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December 19, 2024Dear friends in Christ,
We’re in the homestretch for Christmas, brothers and sisters, and on this 4th Sunday of Advent we hear in the Scriptures the account of the Mary visiting her kinswoman wherein the child in Elizabeth’s womb (John the Baptist) “leaped” because the presence of Lord was so close. This final week of Advent invites us to recognize that the one and same Lord draws near as well. You may not leap (though it wouldn’t hurt!), but do not let this proximity of God pass you by. Let us seek the presence of the Emmanuel, the one who is coming – and indeed has already come – into our lives.
In this final week of Advent, I’m certain that many of us will spend much of tomorrow and maybe even Tuesday taking care of last-minute shopping and getting ready for Christmas. In the midst of all that activity, however, I invite you to resolve to carve out quiet time for you and your family. You might even let the words “Come, Come Emmanuel” be the silent refrain that runs through your heart. If you must do it while waiting in traffic or looking for a parking space, so be it. But do take time to pray in the midst of it all. It’s still Advent, after all. Quiet yourself, even if for just a few moments, and wait patiently for the Lord. I assure you it will make your Christmas celebration that much joyful. Our God is near to us and so it is appropriate that we also draw near to our God.
Let’s review one final time the Christmas Mass schedule for this week. On Christmas Eve, Tuesday, Dec. 24, masses will be at 4 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 8:30 p.m. and 12 midnight. On Christmas Day, Saturday, Dec. 25, masses will be at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. (the 11 a.m. will be in English and Spanish). We will have overflow seating available in the Parish Hall with communion brought over for all masses, though we usually only need it at 4 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. And yes, the answer to the age-old question, “What time does Midnight Mass start?” is, once again, “Midnight.” And speaking of Midnight Mass, it along with the 4 p.m. and the 9 a.m. Mass, will be livestreamed.
A couple of other notes: The nursery will be open only for the 4 p.m. Christmas Eve mass. (We close it at the other masses so that our dedicated nursery staff can have time with their own families on Christmas.) As we’ve said in the past, we don’t have a “children’s Mass” because children are welcome at every Mass and the Mass is always for everyone, but clearly the 4 p.m. liturgy on Christmas Eve takes on that appearance with the great number of families with small children in attendance.
At the 4 and 6:30 p.m. masses, we will read the traditional Gospel reading for Christmas, Luke 2:1-14. That’s the familiar one with mention of Bethlehem, a manger, and shepherds in the field. It’s one that kids know best, so I might suggest that families with children attend either of those liturgies (it’s also read at Midnight). For the 8:30 p.m. Mass, we’ll hear the Gospel assigned for the Vigil, Matthew 1:1-25. It’s the long reading of the genealogy of Jesus and thus there is no mention of swaddling clothes or angels signing on high. It often takes people aback to hear that gospel on Christmas because it doesn’t mention the scene at Bethlehem. It is the assigned reading for the Vigil because it speaks of how Jesus is the true son of David. Both are entirely appropriate on Christmas, but families with younger kids might like the traditional reading. Also, if you have sensitive allergies, please note that for the 6:30 p.m. Mass we will not use incense. It will be used, however, at all other masses.
Do plan to arrive early to find a parking space and a pew. Carols will be sung beginning 30 minutes before each mass. We ask that any seats you try to “save” for late arriving family and friends be opened up 15 minutes before the start of mass. It’s only fair so please respect this policy. Also be mindful of the police directing traffic and please obey the traffic signs and do not park in turn-arounds or exits.
Though the Christmas liturgies are always well attended and it seems at times we couldn’t fit one more person in the Church, I think this is the perfect time to invite someone to come with you, perhaps a family member or friend who has not been to Mass in a long time. Maybe they are feeling alienated from the Church for whatever reason, but now could be the right time to come back home. We’ll make room for everyone, I promise. It is only through personal invitation and witness that we can ever hope to bring more people to know the love of Jesus. Give some thought this week to one person you could invite to attend Mass with you on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. Coordinate a time that they can come and make plans to sit with them in the pews. Then let the Lord do the work! But they need our invitation first. All are truly welcome here in this place.
Most of all, come with a good attitude, be ready to welcome the stranger or newcomer who may be visiting and simply be patient. Christ has come into our world! That’s why we are all here on Christmas – to praise God for sending us Christ the Redeemer. Don’t let anything keep you from praising God for the blessing of the birth of His son! Fr. Vincent, our deacons, and our entire pastoral CtR staff join me in wishing you a blessed and holy Christmas.
Peace, Fr. Sean
P.S.: As we near the end of 2024, I invite you to prayerfully consider a special end-of-the-year financial gift to CtR. Gifts of cash and stock are also most welcomed at this time of the year. In addition, those 70½ years of age or older might consider a charitable IRA rollover donation. For more information, please contact Deacon Kerry Bourque, our Parish Administrator, at 281-469-5533, or [email protected]. Thank you for remembering CtR at Christmas and for your generosity and support throughout the year.