This year we have the shortest Advent possible; the 4th week of Advent lasts only 24 hours! Yes, with Christmas on a Monday, all we get of the 4th week of Advent is from the Vigil of the 4th Sunday of Advent (4 PM Saturday, December 23rd) to the Vigil of Christmas (4 PM Sunday, December 24th). Because of the multitude of Masses in these days, I want to share with you the schedule for the 4th Sunday of Advent and for Christmas. Note that there are changes from the regular Mass schedule.

In order to fulfill the Sunday obligation and the Christmas Holy Day obligation, you need to attend two Masses, one for Sunday, one for Christmas. The Code of Canon Law states: Can. 1248 §1. A person who assists at a Mass celebrated anywhere in a Catholic rite either on the feast day itself or in the evening of the preceding day satisfies the obligation of participating in the Mass. Now for the confusing part. This year, you can fulfill the 4th Sunday of Advent (Saturday/Sunday) and Christmas (Sunday/Monday) obligation by attending: Mass on Saturday Evening and Mass on Sunday Evening, or Mass on Saturday Evening and Mass on Monday Morning, or Mass on Sunday Morning and Mass on Sunday Evening, or Mass on Sunday Morning and Mass on Monday Morning. I hope this helps you in your planning and preparation for Christmas.