Many people who have been away from Church, participate in the celebration of Mass at Christmas and parishes welcome them, preparing for their arrival with additional Mass times. In some parishes, Mass is celebrated in additional spaces to accommodate more people. For example, at Espiritu Santo Catholic Church in Safety Harbor, there will be two Christmas Eve Masses celebrated at 4pm:  one in the Main Church and one in the Parish Hall, as well as a Mass at 4:15pm celebrated outdoors at Philippe Park.

“When we come to Mass, our hearts should be filled with joy and with happiness as we celebrate the birth of our Lord, which changed history. The coming of our Lord, the Word made flesh for our salvation, should be a cause of joy in our hearts and in our lives," said Bishop Parkes.

Bishop Gregory Parkes will celebrate Mass on Christmas Eve, Saturday, December 24th, from the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle (5815 5th Ave N, St. Petersburg). This Mass will also be livestreamed for the homebound at www.dosp.org/livestream and broadcast live on Spirit FM 90.5.

Bishop Parkes recorded a Christmas commercial inviting people to Mass that will air on Spectrum Cable December 15-24, 2022, in Citrus, Hernando, Pinellas, Hillsborough and Pasco counties. The commercial will also be shared on social media and broadcast on Spirit FM 90.5. To view the commercial click here or below.

Resources:

How to invite someone to Mass for Christmas.

How to help your parish be more welcoming.

How do I pray for someone to come back to God.

Christmas Invitation Ad: