Welcome to the third week of Advent! We have lit the candle of Hope and the candle of Peace. This week, you will notice a change. On our Advent Wreath, we don’t light another purple candle. Instead, we light the Pink (or Rose) candle. This week is known as Gaudete Sunday, which is Latin for “Rejoice!” The waiting is almost over, the light is getting brighter, and the mood changes from being quiet to being joyful.

This week, we light the pink candle on the wreath. This is the candle of Joy

Day 1 – Shout for Joy

We invite you to start with the Sign of the Cross.

Response: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen

A reading from the Prophet Zephaniah (3:14-15)

“Sing aloud, O daughter Zion; shout, O Israel! Rejoice and exult with all your heart, O daughter Jerusalem! The Lord has taken away the judgments against you, he has turned away your enemies. The King of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst; you shall fear disaster no more.”

The Word of the Lord.

R./ Thanks be to God

The prophets in the Bible are usually quite serious people, warning us to change our ways. But today, Zephaniah sounds like he is at a football match! He is telling people to “shout” and “exult with all your heart.” In the Catholic tradition, Joy is not just about being happy when things are going well. Happiness is like the weather—it changes depending on what happens to us. Joy is different. Joy is deep. It comes from knowing that “The Lord is in your midst”—that we are not alone. Even when things are tough, Joy is the feeling that tells us life is still good.

Discussion Questions:

• What is the difference between “happiness” (e.g., getting something nice) and “joy” (e.g., seeing a friend you haven’t seen in ages)?
  
• The colour for this week is Pink (Rose). Why do you think the Church uses a brighter colour for this week?
  
• Who is the most “joyful” person you know? What makes them like that?
  

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Day 2 – The Fun Theory

We invite you to start with the Sign of the Cross.

Response: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

We often think that doing the “right thing” has to be boring or difficult. But this week is about Joy. We are going to watch a short video called “The Piano Stairs.” It was an experiment to see if making something fun and joyful could change the way people behaved.

That video shows us something simple but important: Joy is contagious. When we bring a bit of light, fun, or energy into a boring situation, it changes how people act. The “Piano Stairs” didn’t force anyone to change; it invited them to change by bringing them joy. As we prepare for Christmas, we are called to be like those stairs! We are called to be the reason someone smiles or feels lighter today.

• Think of one thing you could do today that would surprise someone with kindness or fun.
• Is there someone in your form who looks like they need cheering up?
• How can you be a “cause of joy” today?

Spend some time if you wish collecting your thoughts and reflections for your scrap book.

Day 3 – Building the Light

We invite you to start with the Sign of the Cross.

Response: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen

Our Giant Advent Wreath on the Chapel wall is growing. We have the purple flames of Hope and Peace. Today, the colour changes. We are adding the Pink flames of Joy. The wreath is now more than half full. The darkness is disappearing.

Activity: The Flame of Peace

Activity: The Flame of Joy You should now have your new form boxes with some pink paper to make your flames Joy is best when it is shared. On this flame, we want you to write a “Gratitude” or a “Joy”.

• Write the name of someone you are thankful for.
• Or write one thing that has made you smile this week.
• .

As we stick these pink flames on the wall amongst the purple ones, it reminds us that even in serious times, there is always a reason to rejoice.