Christmas Mass Online

Christmas Masses (Online) 2020

Christmas 2020 will be a very different Christmas for everyone. Families and parishes across the diocese will not be able to celebrate in the normal way. The season of Christmas is a season of celebration, but this year it is essential that we celebrate safely.

The Obligation to attend Mass in person this Christmas has been suspended.

Normally at Christmas time large numbers of people wish to attend Mass. This year, however, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, our churches simply cannot accommodate such crowds if we are to ensure the health and safety of all and conform to Public Health Agency guidance and NI Executive legislation. Having carried out full risk assessments, some parishes will be able to accommodate some public Masses with restricted numbers following social distancing measures and places booked in advance. It is, however, likely that most parishioners and families will celebrate Christmas Mass at home, joining their local parish via online streaming services such as webcam. 

To facilitate this celebration of ‘Christmas at Home’, a number of resources are available including a ‘Christmas Prayer Service‘ that could be used by families joining online.

Most parishes in the Diocese of Down and Connor will be streaming their Christmas Masses online and the table below will outline times of these online Christmas Eve and Christmas Day broadcasts.

Virtual Children’s Liturgy for Christmas (CAFOD)

Prayers and downloadable resources have been prepared for families who aren’t able to attend church in person at the moment. CAFOD are offering a special pre-recorded Christmas children’s liturgy which will premiere at 3pm on Christmas Eve (Recording available afterwards).

Children’s Liturgy Resources for 25 December:

• Nativity of the Lord (Word)
• Nativity of the Lord illustration (pdf)