Christmas will be very different for all of us and our families this year as we continue to deal with the coronavirus pandemic and engage in safe practices to protect as many people as possible.
I encourage you to reflect carefully on whether or not to come to Mass this year for Christmas. Here are a few guidelines to consider:
If you are elderly, have any underlying conditions, or are in the high-risk category, please stay home. Do not come to Mass.
If you have any illness, are sick, or not feeling well, please do not come to Mass. You are a danger to many others.
Remember that the obligation to attend Mass has been lifted by the bishops in our state and country for very good reasons. The 10:00 pm Mass on Christmas Eve and the 10:00 am Mass on Christmas Day will be cablecast on Comcast channel 95 in the City of Pittsburgh, livestreamed, and on Facebook in addition to being available through Comcast on Demand at a later time.
The whole Octave of Christmas - 8 days from Christmas Eve - is actually Christmas Day and every Mass is celebrated as the Christmas Mass. Perhaps some people may choose to attend Mass some day during the Octave where there most likely will be fewer people attending. Consider coming on the Feast of St. Stephen on December 26, or the Feast of the Holy Family on Sunday, December 27, or any of the Octave days. There may be fewer people attending and it would be safer.
We never discourage people from coming to Mass, but this year is different. Please help us to be sure that you remain safe, and that we protect the safety of others as best we can.
Masks are required for anyone who desires to enter our worship sites and must be worn throughout the service. Masks are not option; they are mandatory if you wish to enter to pray or to attend Mass. Those who do not wear masks will be asked to leave. There can be no exceptions made to this regulation.
Safe distancing is required at all times. Please be attentive to these requirements.
Cleaners and sanitizers are needed for Christmas Masses. In order for us to have Mass we need to be able to clean and to sanitize between every Mass. We are asking for volunteers after each of the Christmas Masses on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day to help us with this important task. We cannot have Mass without those who are helping in this important ministry. Immediately after Mass head for the work sacristy (door near the Blessed Sacrament altar at St. Paul Cathedral and on the right-hand side facing the altar at St. Rosalia) and you will be instructed as to what to do. The more volunteers we have, the more quickly we can get ready for the next Mass. Please consider helping us. We are so very grateful for the kindness and generous service of those who clean and sanitize between Masses. WE NEED YOUR HELP.
The St. Paul Cathedral Parish Office will be closed on Thursday, December 24 begining at noon and on Friday, December 25 in observance of Christmas. The office will reopen at 9:00 am on Monday, December 28.
We will have nine (9) masses for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day:
Christmas Eve, Thursday, December 24:
2:00 pm - St. Paul Cathedral
4:00 pm - St. Paul Cathedral (Livestreamed on Facebook)
4:00 pm - St. Rosalia site
6:00 pm - St. Paul Cathedral
10:00 pm - St. Paul Cathedral (Bishop Zubik - Cablecast and Livestreamed)
Christmas Day, Friday, December 25:
9:00 am - St. Rosalia site
10:00 am - St. Paul Cathedral (Cablecast, Livestreamed, and on Facebook)