From Our Pastor

From Our Pastor

Dear Folks,

‘Twas the Sunday before Christmas and all through the parish, not a soul was stirring, not even the man who changes the candles…. Ok, wait, he is always working.

As I say every year: carefully pick your Christmas Mass! The Christmas Eve Masses are always crazy packed, but what will the pandemic bring? How many folks will come? Will folks be able to find the Expo Center?

The only question I can seemingly answer is: yes, folks will find the Expo Center, because we are Easter Expo Center experts!

So what can I tell you about which Masses will be crowded? Probably all of the Christmas Eve Masses. There seems to be the most ‘buzz’ around the 2pm and 4pm Masses. Yes, we need volunteer help, especially ushering. No, I don’t know which Masses might be packed. Please be patient. 2020 has taught us many things, including that things are not always how we like them.

My personal guess, is that the ‘least full’ Mass is likely to be the 7am on Christmas Day. Remember that the obligation to attend Mass this Christmas has been dispensed by the Bishop, as is permitted by church law. For those who will attend, plan accordingly, we are working hard to provide opportunities for you to be able to worship this Christmas.

And yes, we are requiring all folks to wear masks to Christmas Mass. This is in accord with the new directives from the governor, and a small sacrifice we can freely offer to be able to pray with our brothers and sisters in Christ.

pax et bonum (peace and all goodness),

Fr Mosimann

Fourth Sunday in Advent
December 20, 2020

 

ALL Christmas and Christmas Eve Masses at Fredericksburg Expo Center

ALL Christmas and Christmas Eve Masses at Fredericksburg Expo Center

In order to accommodate everyone who wishes to attend Christmas Mass, St Mary will celebrate all our Christmas Masses at the Fredericksburg Expo Center.  In keeping with the governor’s orders for churches, there will be a maximum limit of 1000 people per Mass.  Social distancing will be maintained, and the Expo Center cleaned and aired out after every Mass, so it will be cold (bring a coat and gloves in addition to your masks!).  Masks will be required to be worn inside the Expo center.  The Expo Center’s address is 2371 Carl D. Silver Parkway, Fredericksburg, VA 22401.  The Mass schedule is as follows:

Christmas Eve:

2pm LIVE STREAMED (We encourage at risk parishioners to attend this Mass)

4pm LIVE STREAMED

6pm

8pm in Spanish LIVE STREAMED

10pm (This will be our “midnight” Mass)

Christmas Day:

7am

9am LIVE STREAMED

11am LIVE STREAMED

1pm

Advent and Christmas Schedule

 

ALL CHRISTMAS MASSES AT FREDERICKSBURG EXPO CENTER

ALL CHRISTMAS MASSES AT FREDERICKSBURG EXPO CENTER

In order to accommodate everyone who wishes to attend Christmas Mass, St Mary will celebrate all our Christmas Masses at the Fredericksburg Expo Center.  In keeping with the governor’s orders for churches, there will be a maximum limit of 1000 people per Mass.  Social distancing will be maintained, and the Expo Center cleaned and aired out after every Mass, so it will be cold (bring a coat and gloves in addition to your masks!).  Masks will be required to be worn inside the Expo center.  The Expo Center’s address is 2371 Carl D. Silver Parkway, Fredericksburg, VA 22401.  The Mass schedule is as follows:

Christmas Eve:

2pm LIVE STREAMED (We encourage at risk parishioners to attend this Mass)

4pm LIVE STREAMED

6pm

8pm in Spanish LIVE STREAMED

10pm (This will be our “midnight” Mass)

Christmas Day:

7am

9am LIVE STREAMED

11am LIVE STREAMED

1pm

Advent and Christmas Schedule