December 22,2020 - Cardinal urges Catholics to celebrate Christmas safely

Cardinal Seán P. O’Malley announced today that the parishes of the Archdiocese of Boston have undertaken significant preparations to celebrate Christmas Masses during the current pandemic.
 
“By following Archdiocesan safety policies our parishes are able to welcome a reduced number of parishioners and visitors at Masses this week,” said Cardinal Seán. “Despite all of the challenges we will celebrate Christmas; in smaller groups, with some attending Mass in person and others watching the Mass live-streamed from their parish or on Catholic television. We encourage people to review their local parish websites or call ahead to register for in-person attendance and request other pertinent information as required by the parish."
 
MC Sullivan, RN MTS JD, Chief Healthcare Ethicist and a member of the Archdiocesan Pandemic Response team joined the Cardinal today in discussing the expansive approach implemented by the Archdiocese of Boston.

Ms. Sullivan added, "Our message is clear: we want people to be able to safely share in the celebration of the Mass, welcoming the Christ Child. For in-person Masses, we will adhere to the state requirements regarding capacity levels. In fact, we operate well below the 40% threshold currently authorized. We know that we can be together by safely practicing well designed and established protocols that respect the common good.”
 
Basic protocols that parishes have implemented and general information:

• Mask wearing required for in person Masses.
• Social distancing required.
• Registration required prior to attending Mass (Churches operating at reduced capacity).
• Dress warmly, as Church windows may be open to provide good airflow.
• Mass schedules may be different than you are accustomed to - please check your parish website or give the parish a call.
• Most parishes are offering Masses both in-person and live-streaming.
• Some parishes are not offering in-person Masses so please check locally.
• In these pandemic times, as indeed in all times, if people are not feeling well, they should not come to Mass. This is a good way of respecting the common good.  
• Cardinal Seán has issued a general dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass during the pandemic.
• If people attend Mass in-person, there will be no singing of Christmas carols out loud.

Christmas Mass TV Schedule
 
Christmas Eve:

• 8:00pm: Midnight Mass from St. Peter’s with Pope Francis (CatholicTV)
• 11:00pm: Christmas Mass from Bethlehem (CatholicTV)
• 12 midnight: Midnight Mass, Cardinal Sean at the Cathedral (CatholicTV)

Christmas Day:

• 8:00am: Christmas Mass with Cardinal Sean - WLVI-TV
• 9:30am: Christmas Mass with Cardinal Sean - CatholicTV
• 12:00pm: Christmas Mass with Cardinal Sean - WHDH-TV, Ch 7
• 5:00pm: Christmas Mass from the National Shrine - CatholicTV
• 5:30pm: La Santa Misa (Spanish Christmas Mass)- CatholicTV
• See the full schedule of Christmas programming at CatholicTV.com/schedule…or watch Christmas Mass at WatchtheMass.com