From the Sazellum...
 

• Gaudete in Domino semper: iterum dico, gaudete! -- Rejoice in the Lord always, I say again, rejoice!
  
  The antiphon from third Sunday of Advent, which gives this day's special title "Gaudete Sunday," comes from St. Paul's exhortation to the Philippians (4:4-6).  He writes:

  
  Rejoices always in the Lord; again I will say, Rejoice.  Let all men know of your forbearance.  The Lord is near.  Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
   

  Indeed, there is much for which we rejoice and give thanks here at Stift Klosterneuburg.  We have enjoyed two years of strong growth in vocations and already look forward to the promise of a third.  Your prayers and supplications are vital in this effort and we rejoice over the interest and give thanks for the generous support, which we have received this last year and a half. 
  
  There are many exciting things already being plan for the coming year including a special Mass for the friends of Stift Klosterneuburg in the United States of America on Saturday, February 14th and a pilgrimage to the Austria and Hungary in May.  As these plans become concrete, you will find more details here. 
  
  Every day is one day closer to the realization of our common hopes and dreams.  We are making a better life for priests and therewith a better life for the faithful. 
  
  Together with forbearance and trust in God, Our Heavenly Father, we shall reach our goals.
  
  Merry Christmas and a Blessed and Prosperous 2004!
  
  
   

• Statistics for Austrian Congregation as of October 31, 2003.
  
  Every December the Austrian Congregation produces report on the personnel of the order.  In 2003 the membership of the order remained stable, despite the death of two members. 
  
  
   

*"Priests" include three priests in simple vows and one priest in the novitiate.

*"Priests" include two in simple vows and one in the novitiate.

Stift Klosterneuburg has grown to 44 members in 2003, a net gain of three. 

There is a net gain of one novice in 2003.

There is a net gain of two Juniors (clerics in simple vows) over 2002.

The Canons Regular of the Austrian Congregation care for 121 parishes in Austria, South Tyrol and Norway.