Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel, which means “God is with us.” (Matthew 1:23)

Come Home this Christmas

Gather with us during this season of joy and peace to receive into your heart and mind the perfect Christmas gift… our Savior Jesus Christ who brings hope and love to our weary world.

Find a Catholic church near you

Mass requirements: What happens when the Fourth Sunday of Advent falls on Christmas eve?

This year the Fourth Sunday of Advent is also the same day as Christmas Eve, so what are the Mass requirements? You must attend two Masses, one for the Fourth Sunday of Advent and one for Christmas. To fulfill your obligation for the Fourth Sunday of Advent, attend Mass on Saturday evening, Dec. 23, or Sunday morning, Dec. 24. To fulfill the requirement for the Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord (Christmas), attend Mass on Sunday evening, Dec. 24, midnight Mass, Dec. 24/25, or Monday morning, Dec. 25.

Image of the book of gospels with Bishop Walkowiak in background, Christmas midnight Mass 2016 by Eric Tank
Christmas at the Cathedral (including live broadcasts)
301 Sheldon Blvd. SE, Grand Rapids

View photos from Christmas Midnight Mass (by Jaymie Perry):

Christmas Midnight Mass 2023

Cathedral Advent and Christmas schedule

WATCH THE BROADCAST OF MASS

PRELUDE & CHRISTMAS MIDNIGHT MASS: The prelude of carols at 11 p.m. on Dec. 24 followed by midnight Mass will be broadcast LIVE on TV on FOX17 (check local listings) and online on the diocesan website and on Facebook.
(WATCH VIDEO ON FACEBOOK)

On Christmas morning at 7 a.m., the video of midnight Mass was broadcast on FOX 17.

Mass from the Cathedral also is broadcast live every Sunday at 10 a.m. and Noon (Spanish).

El Preludio de Villancicos de Nochebuena con Instrumentos de Viento, Cuerdas y Coros seguido de la Misa de medianoche (en vivo) se transmitirá desde la Catedral de San Andrés en FOX 17 y en el sitio web diocesano, grdiocese.org y la página de Facebook en la víspera de Navidad. El concierto comienza a las 11 p.m. y la misa a la medianoche.

En la mañana de Navidad, habrá una repetición del Misa de medianoche en FOX 17 a las 7 a.m.

Bishop Walkowiak will celebrate the 10 a.m. Mass on Christmas day at the Cathedral of Saint Andrew.

Christmas: A Season of Peace and Hope

The message of Christ’s birth at Christmas goes out to all the world bringing peace and hope to all the earth. The arrival of the “word made flesh” thousands of years ago was the fulfillment of God’s long-awaited promise of salvation for all people. Between Christ’s birth and his second coming, he is with us now: when two or more are gathered in his name; when we hear the word of God proclaimed; when we turn to him in prayer or to ask for absolution from our sins; when we take part in the Eucharistic celebration. Join us to celebrate this season of joy and hope for salvation!

Creighton Online Ministries – Daily Christmas Prayers
(Prayers from Creighton’s Celebrating Christmas are featured daily on our diocesan social media – Prayer Guide)

Christmas is a season, not just a day

Reflecting on the feast days of Christmas

Additional resources:

Together is where we belong: Come home for Christmas

December FAITH Grand Rapids magazine: Read the Digital Edition

Christmas season resources (USCCB)
Celebrating Christmas (Creighton Online Ministries)

From the Vatican:

Pope Francis’ Christmas Season Calendar
Pope Francis’ Urbi et Orbi – Christmas 2023 – coming soon! (multiple languages)
Vatican YouTube Channel
Vatican News