Where Did the Alleluia Go?

Do you ever have the feeling that something was just a bit different at Mass? Did you have that feeling yesterday? The Catholic Church often signals changes in liturgical seasons with, say, a change in the color of the priest's vestments. Sometimes, however, the change is a bit bigger.

During Lent, we get a few of those changes. The priest wears purple vestments, to signify repentance; and we omit the Gloria (or Glory to God) in the first part of the Mass. We also quit singing the Alleluia before the reading of the Gospel. Do you know why Catholics don't sing the Alleluia during Lent?

More on the Missing Alleluia:

• Reader Question: When and Why Is the Alleluia Omitted From Mass?
• Reader Question: What Should Replace the Alleluia During Lent?