The liturgical season of Christmas begins with the vigil Masses on Christmas Eve and concludes on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. During this season, Christians celebrate the birth of Christ into our world and into our hearts.
“Christmas is an event which is renewed in every family, parish and community which receives the love of God made incarnate in Jesus Christ,” said Pope Francis. “Like Mary, the church shows to everyone the sign of God: the child whom she bore in her womb and to whom she gave birth, yet who is the son of the most high, since he ‘is of the Holy Spirit.'”
A holy day of obligation in the Catholic Church, Christmas is a time for believers to reflect on the gift of salvation and the presence of Christ in their lives.
Catholics can fulfill their obligation at churches throughout the Archdiocese of Baltimore, including at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin in Mary in Baltimore, and the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen in Homeland.
The basilica will offer 4 p.m., 7 p.m. and midnight Masses Dec. 24, Christmas Eve, and at 10 a.m. Dec. 25, Christmas Day. The cathedral will offer 4 p.m., 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. Masses Christmas Eve, and 10 a.m. and noon Masses Christmas Day.
Baltimore Archbishop William E. Lori will celebrate the 10 p.m. Mass at the cathedral Christmas Eve, and the 10 a.m. Mass at the basilica Christmas Day.
Bishop Adam J. Parker will celebrate 4 p.m. Mass Christmas Eve at Holy Trinity in Glen Burnie, part of Christ the King Parish, and 8 a.m. Mass Christmas Day at Our Lady of the Fields in Millersville. Bishop Denis J. Madden will celebrate 4 p.m. Mass Christmas Eve at St. Athanasius in Curtis Bay, and midnight Mass at the basilica.
Bishop Mark Brennan will celebrate the 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. Christmas Eve Masses Our Lady of the Fields, Millersville, and the 10:30 a.m. Christmas Mass at St. Pius X in Rodgers Forge.
To find a Mass time at your parish, click here.
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