Rorate Mass on Saturday in Tacoma!
You are invited to an Advent tradition: a Rorate Mass on Saturday, December 6 at 6:30 AM. I can already hear the questions forming. What is a Rorate Mass? And why on earth would you have one so early in the morning?
Well, here’s the FAQ, as the kids say.
What is a Rorate Mass? It is a Solemn Votive Mass in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary celebrated in Advent. It is traditionally celebrated by candlelight and sung in Gregorian Chant.
Why so early? The Rorate Mass is traditionally celebrated so that the sky is dawning just as it finishes. This is to symbolize the coming of Christ, the Light of the World. This is why it is celebrated by candlelight. We are planning coffee and pastries afterward, courtesy of our Young Adult group.
Why is it called Rorate? The name comes from the opening words of the Entrance Antiphon, Rorate cæli desuper, Latin for “Drop down dew, ye heavens”.
Where is the Mass being celebrated? The Mass will be celebrated at Saint Patrick Church, Tacoma.
Who is celebrating the Mass? The Mass will be celebrated by the Very Rev. David Mulholland, pastor of our parishes.
I hope you will be able to join us for this beautiful, transcendent Mass.
