CHRISTMAS

The Christmas Season celebrates the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.  It runs from December 25th until the Baptism of the Lord.  The liturgical color is white, as we celebrate with joy and happiness at the coming of our Lord to the earth as man.  Jesus, who is truly God, became truly man to fulfill the will of the Father and to ultimately be our salvation on the cross. 

Traditionally, Christmas lasts for 12 days, until the Epiphany of the Lord, traditionally celebrated on January 6th.  (This year, it is celebrated January 5th.)  However, the Christmas season lasts until the Baptism of the Lord, which this year is January 12th.

As we celebrate this joyful and holy season, amidst all the hustle and bustle, the presents, the parties, etc., let us remember the real reason we are celebrating:  the birth of Jesus Christ, our Savior.  Let us be thankful for this great grace that only He can give us.

JESUS IS THE REASON FOR ALL THE SEASONS!!!       MERRY CHRISTMAS!

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CHRISTMAS SEASON ARTICLES / PRAYERS Rediscovering Christmas Joy This article from Our Sunday Visitor gives us the opportunity to reflect on the true reason for the season and for all the joy and happiness of this Christmas season:  Jesus Christ.  May we rejoice at the birth of Christ and be thankful to Him for all the graces we receive.   Click here to read The Gift of Self Christmas is indeed a time to celebrate.  However, sometimes our true reason for celebrating is taken over and overshadowed by the preparation, parties, presents, etc.  This article from Our Sunday Visitor guides us on focusing on the "presence" of Jesus Christ in our midst and to be thankful for all the graces he has given us.   Click here to read Christmas  (USCCB) The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops have many resources, including a Calendar, that you can use with your families in celebrating the Christmas season with joy, hope, and happiness.  Download a printable version of the calendar as well using the link on the right.  Click here to access Nine Day Christmas Novena The Nine Day Novena in anticipation of Christmas begins on December 16th and runs until December 24th.  Pray it from the computer on the EWTN website.   Click here to read Customs and History for Advent & Christmas A list of great links and articles for learning more about common customs and the history of the Advent and Christmas Seasons (from Our Sunday Visitor). Click here to read Christmas Devotionals and Symbols An article from EWTN explaining common symbols and devotionals of the Christmas Season. Click here to read

CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR'S MASS SCHEDULE St. Kevin Catholic Church Saturday, December 24th     (Christmas Eve) 6:00 pm         English             (Christmas Vigil Mass) Sunday, December 25th    (Christmas Day) (HOLY DAY OF OBLIGATION) 12:00 am:  Midnight Mass – Bilingual 8:00 am         English 9:30 am         Spanish 11:15 am       English 1:00 pm         Spanish 7:00 pm         Spanish Remember no Confessions on Christmas Day. Saturday, December 31st 7:30 am         English 6:00 pm         English             Vigil for Mary, Mother of God 7:30 pm         Spanish            Vigilia por Maria, Madre de Dios Sunday, January 1st, 2017  (Mary, Mother of God) (HOLY DAY OF OBLIGATION) 8:00 am         English 9:30 am         Spanish 11:15 am       English 1:00 pm         Spanish 7:00 pm         Spanish