Christmas is one of the holiest days of the Church year because it is the day that Christians worldwide celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Many people who have been away from Church participate in the celebration of Mass at Christmas and parishes welcome them, preparing for their arrival with additional Mass times. Mass, the central worship service, is celebrated in additional spaces in some parishes to accommodate more people. For example, at Espiritu Santo Catholic Church in Safety Harbor, a Mass will be celebrated outdoors at Philippe Park on Christmas Eve at 4:15 p.m.

Christmas Photo/Video Opportunities, Tuesday, December 24, 2024 (Christmas Eve)

4:15 p.m. Christmas Mass at Philippe Park, 2525 Philippe Pkwy, Safety Harbor

10:00 p.m. Mass Celebrated by Bishop Gregory Parkes at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle, 5815 5th Ave N, St. Petersburg. The Mass from the Cathedral will be live-streamed and can be viewed here: www.dosp.org/livestream. TV stations have permission to broadcast some or all of this celebration.

Pre-Christmas Photo/Video Opportunities:

Interview opportunity with a local priest about Christmas, what people can expect at church, and also how to find hope in challenging times.

Additional Information:

The Diocese of Saint Petersburg has purchased ads on nine billboards inviting people to find hope this Christmas. The billboards are in Citrus, Hernando, Pinellas, Hillsborough, and Pasco counties.

Pope Francis has declared 2025 to be a Jubilee Year of Hope that will start on December 24, 2024, at the Vatican with the opening of the Holy Door of Mercy.