The Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God
a Holy Day of Obligation for all Catholics
Holy Day Mass Times
Tuesday, December 31
5:00 pm - Vigil Mass
NOTE: In 2020, this is the only holy day that will have a 5 pm Vigil Mass. All other holy day Vigil Masses will be at 7 pm.
Wednesday, January 1 - Solemnity
6:30 am Daily Mass in Lady Chapel
10:00 am Festive Mass with Choir in Main Church
During the 12 Days of Christmas, the Church celebrates many important feasts. None, however, is as important as the feast celebrated on the octave (8th day) of Christmas, January 1: the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God. In fact, the church regards it as so important that it is a Holy Day of Obligation. On this day, we are reminded of the role Mary played in the plan of our salvation with her Fiat, her “yes” to God.
One of the earliest titles given to the Blessed Virgin was Theotokos, meaning "God-bearer." We celebrate her as the Mother of God, because, in bearing Christ, she bore the fullness of the Godhead within her. As we begin another year, let’s draw inspiration from the selfless love of the Theotokos, who never hesitated to do the will of God. And let’s trust in her prayers to God for us, that we might become more like her.
O Mary, Mother of God, pray for us!
Source: "The Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God," Scott P. Richert
