Christmas Like No Other
Each year during the Advent Season we wait with patient hope that God will reveal once again the saving power that comes to us as the light of the world in the darkest and shortest day in the northern hemisphere. Every year is different, and this year is no exception. It seems like there is no end in sight to the changes and adaptations each of us has had to accept, and yet along this journey we begin to see how the light and grace of newborn Jesus comforts us at the very core of our being. While there may be many hardships in the weeks and months ahead, so many of us remain hopeful in a season that promises new life and lifts us from darkness into God’s marvelous light.
For many parishioners, Christmas Eve is the ideal time to gather as many family members as possible and attend a vigil mass together. This year, I ask that you observe best hygienic practices such as wearing a facemask, keeping six feet apart, and washing or sanitizing hands regularly. Additionally, I ask you to employ the virtues of patience and kindness and to accept delays or disappointments as a natural course during this pandemic.
While many have suggested that the U.S. Constitution guarantees us the right as individuals to practice our faith, the same is tempered by our concern for the common good; namely, the health and safety of all who live in this community. Moreover, in compliance with Santa Clara County officials, Bishop Cantú allows us to celebrate mass outdoors only—at least for the time being—and we are complying with this mandate knowing full well that we will not be able to accommodate as many members who have attended in past years.
Given all of this, you may *
sign up for Christmas Eve Mass, December 24
th, at 12noon, 2pm, or 4pm for the vigil mass in the courtyard. On the same day, we will livestream Christmas Eve Mass at 6pm in the Church. On December 25th, you may *
sign up for 9am or 11am Christmas Mass in the courtyard. As mentioned, there is limited seating, so we will also livestream a Christmas Mass in the Church 8am Friday, Christmas Day.
I know many of you are making plans now for Christmas and finding the best way to celebrate our faith as members of the Roman Catholic Church. Again, please include patience, kindness, and resilience when planning this year’s celebration. We require the ability to adapt to survive, but our need to revisit the salvation already achieved by the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus calls us live as children of God—brothers and sisters in Christ.
Mass Schedule
Weekday Mass in-person: Monday – Saturday 9:30am (courtyard)
Confession: Saturday 1:30pm in the Conference Room in Pastoral Center
Saturday Vigil Mass in-person: 3pm (courtyard)
Sunday Masses: 8am
Livestream (in the Church) and 9am & 3pm Mass (courtyard)
Christmas Schedule
December 24: Masses in-person (courtyard) 12 noon, 2pm, 4pm, and 6pm
livestream (in the Church)
December 25: Masses in-person (courtyard): 9am and 11am and 8am
livestream (in the Church)
*sign-up for mass closes on previous day of scheduled mass at 7 am