This year, as Christmas falls on a Monday, it is understandable if parishioners are confused about the obligation to attend Sunday Mass and Mass for the Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord, Christmas.

There remains the obligation to attend Mass for the Fourth Sunday (Fourth week) of Advent. Those Advent Masses will be celebrated on Saturday, December 23, 5:00 p.m., and Sunday, December 24, at 7:30, 9:00, 10:30, 11:00 (auditorium) a.m., and 12:30 p.m. That concludes the Masses for the Fourth Sunday of Advent.

Masses for Christmas begin on Sunday, December 24 (Christmas Eve) at 4:00 p.m., in the church, the auditorium, and the gym, as well as 6:00 and 8:00 p.m. in the church, and the “Midnight Mass” at 11:00 p.m., (Christmas carols with the choir at 10:30 p.m.) Masses for Christmas Day will be celebrated in the church at 7:30, 9:00, 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. There is no Mass in the auditorium or in the evening on Christmas Day.

In summary: Catholics are obligated to attend TWO Masses; one for the Fourth Sunday of Advent and one for Christmas. (The full schedule is printed on this website.)

This might be the appropriate time to review the Christmas confession schedule. Confessions will be heard in the church on Saturday, December 23, at 9-10:30 a.m. and later, 1-2:30 p.m.

We look forward to these joy- and grace-filled celebrations.