Those who would like to spend Gaudete Sunday making a joyful noise to the Lord are invited to take part in an Advent Pilgrimage of Prayer and Praise on Sunday, Dec. 14, at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Peoria.

“Rejoice! Rejoice! Rejoice in the Lord Greatly” includes an opportunity for choir directors, music teachers, choir members and family and friends from around the diocese to join the Cathedral Choir for the 10:30 a.m. Mass at the cathedral. After the liturgy there will be a tour of the mother church of the diocese, including the St. Thomas More Chapel with its treasury of relics, and the bishop’s home. A light lunch will follow at the Spalding Pastoral Center.

The afternoon concludes with the Sing-It-Yourself Messiah at 2:30 p.m. at St. Mary’s Cathedral. This is the 39th year for the community sing-along, which will be conducted by Dr. John Jost, professor of music performance and director of choral activities at Bradley University. Bring your own score or purchase one at the door — $5 for students and $10 for adults.

A free-will offering will be accepted. Proceeds from the concert will benefit the Christmas drive of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Peoria.

Reservations are required for lunch and would be appreciated for the Mass, tour and concert so the appropriate hospitality can be arranged. A donation of $5 is requested to help cover the cost for the box lunch.

For more information, contact Greg Etzel, director of sacred music for the Diocese of Peoria, at (309) 671-1550 or getzel@cdop.org.