Jesuit Fr. John Piderit, San Francisco s archdiocesan vicar for administration, celebrates Mass simultaneously with three other priests on the feast of the Assumption near the steps of the city s Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption Aug. 15. (CNS/San Francisco Archdiocese/Dennis Callahan)
A virtual posada; vigils in the early afternoon; tickets for Mass these are some of the ways dioceses are planning to celebrate the Nativity this year.
In most U.S. cities, COVID-19 restrictions will prevent Catholics from gathering for large cathedral Masses, but indoor, outdoor and livestreamed Masses are still being planned.
Brooklyn Diocese
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Brooklyn Diocese last month after the diocese objected to state regulations under coronavirus that limited church attendance. The court said that the state could not restrict religious institutions more than other entities such as retail stores.
As St. Tammany churches prepare for one of the holiest and most celebrated days of the year, pastors and ministers fix their focus on works of charity and the joy of the season, all while making necessary modifications for upcoming events and services.
Many Christmas choral concerts and other annual church events were canceled or turned into virtual events because of COVID-19 concerns, but the spirit of giving remained as churches across the area worked with charities and nonprofit organizations to help those in need through angel trees and other giving projects.
âThe COVID-19 crisis has emphasized to people in general that as humans we are vulnerable and dependent on the mercy of God. It is incumbent on us as Christians to make the love of God visible by the love that we bear for one another,â said the Rev. Mark Lomax, of Our Lady of the Lake Roman Catholic Church. âAt Christmas, we have the opportunity to bring people to Christ through works of charity, and that is