Helpful Suggestions for Christmas

Because we do not know what to expect for attendance at Christmas Masses in a COVID world, we offer the following guidance.

Consider Coming to Mass for Christmas

Though there is a current dispensation from Sabbath Masses and Masses on Holy Days of Obligation, like Christmas, we invite all non-vulnerable people to make the effort. Christ is worth it and you’re worth it! I know Christ will uplift you and give you hope and joy and a taste of normalcy.

Both Christmas Eve Masses Require Masks

We want to keep you safe. In addition to disinfecting the church between every liturgy, closing every other pew, distributing Holy Communion to people in their pews, and providing signage to facilitate social distancing, two of our Christmas Eve Masses will require masks. Everyone attending either our 3 p.m. or 5 p.m. Christmas Eve Vigil Masses on Dec. 24 is required to wear a mask throughout the entirety of the liturgy, with the exception of children younger than 5 years of age. Christmas Eve liturgies generally draw the largest crowds so requiring masks for everyone at these services maximizes safety and comfortability, especially if social distancing cannot be strictly maintained because of the greater numbers.
Consider Attending, Just This Year, a Mass on Dec. 25th Itself.
We believe the 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. Masses on Christmas Eve will attract the greatest attendance but there is always room for more people at any of our other, less crowded Masses, especially at the 12 midnight and 12 noon Masses on Christmas Day.

Helps for Those Unable to Attend Christmas Mass

For those who are vulnerable and need to avoid crowds this Christmas, we offer these suggestions and aids.
Viewable Mass Online at 12 Noon on Dec. 25
We will film and broadcast a Christmas Mass. It will premiere at 12 noon on Dec. 25. To participate, visit www.ctkomaha.org/mass.

Liturgy of the Word

The video Mass is obviously not the same experience as attending the liturgy in person so we offer an alternative for those who may find watching an online Mass challenging. Consider doing something more interactive, such as conducting a short Liturgy of the Word at home. 

• STEP 1: Make the Sign of the Cross.
• STEP 2: Read aloud a set of readings from one of the Christmas Masses—this includes a First Reading, Responsorial Psalm, Second Reading, and Gospel. Find and select the readings from our helpful “All-in-One Christmas Webpage” at www.ctkomaha.org/mass.
• OPTIONAL STEP: Consider watching just the homily portion from a video Christmas Mass.
• STEP 3: Open up discussion among you and your family/guests and share aloud what touched your heart in the readings in terms of thoughts, feelings and desires. No one should feel pressured to share but everyone should be encouraged to take part.
• STEP 4: After the sharing, invite everyone to pray silently for at least a minute in gratitude to God for His blessings and for what you have received.
• STEP 5: Invite those present into intercessory prayer, asking those who wish to participate to name aloud someone, a group of people, or some just or charitable cause for whom or for which they are praying. 
• STEP 6: Conclude with the Lord’s Prayer (Our Father) and the Sign of the Cross.

Devotions & Activities Handout for Home

Printed copies of a helpful handout for all families that offers prayers, Scripture, and easy, creative, interactive ways to celebrate Christmas in the home is now available on the table outside of the Rectory door. Feel free to pick a copy up at a time of your choosing in the week of Christmas—the north door beneath the portico is open 24 hours a day. The handout is also available for download at www.ctkomaha.org/mass. 

Donate to the Less Fortunate

In the midst of opening new presents and preparing the Christmas turkey and fixings, peruse your pantries, cabinets and toy chests and donate non-perishable foods, hygienic supplies, and old or unused toys and games to one of the St. Vincent de Paul Society thrift stores. You can also donate food items and hygienic supplies for the Heart Ministry by placing them in our north hallway on the weekend of Jan. 3. Receive the joy of Christmas by generously helping others.

Bring Christmas Joy to the Homebound

Taking all necessary health precautions in the preparations, utilize your baking talents and make some cookies or desserts and deliver them to relatives, neighbors, and homebound parishioners. You can place them on the porch, talk through the closed door and give them a call. Be sure to call family and friends who you may not be able to visit like usual this year. 

Visit the Church on Off Hours

For those who cannot and even should not attend any of our Christmas Masses, the church will be open throughout Christmas Eve and on Christmas Day. Consider coming to our majestic church on the off hours, when no one is around, to visit the Blessed Sacrament and the Baby Jesus in the crèche and to inspired by the holiday decorations.

Christmas Carols Sing-Along

While we love to listen to Christmas hymns on the radio and in the background of parties, spend some time with these time-honored songs in a direct way. Seek out your favorite ones online to listen to them, download lyrics and to sing along. Gather family, friends, roommates, and guests and praise the Lord and spread festive cheer through these wonderful melodies. Download a handout of the most popular carols at www.ctkomaha.org/mass.

Christmas Lights in a Socially Distancing World

Even if many cannot come together this Christmas because of COVID concerns, jump in the car and drive through the neighborhood and enjoy Christmas Lights. Public places and parks also abound with stunning lights and nativity scenes, such as downtown Papillion (my favorite), the Old Market, Midtown Crossing, and blocks along 24th Street near Lake Street in the north and near L Street in the south.

Plays and Skits at Home

Encourage the kids and adults in the house to prepare a makeshift Christmas Pageant at home. Use blankets, loose fabrics, stuffed animals and your imagination to dress up and reenact the Nativity story. Draw on the texts from the Gospels to provide and craft narration and spoken parts. Depict the Holy Family journey from full inn to full inn and eventually giving birth to our Savior in a humble manger, surrounded by animals, angels, and shepherds.