USCCB's Call to Pray and Fast

http://wdtprs.com/blog/2012/12/u-s-bishops-call-for-project-of-prayer-fasting-to-begin-30-december-to-defend-life-marriage-religious-liberty-fr-z-poll/

Missa Aurea at St. Thomas the Apostle, Corcoran MN

The Missa Aurea or "Golden Mass" was celebrated today at St. Thomas the Apostle in Corcoran. From the St. John Cantius website,

The Mass of Ember Wednesday is known as the “Missa Aurea,” or Golden Mass, because on this day the Church celebrates the “golden mystery” of the Faith: Mary’s “fiat” at the Annunciation brought about the Incarnation of the Second Person of the Trinity in her womb. Throughout the ages, this Mass has been celebrated with great solemnity. In the Middle Ages, the great St. Bernard of Clairvaux preached his homilies on the Gospel of the day which begins with the words “Missus est.” If it is at all possible, we should teach our children to observe this solemnity, first of all by participating as a family and parochial group at the solemn Mass of the day. Monsignor Hellriegel offers some very interesting material concerning the “golden Mass,” and suggests an offering for the poor as an appropriate act of thanksgiving:

For another explanation check out "The Golden Mass of Ember Wednesday" at the New Liturgical Movement website.