In just a few weeks Christmas will be upon us. Following state and Diocesan guidelines, social distancing and wearing masks will change some of the things we have traditionally done at Christmas. The biggest change will be the reduction in the number of people who can be in the church or banquet hall.

  This year, the 4:00 p.m. Christmas vigil Mass will be live-streamed from the church to the banquet hall and communion will be brought to those who are in the hall. We will not be able to accommodate the usual numbers of people that attend Mass on Christmas. In addition there will be a 6:30 p.m. Mass and a 10:00 p.m. Mass in the church Christmas Eve. On Christmas morning we will offer an 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Mass. Note the change — there will be no 10:00 or 12:00 p.m. Mass.

  Masks and social distancing is required at all liturgical celebrations. The Diocese continues to suspend our obligation to attend Mass during this pandemic.

  We will continue to live stream one Mass each weekend. You may participate in Christmas Mass via livestream either at St Mary or the Cathedral Mass at 4:00 p.m. with the bishop. We encourage you to go to the diocesan website dioceseofcleveland.org to access the special Christmas page with family prayers and activities for the entire Christmas season.

  In addition, the Diocese just announced that starting on November 22, the Sunday morning Mass will be moved to 10:00 a.m. on WUAB channel 43. This will provide a more convenient time to watch Mass. These are trying times and we will continue to do our best to provide for the spiritual needs of our parish community. We ask that you plan ahead so we may all be prepared for the coming of Christ at Christmas.