as they attend a Christmas Concert with the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Cool!
We are blessed at Notre Dame de Lourdes to offer programs in both the creative and performing arts. Our choir students volunteer and give of their own time to practice and perform. Their love of music, most especially sacred music is a testament to their faith and the values they receive in their Catholic education. Once again congratulations on the recognition for what you do and for this tremendous accomplishment. Blessings abundantly!
The O Antiphons were composed in the ninth century, during the heart of the Dark Ages, to educate the faithful of the meaning of the Advent season. The hymn, “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” sets the O Antiphons to music for easier recollection. The O Antiphons introduce the Canticle of Mary (The Magnificat) during Vespers (Evening Prayer of the Church) from 17 December through 23 December. They begin with “O Wisdom.” The O Antiphons are in chronological order: O Wisdom, O Lord of Might, O Rod of Jesse, O Key of David, O Dayspring from on High, O Desire of Nations, O Emmanuel. The O antiphons for this Third Week of Advent are:
17th – O Sapiens (O Wisdom, O holy Word of God, you govern all creation with your strong yet tender care. Come and show your people the way to salvation).
18th – O Adonai (O Sacred Lord of ancient Israel, who showed yourself to Moses in the burning bush, who gave him the holy law on Sinai: come, stretch out your mighty hand to set us free.)
19th – O Radix (O Flower of Jesse’s stem, you have been raised up as a sign for all peoples; kings stand silent in your presence; the nations bow down in worship before you. Come, let nothing keep you from coming to our aid.)
20th – O Clavis (O Key of David, O royal Power of Israel controlling at your will the gate of heaven: come, break down the prison walls of death for those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death; and lead your captive people into freedom.)
When listed acrostically in reverse chronological order they form the Latin word: Cras meaning “tomorrow.” This was a creative way to remember the teaching of the Advent season during a dark period where formal education was very limited. With the growing light of the Advent wreath, and the emphasis of the word ‘tomorrow’ offered to a waiting world the promise of salvation.
Mass Readings – 3rd Sunday of Advent – 14 December 2025 Cycle A
Isaiah 35:1-6a, 10 – How would you describe the glory of the Lord? / In what area of your faith and spirituality do you need strong hands and firm knees? / What are your fears? How can God calm them? / Do you need to return to the Lord this Christmas? Do you know someone who does? How can you help them to return?
Responsorial Psalm 146:6-7, 8-9, 9-10 – R. Lord, come and save us. How has the Lord sustained you? How has he thwarted you? / In what ways does our world need the Lord as he is being described in the first two verses of this Psalm? In what ways do you?
James 5:7-10 – How patient are you? In what ways were the prophets patient? / Are you a complainer? What is the source of your complaints? Is anyone listening?
Matthew 11:2-11 – Are you looking for another? / If you had to report back to John, what are the things that you see and hear? / Why did people go out to see John? Would you? Why or why not?