The elusive right combination
Over the years we've had many changes in service times for Christmas Eve, trying to find the right combination. The first, at 3 PM in the afternoon (Christmas Eve, 1986), doesn't count because the building wasn't finished, we didn't have lighting (or heat) and the fire marshal wouldn't let us have candles.
But since then we've held combined Carols and Holy Communion, an earlier children's service (as early as 6 PM if I remember correctly), and Holy Communion at various times, including Midnight Mass (starting at 11 PM). At least one or maybe two years the services were close enough that it was better to have a parish supper, rather than have people drive all the way and back again -- some live quite a ways away.
The one problem with Midnight Mass is that it is difficult to leave at half-past midnight or so, drive home, sleep too few hours and be up and back for the 10 AM Mass.
So this year we're holding Carols at 8 PM, followed by Holy Communion.
posted by Continuing Home @ 10:17 AM
2 Comments:
At 11:03 AM,
Tregonsee said…
This year, we are having two Christmas Eve services, but skipping Christmas Day. However, we have an excuse; the church which is kindly allowing us to use their worship space has their own services on Christmas Day. However, Lord willing, we will be in our own building this time next year. Then, we won't have that excuse. ;)
At 11:04 AM,
Stephanie said…
You don't HAVE TO drive back on Christmas Day if you've had communion at Midnight Mass! When it works that way, you've already had your Christmas communion.
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