Midnight Mass
Midnight Mass is celebrated by many Roman Catholics and Anglicans during the holiday of Christmas. The service is held in churches worldwide and marks the beginning of Christmas Day.
Fast Facts
- The word "Christmas" originated from "Christ's mass."
- Midnight Mass may start as early as 7 P.M. on Christmas Eve
- Mass runs past midnight
- The Orthodox religion does not have a midnight mass at Christmas, but a midnight liturgy during Easter
- The Vatican offers a midnight mass each Christmas called the Papal Midnight Mass
- The Vatican's mass is televised around the world
During Midnight Mass
Midnight Mass is a church service that varies in starting times. Typically one of the busier events during the year, it is wise to arrive at the church earlier than the scheduled time. The mass usually includes reading from scriptures, music, and the lighting of candles. For religions such as the Roman Catholic Church, communion is also offered during this service.1
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