In a Catholic home much goes on in preparation for Christmas. The same is true in our parish as the Day draws near. What is Christmas without Christ’s Mass? Clearly, that is where we got the word “Christmas”, unique to the English language, which goes back way before the Reformation. Christmas without assisting at Mass is an empty day. The Jesus born in Bethlehem is the same Jesus who becomes present in His holy body and blood under the appearances of bread and wine at Mass. Jesus was born to draw near to us, save us, and open for us the gates of heaven. Nowhere else is Jesus closer to us than in the Holy Eucharist. This year we have many opportunities to celebrate Christmas Mass.
On Christmas Eve, Monday, December 24th
Mr. Jeff Voss with the Folk Choir will lead the music for the Children’s Mass preceded by the Posada, which is a little Christmas pageant based on the Scriptures. This will be at 4:30pm, followed by Mass at 5:00 pm.
Later, that same night there will be Mass at 9:00 pm preceded by the singing of carols at 8:30 pm with the music directed by Dr. Cyril Deaconoff with the Liturgical singers.
The Traditional Latin Mass Society of San Francisco is sponsoring a Traditional Latin Midnight Mass for Christmas in our parish. The pre-Mass program will begin at 11:45 pm on Mon., Dec. 24th followed by the Mass at midnight. The collection taken up will go to our parish. The Rev. Fr. Alvin Yu will be the celebrant and homilist. He is a Parochial Vicar at St. Matthew’s Church in San Mateo and Director of Liturgy at St. Patrick Seminary. You may remember him from the time he served here as a seminarian. The Rev. Fr. Donald Morgan will be Deacon and the Rev. Mr. Michael Rocha will be the Subdeacon.
On Christmas Day:
At 7:30 am Mass, Carla Deasy will provide music for congregational singing.
Mr. Jeff Voss and the Folk Choir will return for the 9:30 am Mass and
Dr. Cyril Deaconoff with the Liturgical Singers will return for the 11:30 am Mass.