Saint CeciliaP A R I S H

Solemnity of theNativity of the Lord

25 December 2020Haitian NativityToussaint Auguste

A Christmas Message from Father John

Dear Friends,

What a year…this 2020! Wow.

So, how are you? How is your spirit? Your mindset? How is the internal space of the emotions, the psyche, the soul? With all that has gone on around us this past year: a global pandemic, a country roiling in racial divides and inequity; at a time in national leadership when empathy is in short supply and a country that is so politically divided and in need of healing; with a climate crisis of global proportions; a year of rancor and darkness on so many levels… it’s just so depressing. We have less daylight, huge changes in the way we work and send our kids to school and even, for some of us, we’ve experienced the loss of loved ones, and then, top all this off with what was such a contentious election, it just takes so much energy, even drawing down to the deepest reserves to say, “Merry Christmas!” And yet we do! We have to!! Do you know that in so many places, Christmas trees were sold out sooner than they ever have been? Why? What to make of this? I think it’s because we’re all searching for a little celebration, light, hope, love, joy, kindness, generosity and gentleness…and we want it soon!

So, what does this Christmas 2020 mean to us (beyond the toys and gifts, parties and commercialism; even beyond Santa, Rudolph and the Grinch?) With all that has transpired and is going on in our lives, country and world, our yearly celebration of Christmas is THE reminder that GOD LOVES US. He wants to come into our lives as a presence of hope, honesty, vulnerability, integrity, justice, forgiveness, compassion, service, selflessness and love. He comes to us as a vulnerable baby. That’s who Jesus is, right? Emmanuel – which means, God With Us. It’s God coming into that unsure and messy reality over 2000+ years ago where a young couple was possibly homeless or even exiled refugees on some level, pregnant before being married (Holy Spirit or no Holy Spirit…a challenge! …maybe even more of a challenge with the explanation being the HS! ☺), poor, no room or welcome for them (them types) at the inn and, yet, Mary and Joseph trusted that God was with them as they brought this new life (Emmanuel) into the world.

You see, that’s God. Coming right into our midst of our life, convenient or inconvenient, that’s what God is about…coming into any uncertainty or confusion and bringing light and hope; meeting us in our fears and bringing serenity; God even comes into our contention, divisions and differences and brings wisdom, courage and love. That’s what we have to hold onto this Christmas. Remember, as it says in John’s gospel, “A light shone in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.” May this belief hold us, sustain us, give us hope and perseverance. May it remind us this Christmas that you and I are called to be light in the darkness of others…just by being kind and forgiving and gentle…not weak, but gentle…which is really a strength. That’s who I imagine Jesus was…strong and gentle. He could “hold his own” in the midst of rancor, contention and misunderstanding. He brought people to another place of understanding if they were open to it. He was gentle in his strength.

So, this Christmas, thank you for being hope, light and life for others. Thanks for being part of our virtual or in person community! On behalf of all of us here at St. Cecilia Boston, thank you for your generosity throughout the year and especially at this time. Colleen, Lisa, Rob, Mark, Leah, Scott, Giovanna, Sara and I, as well as all the assisting priests, ministers and volunteers, for whom I am so grateful, wish you a blessed and Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy, peaceful New Year 2021!

Love,

BY VISITING: https://givebutter.com/ChristmasStCecilia

25 December 2020

CHRISTMAS THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD – CHRISTMAS DAY

PRELUDES | Go, Tell It on the Mountain Charles Callahan Improvisation on O Little Town of Bethlehem (b. 1951)

Ding Dong! Merrily on High Noel Rawsthorne (1929-2019)

Meditation on “Bring a Torch, Jeannette Isabella David Lasky (b . 1957)

Mary Had a Baby Noel Rawsthorne Away in Manger

Il est né, le devine enfant Diane Bish (b. 1941)

Angels from the Realms of Glory Michael Burkhardt (b. 1957)

ENTRANCE PROCESSION |O Come, All Ye Faithful, verses 1, 3 & 4 ADESTE FIDELES

CALL TO WORSHIP

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

All: Amen.

The Lord be with you.

All: And with your spirit.

PENITENTIAL RITE

GLORIA

COLLECT

LITURGY OF THE WORD

FIRST READING | Isaiah 52:7-10

RESPONSORIAL PSALM | Ps. 98: All the Ends of the Earth Howard Hughes, SM

SECOND READING | Hebrews 1: 1-6

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION | Celtic Alleluia Christopher Walker

GOSPEL | John 1: 1-18

HOMILY

NICENE CREED

I believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible. I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, born of the Father before all ages. God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father; through him all things were made. For us men and for our salvation he came down from heaven, and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and became man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate, he suffered death and was buried, and rose again on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead and his kingdom will have no end. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. I believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church. I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins

and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen. UNIVERSAL PRAYER

LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST Thank you for your generous support of the parish! Over the past several months, even as we have sheltered in place, we have continued to worship and connect with each other virtually. The members of our ministries continue to engage with each other in fellowship and in service to our wider community. And, a new task force of volunteers has come together to support homebound or isolated parishioner. Your continued support helps make these things happen. While we won’t be able to pass the collection basket for a while, we invite you to join our efforts in one of the following ways:

• Make a one-time gift or ongoing weekly donation — www.saintceciliaboston.org/igive • Venmo — @SaintCeciliaParish (If prompted, the last four digits of our number are 3880) • Mail a check — Saint Cecilia Parish 18 Belvidere St. Boston, MA 02115

PRESENTATION OF THE GIFTS | Angels We Have Heard on High GLORIA

EUCHARISTIC PRAYER

The Lord be with you.

All: And with your spirit.

Lift up your hearts.

All: We lift them up to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

All: It is right and just.

HOLY, HOLY | Mass of Creation Marty Haugen

MEMORIAL ACCLAMATION | Mass of Creation Marty Haugen

GREAT AMEN | Mass of Creation Marty Haugen

THE LORD'S PRAYER

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.

For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.

LAMB OF GOD | Mass of Creation Marty Haugen

SPIRITUAL COMMUNION

It is a long-held Catholic belief that when circumstances prevent one from receiving Holy Communion, it is possible to make an “Act of Spiritual Communion.” During this time when we are not able to celebrate the Eucharist together in person, Pope Francis invites Catholics to say this prayer as a source of grace. We can be assured that when we express our desire to receive Jesus in the Eucharist, God will be with us spiritually in a special way. Here is an Act of Spiritual Communion that we encourage you to pray as you participate in our live-streamed liturgies:

ACT OF SPIRITUAL COMMUNION

Loving Jesus, I believe that you are present in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Eucharist. I love you above all things, and I desire to receive you into my soul. Since I cannot at this moment receive you sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace you as if you were already there and unite myself wholly to you. Never permit me to be separated from you. Amen.

COMMUNION | O Little Town of Bethlehem ST. LOUIS

Away in a Manger MUELLER

CONCLUDING RITES The Lord be with you.

All: And with your spirit.

May almighty God bless you, the Father, (+) and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

All: Amen.

Go forth, the Mass is ended.

All: Thanks be to God.

RECESSIONAL| Joy to the World ANTIOCH

POSTLUDE | Grand Choeur - Sortie pour Noël César Franck (1822-1890)

Music in this worship aid is printed with permission under Onelicense.net #A700-137.

For information on becoming involved or supporting the music program at Saint Cecilia, please contact Dr. Robert Duff at 617-536-4548 or email: RDuff@stceciliaboston.org.