This year is unique because the Fourth Sunday of Advent and Christmas Eve fall on the same day. This happens about every six or seven years, although a leap year might render the interval longer. Our Church teaches that Catholics are required to participate in the Holy Eucharist on Sundays and other Holy Days of Obligation. Although there are Holy Days of Obligation that are moveable (e.g. Immaculate Conception of Mary and Ascension of Jesus) or can be lifted due to the Monday-Saturday rule (e.g. Assumption of Mary), Christmas is a Holy Day of Obligation that is never lifted no matter what day it falls on.

Hence, the obligation for the Fourth Sunday of Advent and for Christmas must be fulfilled with a separate mass. Be sure to plan early and appropriately. Here is our schedule to guide you.

FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT
   Saturday, December 23
CHRISTMAS (A Holy Day of Obligation)
But aside from seeing it as an obligation, it would help if we all remember that if “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son,” how can we not give our all to him? If God is the source of everything, what can we give Him that does not belong to Him? Nothing. We only have love and gratitude to Him hence, we celebrate the Eucharist.