As we enter the Advent Season of preparation, we are acutely aware that the Feast of the Incarnation: Christmas is near. Typically we do not spend a lot of Advent discussing Christmas, except as a day that we anticipate with joy. Unfortunately, the current pandemic has made logistical planning for Christmas, much more urgent and important than it would usually be. For that reason, we have spent a lot of time discussing our Christmas liturgical schedule, in the realization that things will not be back to normal before we reach the end of December. Before laying out our schedule, which will be repeated very frequently over the next four weeks, there are a couple of things that need to be mentioned.
• The dispensation from the Obligation to attend Mass from Bishop O’Connell will be in place for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
• All current attendance, social distancing, and facemask guidelines will continue to be in place.
• The celebration of Masses on Christmas Eve and Day will be, by necessity, simplified (reduced congregational singing, no designated “Children’s Mass”…etc.).
• There will be multiple livestreaming options for those who wish to attend Mass virtually.
• There will be Masses added to the schedule, celebrated in Ferrante Hall, to help spread out our attendance. These are “live” Masses, NOT livestream broadcasts of the Mass in taking place in the church at the same time.
• Reservations for popular Masses was considered as an option, but due to the complication of implementation, and the number of “visitors” that can attend at Christmas, it was determined that this would be counterproductive.