Celebrate Christmas

Christmas Eve, December 24th

• 4 p.m. in the church and the Parish Activity Center (PAC)
• 6:30 p.m. in the church

Christmas Day, December 25th

• Midnight in the church
• 9 a.m. in the church
• 10:45 a.m. in the church

To everyone joining us in person, virtually or spiritually to celebrate the birth of our Savior, welcome and Merry Christmas! Whether you are a long-time parishioner or you’re visiting us for the first time, we hope you feel at home. Just as it can be awkward to visit family you haven’t seen in a long time or to meet new family members, it can feel awkward coming to Mass. That’s okay. You are still welcome here! Following are a few of points to help guide you in this experience:

Keeping Up

The Mass has movements, both in structure and action. If you’re unfamiliar with these movements, don’t worry about trying to anticipate what’s happening next. Just be present to what is going on in the moment. If you stand or sit a little bit later than those around you, it’s okay.

Experiencing the Unknown

When you don’t know what is happening, it’s tempting to check out and turn your attention to something that feels more comfortable like a phone or a book, or to engage those around you so you don’t feel alone in the unknown. Well, a constant element in the Catholic Faith is mystery and in that spirit, we challenge you to lean into the mystery experienced during the Mass. If there is something being read from the altar or the choir is singing, close your eyes and listen for something that stands out to you - just one thing - then ask yourself, “What does this say about God’s closeness to his people?”

Holy Communion

At the point in the Mass when Holy Communion is distributed, remember that the act of receiving Holy Communion is a sign of oneness of faith, life and worship. Therefore, only Catholics who are not conscious of grave sin (a failure in genuine love for God and neighbor) and have fasted for one hour should receive Communion. If you are not receiving Holy Communion, feel free to remain seated during distribution or, if you would like to receive a blessing, come forward with your arms crossed over your chest and hands on your shoulders. If you are not Catholic, but have been curious about the Faith, check out our Becoming Catholic page. If you are Catholic and aware of grave sin in your life, God’s mercy and forgiveness are readily available to you in the Sacrament of Reconciliation (commonly referred to as confession). In the Catholic Faith, Christmas is a season, not just a day, so it’s possible to go to confession and still receive Holy Communion at Christmas (confession and Mass times are listed to the left/above).