Christmas Vigil/Childrens Mass

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pecoemla

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Here’s a discussion that I have had on several occasions. I want to be careful how I phrase this because I have on occasion been attacked for supposedly suggesting that sometimes the use of this Mass isn’t always with the best motivation and that is not true. It seems like in the past 15 or 20 years the Christmas Vigil Mass has often been billed as the “children’s” Christmas Mass. I am NOT talking about Midnight Mass (whenever such Mass is actually held). Often this Mass is held very early on Christmas Eve - 4pm, 4:30pm, etc. Has it occurred to anyone else that, sometimes - not always and not for everyone - it seems like part of the motivation for many people who promote/attend this Mass is that it is a way to “get this Mass thing out of the way so that it doesn’t interfere with Christmas”? Sorry if that is blunt, but it has been my experience that this is not an uncommon, although probably never admitted, sentiment. It seems that the message is that some folks would consider Mass on Christmas morning to be an imposition. Please notice that I am NOT saying that there is anything wrong with such a vigil or children’s Mass.
 
You’re not the only one.

At one parish where we were many years ago, a parent was complaining to Fr. that 7 p.m. Christmas Eve was way too late for this Mass because she had so much to do. Sarcastically, he replied, “Why don’t I just celebrate it at 10 a.m. on the morning of Christmas Eve?” to which she gave an enthusiatic “Oh, that would be perfect! We could get Mass out of the way and then do the other stuff that needs doing.”
 
I’m sure that sentiment exists, but it’s not really up to us to assume whether or not that is a particular person’s motivation for attending the Vigil Mass.
 
Joe_5859 said:
I’m sure that sentiment exists, but it’s not really up to us to assume whether or not that is a particular person’s motivation for attending the Vigil Mass.
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👍 I agree completely.

People can validly fulfil their obligation at this Mass (provided in the Missal and intended for use late afternoon/early evening) just as many people fulfil their Sunday obligation on Saturday evening.
 
pecoemla said:
Here’s a discussion that I have had on several occasions. I want to be careful how I phrase this because I have on occasion been attacked for supposedly suggesting that sometimes the use of this Mass isn’t always with the best motivation and that is not true. It seems like in the past 15 or 20 years the Christmas Vigil Mass has often been billed as the “children’s” Christmas Mass. I am NOT talking about Midnight Mass (whenever such Mass is actually held). Often this Mass is held very early on Christmas Eve - 4pm, 4:30pm, etc. Has it occurred to anyone else that, sometimes - not always and not for everyone - it .
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Without speculating upon the motive of anyone who chooses to attend any Mass that fills the Sunday or Holy Day obligation, no matter what time of day, I will observe that in this diocese virtually every parish has several Masses on Christmas eve, the first beginning as early as 4, at least one or even more are in Spanish, ending with Midnight Mass. All of these use the readings for Midnight Mass and according to the website fulfill the holy day obligation. There is usually only one Mass on Christmas day, unless there is another in the other language, which almost always uses the same readings. This year of course most parishes will also offer whatever Saturday evening anticipated Masses they usually do, with the Sunday readings. Parishes that celebrate a vigil Mass for Christmas using the vigil readings do so in the morning of Christmas eve.

I assume this is because the Mexican custom is to celebrate Christmas eve but I don’t know that for a fact.

Quite frankly I am so thrilled to see families coming to Mass at any time of day or night I won’t cavil about the time but pray the grace of this holy day continues to bring them back to Mass throughout the Sundays of the year.

I will observe further that the actual Mass at Midnight has become my favorite because attendance is lighter, I always get a seat, and the crying babies and crabby toddlers have been at the earlier Masses and are now all snug in their beds waiting for Santa.
 
I do hate to hear anyone mention “getting Mass out of the way”, at any time.

