This Sunday, the third Sunday of Advent, is also known as Gaudete Sunday, a name dating back to the Roman Catholic calendar of the church year. The name, which means “rejoice,” comes from the first words of the Latin introit antiphon “Rejoice in the Lord always.” Originally, this day was meant to be a lighter day of joy in the midst of a penitent season. Our current view of Advent focuses more on hope and expectation, so there is not as much need to designate a day of joy. All of Advent becomes joyful as we wait for the celebration of our Lord’s first coming while continuing to anticipate his second coming. However we think of Advent today, it is still a time of preparation. A time to prepare ourselves to receive our Savior once again.

Don’t forget our Advent event tomorrow: Mingle and Munch, Sweaters and Sips from 5:30-9 p.m. at the Nichols home in the Northland (1405 NW 94th Street, KCMO). Please bring a beverage and an appetizer or dessert to share. Let us know you’re coming

I haven’t included a financial snapshot in a while, so here are the numbers through November 30, 2025, and an update on Stewardship.

Revenues:

MTD Budget $167,265; MTD Actual $340,235

YTD Budget $1,838,040; YTD Actual $1,889,510

Expenses:

MTD Budget $159,947; MTD Actual $197,291

YTD Budget $1,780,462; YTD Actual $1,780,856

Our 2025 Annual Giving Campaign goal was $455,000. As of December 1, we have received $405,401.

Our 2026 Annual Giving Campaign goal is $465,000. To date, we have received 67 Pledges for a total of $286,881.

Please continue to pray for one another, for our Cathedral family, our nation, and the world.