The Christmas Season:
Evening of 24 December - 9 January 2022
The Baptism of Our Lord  
 

For Catholics Christmas is not just 25 December but the Church’s liturgy extends it over an Octave of eight days that prolong the solemnity of Christmas Day. The Christmas Octave lasts from Christmas Day until 1 January when we celebrate the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. Every day within the octave is treated the same as the original feast day of the Nativity of our Lord with the Gloria repeated. This is because the great feasts of our redemption cannot be grasped in a single celebration and need a full week to consider the mystery. In Scriptures the number eight represents perfection and rest. So, while maintaining health and safety protocols, we would encourage you during Covid restrictions to attend Mass on any of those days, knowing that you are truly still celebrating Christmas Day.