However, It never ceases to amaze me that people will complain about other Catholics attending a perfectly valid Mass because they believe the Mass time they prefer is somehow better. 🤷
 
I don’t look at it as “getting it out of way”. More, as getting my most important obligation, taken care of first. Its called prioritizing.
 
pecoemla said:
Here’s a discussion that I have had on several occasions. I want to be careful how I phrase this because I have on occasion been attacked for supposedly suggesting that sometimes the use of this Mass isn’t always with the best motivation and that is not true. It seems like in the past 15 or 20 years the Christmas Vigil Mass has often been billed as the “children’s” Christmas Mass. I am NOT talking about Midnight Mass (whenever such Mass is actually held). Often this Mass is held very early on Christmas Eve - 4pm, 4:30pm, etc. Has it occurred to anyone else that, sometimes - not always and not for everyone - it seems like part of the motivation for many people who promote/attend this Mass is that it is a way to “get this Mass thing out of the way so that it doesn’t interfere with Christmas”? Sorry if that is blunt, but it has been my experience that this is not an uncommon, although probably never admitted, sentiment. It seems that the message is that some folks would consider Mass on Christmas morning to be an imposition. Please notice that I am NOT saying that there is anything wrong with such a vigil or children’s Mass.
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Not everyone is in the same place, spiritually. I think it makes sense to provide something that suits busy families who may very well be more focused on the dinner and presents than on Mass itself - we all arrive at a deeper understanding one step at a time; let’s help to make the path smooth for those who are coming behind us. Of all the seasons, Christmas should be a time of welcoming the strangers, and their babies. 🙂

We’re hosting Christmas for the extended family this year, so I’ll be going to midnight Mass, but I won’t be going to the morning Masses, this year, although normally I do like to do that.
 
We only have one mass ON Christmas Day, 10am. Not everyone can go to that. I did like to attend midnight Mass, but it gets to be too late for me. Since I’m usually working our brunch on Christmas Day, and can’t attend the 10am mass, I go to the ‘family mass’ at 4:30pm. It’s the most convenient with our family celebration and the work I do for the homeless meal on Christmas Day. And really, as long as people go, who cares what time it is?
 
The earliest anticipated Mass in the Chicago suburbs starts at 1:30. Must be popular, because there are two masses at the same time.

It seems to be two early, but I believe that with the permission of the Ordinary 2 PM should be acceptable. In the good old times 2 PM was the earliest time for the anticipated Matins and Lauds to start.

The emphasis is on the permission of the ordinary, who shall be in charge.

In Germany and after them in Austria and Hungary the family Christmas is celebrated (with lighting the Christmas tree, opening the gifts and diner) at night on 24th of December. This custom goes back to 17th Century.

The Christmas Eve anticipated masses get popular around here quite recently. Before that there was big problem to get into the Church for the Christmas mass, the fire department allowed only as many people who can be seated.
 
I’m glad that vigil Masses are approved for the feast days, especially Christmas. I work on Christmas Day and have worked on Christmas Day for at least half of my working life (hospital lab). A lot of people work on Christmas Day at jobs that are not optional.
 
Can I ask a question - as a newly reverted Catholic?

My preferred church is holding a children’s mass at 6pm on Christmas Eve. I would like to go to this one, but I’m not sure if it counts as a Christmas Vigil Mass, or as a separate entity entirely. It isn’t called ‘First Mass of Christmas’ - they give that name to the Midnight Mass (which I would love to attend but can’t get to at all 😦 ).

I have found alternatives, so I know I’ll be going to Mass somewhere- not because it’s an obligation, but because I want to 🙂 - but I would prefer this particular Mass if possible.

Thanks for the answers, and your patience with this very new Newbie!
 
BlytheSky said:
Can I ask a question - as a newly reverted Catholic?

My preferred church is holding a children’s mass at 6pm on Christmas Eve. I would like to go to this one, but I’m not sure if it counts as a Christmas Vigil Mass, or as a separate entity entirely. It isn’t called ‘First Mass of Christmas’ - they give that name to the Midnight Mass (which I would love to attend but can’t get to at all 😦 ).

I have found alternatives, so I know I’ll be going to Mass somewhere- not because it’s an obligation, but because I want to 🙂 - but I would prefer this particular Mass if possible.

Thanks for the answers, and your patience with this very new Newbie!
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Simple answer, Yes it counts as attending Mass for Christmas.

They may have called it a “Children’s Mass” because the homily may or may not be geared towards the kids. The one at our parish is called the Family Mass but there isn’t any difference except that the kids get to sit up by Father during the homily (he puts a chair down in front and sits so he’s closer to them.) It’s also a lot easier to keep the kids awake and paying attention and behaving than say at midnight.

And welcome BlytheSky.
 
Thanks Pacbox 🙂 That’s good to know - so I can happily attend and know that - if I can’t get to Christmas Day Mass - I haven’t missed my obligation.

Thanks again!
 
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