Are Catholics who attend Christmas Mass on Saturday required to attend Sunday Mass?
ERIE, Pa. - With Christmas falling on a Saturday this year, some Catholics may be wondering if they must attend Sunday Mass if the go to church on Christmas Day.
The Diocese of Erie has released information from the Office of Worship saying that parishioners who attend a Vigil Mass on Friday night or Christmas Mass on Saturday morning must still attend Sunday Mass.
The Diocese says the obligation to attend Sunday Mass, which is the feast of the Holy Family, remains in place.
To lessen confusion, and because it would likely be poorly attended, most parishes are opting not to offer their regular Saturday evening anticipated Mass on Christmas day. Parishioners are encouraged to check their parish bulletins or websites to verify their local information.
The Communications Office has also provided a list of Christmas Eve and Christmas day Mass times, as well as live streams, at parishes that responded to a survey sent earlier this month.
Find it at http://www.eriercd.org/christmasmasses.html.
Below are Mass and live stream times at churches in Mercer County
Farrell
- Our Lady of Fatima Parish
Public Mass
Christmas Eve, 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Christmas Day, 9 a.m.
Hermitage
- Notre Dame Parish
Public Mass
Christmas Eve, 4 p.m., 7 p.m., 10 p.m.
Christmas Day, 9 a.m.
Mercer
- Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish
Livestreamed Mass
Christmas Eve, 5 p.m.
Christmas Day, Midnight, 9 a.m.
The live streams can be found on the parish Facebook page and the Parish YouTube channel.
Public Mass
Christmas Eve, 5 p.m.
Christmas Day, Midnight, 9 a.m.
Sharon
- St. Anthony of Padua Parish
Public Mass
Christmas Eve, 5 p.m., 7 p.m.
Christmas Day, 10:30 a.m.
- St. Joseph Parish
Special instructions regarding public Mass - Masks are required.
Christmas Eve Mass, 4:30 p.m., 9 p.m.
Christmas Mass, 9:30 a.m.
Sharpsville
- St. Bartholomew Parish
Public Mass
Christmas Eve, 4 p.m., Midnight
Christmas Day, 9:30 a.m.
West Middlesex
- Church of the Good Shepherd Parish
Livestreamed Mass
Christmas Eve, 5 p.m.
Livestream is available on the parish website.
Public Mass
Christmas Eve, 5 p.m.,10 p.m.
Christmas Day, 10 a.m.
