Before the first candle is lighted, the household gathers for this blessing. The blessing of an Advent Wreath takes place on the First Sunday of Advent or on the evening before the First Sunday of ...

Place the candles ... during Advent is not the same as that for Lent and some joy is permitted. Gaudete means "rejoice" and takes its name from the first word of the Introit for that Sunday.

The three purple candles will be lit on the first, second and fourth Sunday of Advent. The pink candle will be lit on the third Sunday of Advent, known as Gaudete Sunday. Gaudete means ‘to ...