In the sometimes hectic pace of the holidays, the faithful may find the Christmas and New Year weekends busier than usual on the Church calendar.

“With Christmas Day falling on a Saturday in this year, there are a few adjustments to Christmas Masses and in the following week’s Masses,” said Father Tom Kunz, diocesan vicar for canonical services. “In fact, this year, the celebrations are compressed into successive weekend days.”

For the Vigil of Christmas, 4 pm is the earliest time a vigil Mass may be scheduled on Friday, December 24.  For Christmas Day Masses, check your parish’s bulletin or website for times.

The Feast of the Holy Family comes the very next day, on Sunday, December 26.  No vigil Masses will be scheduled for the Feast of the Holy Family on Saturday, December 25 because the Christmas holy day takes precedence.

January 1, 2022, New Year’s Day, the Solemnity of Mary the Mother of God, falls on Saturday. It is not a holy day of obligation but Catholics are still encouraged to participate at Mass on that day.

The Solemnity of the Epiphany is transferred to Sunday, January 2.  Vigil Masses on Saturday, January 1, are permitted for Epiphany.

Again, parish bulletins and websites are the best places to confirm Mass times.