Christmas
Christmas Mass and confession times throughout the diocese The Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord (Christmas) is Saturday, Dec. 25, 2021. In the dioceses of the United States, the Feast of the Holy Family is commuted to Sunday, Dec. 26, 2021. Both days carry an obligation of the faithful to participate in Mass; however, Christmas outranks the Feast of the Holy Family. Therefore, Masses in the afternoon and evening of Dec. 25, are to be the Mass during the Day for Christmas. There will be no vigil Mass this year for the Feast of the Holy Family. Mass Obligation The faithful must fulfill the obligation to participate in Mass for both Christmas and the Feast of the Holy Family in separate Masses. However, fulfillment of the obligation is not dependent upon Mass texts but upon the time at which a person participates in Mass. Therefore, for example, if a person who has participated in a Mass either on Christmas eve or Christmas morning, then participates in another Mass at 4 p.m. on Christmas day, the obligations for both Christmas and the Feast of the Holy Family are satisfied. In Summary Fulfillment of Mass obligation for Christmas: Participation in Mass on Christmas Eve or any time on Christmas Day (including Christmas night). Fulfillment of Mass obligation for Feast of the Holy Family: Participation in Mass at 4 p.m. or later on Christmas Day or on Sunday, Dec. 26, the Feast of the Holy Family. Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales, Houma Christmas Eve: 4, 6 p.m., Midnight Christmas Day: 7, 9, 11 a.m.; 4 p.m. Confession: Parish Advent confessions, Dec. 22, 6 p.m. until; 30 minutes before Mass and ending 10 minutes before Mass St. Joseph Co-Cathedral, Thibodaux Christmas Eve: 4, 6 p.m., Midnight Christmas Day: 7:30, 9:30, 11:30 a.m.; 4 p.m. Confession: “The Light is On for You,” Dec. 15, 6:15-7:15 p.m.; 30 minutes before each Mass – Monday to Sunday; Saturdays, 3-3:55 p.m.; By request Annunziata, Houma Christmas Eve: 4 p.m., midnight Christmas Day: 10 a.m. Christ the Redeemer, Thibodaux Christmas Eve: 4, 6 p.m.; 8 p.m. Spanish Mass; Midnight Christmas Day: 7, 9 a.m. Confession: Mercy Nights: Wednesdays Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22, 6 p.m.; Multiple opportunities for Christmas confessions. Please visit the website at www.ctr-htdiocese.org for a complete list of dates and times.
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December 2021 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 53
