CHARLOTTE — This year the Fourth Sunday of Advent falls the day before Christmas, so Catholics should plan ahead to attend Mass to fulfill both holy days of obligation.
People will need to attend Mass for the Fourth Sunday of Advent, and then again for Christmas – two separate liturgies to celebrate the two distinct holy days. Catholics are not allowed to attend one Mass to “cover” both holy days.
To accommodate people’s needs, Bishop Peter Jugis is giving pastors the option of adding more Masses Dec. 23-25.
Masses for the Fourth Sunday of Advent can be offered anytime after 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 23. Masses for Christmas can be offered any time after 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 24, guidance from the diocese’s Office of Divine Worship stated.
As a result, Mass times may vary, so check your local parish’s website and bulletin to plan your Mass attendance schedule.
“Ideally, this is an opportunity to foster a love for the Sacred Liturgy and to enkindle a desire to celebrate the holy days as fully as reasonably possible,” the Divine Worship guidance to pastors noted.