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FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK
Hear Ye; Hear Ye!
You have to go to Mass twice between December 23-25 to fulfill your obligation to participate at Mass!!!
Let me repeat that if the above didn’t get your attention. We have to get to two Masses next week – one for
the Fourth Sunday of Advent and another for Christmas.This is because Christmas falls on a Monday this year.
Every Sunday is an automatic holy day of obligation; this year we have another such day (Christmas) on its heels.
So, for the Fourth Sunday of Advent, your options in the Cathedral Parish will be our regular Sunday schedule,
but please note this: without the Sunday, 5:00 p.m.
Mass. For Christmas, the celebration of Masses begins on Sunday, December 24 (Christmas Eve) at 4:00 p.m. in
the Cathedral (which, by Church Law, is the earliest time Mass may be celebrated and the faithful’s obligation to
participate in Mass for a solemnity such as Christmas and the Lord’s Day – Sunday). The Christmas schedule is
printed, as well, in today’s bulletin.
Already a number of us on the staff have heard complaints from parishioners about having to go to Mass
twice in a matter of two days. Just think, though, of a few things. (1) The thanksgiving that we owe to God for our
salvation and that the Sacrifice of the Mass is the BEST act of worship we have to do so. (2) In the sacrifice we
remember the crucifixion of Jesus and the many hours he spent in His Passion and on the Cross suffering for our
sins. (3) The priests of your parish, sacristans and music personnel will be busier than you in having to have all
these Masses covered in a matter of three days!!!So, make your plans accordingly.
Remember that we have a shuttle from the Cathedral Parish School parking lot next Saturday for the 5:00 p.m. Mass. You can park
there and get brought to the Cathedral for Mass and be taken back when Mass is over!!! We really couldn’t make
in any easier for you even amidst the parking woes of downtown St. Augustine! [Sorry, the shuttle will not be available on Christmas Eve afternoon.]
Love,
Father Tom