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Liturgy
Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church offers a variety of liturgical experiences to meet the spiritual needs of all parishioners. The many styles of worship are designed to help everyone feel welcome and comfortable in joining the Eucharistic celebration
Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church offers six weekend Masses, ranging from a robust, traditional "high" Mass to several featuring a more contemporary flair. The common thread is a rich experience that combines music, prayer, light and Catholic traditions to create a very special experience. Following is a "Mass-at-a-Glance" chart highlighting key elements of the worship experience for each of the regular weekend celebrations offered.
We invite you to learn more about the following topics related to Liturgy at Nativity Parish:
• Our weekly and daily mass schedule
• Liturgical Ministry Opportunities
• The Seasons of the Liturgical Year
• The Season of Lent
Going to be out of town? Visit Masstimes.org for local churches and Mass schedules.
Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church
Weekend Mass Schedule
| Weekend Schedule |
Overall atmosphere |
Music Ministry |
Worship Elements |
| 5:00 pm Saturday |
This anticipation Mass resembles the Sunday 8:15 in tradition and music style. |
Organ & cantor |
Communion is offered under both forms at this liturgy. |
| 7:00 am Sunday |
Similar to a daily Mass in its simplicity. |
No music — Antiphons and Psalm are read by a lector |
No procession down main aisle, two altar servers. Communion under one form. |
| 8:15 am Sunday |
A traditional Mass. |
Traditional music
organ & cantor |
Communion is offered under both forms at this liturgy |
| 9:30 am Sunday |
Geared towards families with young children this liturgy features a more informal atmosphere that embraces the sometimes unexpected "children's choir". This is the only Sunday liturgy held in Steiner Hall (the Church's lower level). Children's Liturgy of the Word, during which young children gather separately to hear the Gospel message and learn about it in age-appropriate terms, is part of this Mass during the school year. |
Music selections include a variety of traditional hymns, newer songs and some contemporary Christian music. Usually accompanied by piano and guitar, soloists may be joined by other instruments including congas, violin, clarinet, saxophone, mandolin, flute or cello. |
Seating is arranged to form a semi-circle around the altar. The priest directs the homily towards children in early to middle school. |
| 11:00 am Sunday |
Nativity's most formal liturgy, it includes use of incense and features formal processions at entrance and offertory. Good for those who enjoy the rituals and traditions associated with a "high" Mass. |
Traditional Music
Full choir, organ & cantor |
Six altar servers assist with procession of the Cross, the Gospel and the Incense. Communion is offered under both forms. |
| 5:00 pm Sunday |
Subdued and more meditative, a reflective tone to the music and a simple liturgical style. |
Often the same music and musicians as at 9:30 a.m. |
Fewer ministers in the sanctuary, only the priest and lectors; no offertory procession. |
Mass Intentions
Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church provides parishioners with the opportunity to have daily Mass offered for a special intention. This traditional way of honoring special intentions, especially deceased loved ones, helps the faithful participate more fully in the offering of the Mass and unites them in prayer. Please contact the Parish Office at (651) 696-5401 to schedule a special Mass intention.
Liturgical Ministry Opportunities
Participating in Nativity's liturgical celebrations is a great privilege and responsibility.
All parishioners are encouraged to sign up for liturgy ministries. Simply download the Liturgical Ministry Sign-up Form and place it into the collection basket, return it to the Lannan Center or fax it to 651-696-5458.
Nativity offers many opportunities to serve our parish community in this meaningful way.
Liturgical Ministers
Eucharistic Ministers
Volunteers are always needed to serve as Eucharistic Ministers at all daily and weekend Masses. High school students are encouraged to become involved in weekend liturgies. New ministers are welcome anytime. Training is provided.
Lectors
Our lectors proclaim the first and second Scripture readings at all Masses. Weekend lectors also lead the Prayers of the Faithful.
Greeters
Our greeters welcome parishioners and distribute worship aids before each weekend Mass. They also help with the Sunday collection and distribute the weekly bulletin at the end of Mass.
Altar Servers
Nativity of Our Lord is blessed to have an extremely active, committed
group of acolytes, more commonly known as altar servers. Today more than
250 youth participate in the altar server program. Altar serving is open
to all parish youth who are in 7th grade or older. Training begins in
the spring for both boys and girls. This is an excellent way for young
parishioners to help our Church and serve the parish. Many students choose
to continue to serve as acolytes through the end of high school. To learn
more, please contact the parish office at 651-696-5401.
(back to Ministry Opportunities)
Ministers of Environment
Arts and Environment
Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church is well-known for its beautiful worship environment. The Arts and Environment Committee has primary responsibility for creating an atmosphere that enhances the liturgical experience. This committee's dedication adds beauty and elegance to our liturgical celebrations, especially our Easter and Christmas celebrations. If you’are interested in assisting with this ministry, please contact Patrick Henning at 651-696-5430.
Cleaners
Our church cleaners are among our parish's many unsung heroes. They work tirelessly to clean our beautiful church for all of our liturgies. The group is responsible for replacing votive candles, refreshing flowers and straightening the sanctuary and the main body of the church. If you have an hour or two to donate to the church and assist with this important effort, please contact the Lannan Parish Center at 651-696-5401.
(back to Ministry Opportunities)
Music Ministry
Adult Choir
Enthusiasm, pride and commitment make the Nativity Parish Choir one of the most successful in our area. These are the only qualities you need to become a member! You do not need to know how to read music. The choir participates in Nativity's liturgies from the end of September through Corpus Christi. New members are welcome at any time. The choir provides music for the Sunday 11:00 a.m. liturgy, as well as special seasonal liturgies. Contact Patrick Henning, Director of Music, at 651-696-5430, for more information.
Children's Choir
The Children's Choir also offers young parishioners in grades 2-8 an opportunity
to share their gift of music with our parish community. The Children's
Choir participates in a number of liturgical celebrations throughout the
year. The choir practices are once a weekbduring the school year. To learn
more about the Children's Choir and how to become involved, contact Patrick Henning, Director of Music, at 651-696-5430, for more information.
(back to Ministry Opportunities)
Seasonal Liturgical Celebrations
The Catholic faith has a rich heritage, enriched by many unique seasons. Each has special significance and distinctive qualities that help us deepen our faith life as a community and on an individual level. These high points of the liturgical calendar are:
• Advent: Time of preparation for the Birth of Christ
• Christmas Season: Celebration of the Birth of Christ
• Ordinary Time: Any information?
• Lent: Preparing our hearts and minds for the passion, death and resurrection of our Lord
• Easter Season: The Resurrection of Christ
Advent…... A Season of Preparation
Advent signals the beginning of the liturgical year. It is a time of preparation as we prepare our hearts for Jesus' birth, as well as His second coming at the end of time. Finally, we prepare to welcome Him into our hearts and lives.
To help our parishioners more fully prepare for the miracle of Christ's birth, Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church offers the following opportunities for personal reflection and communal prayer. All members of the parish are welcome to join in prayer through:
| Parish Penance Service |
All
parishioners are invited and encouraged to attend our Advent Parish
Penance Service. Several priests will be available to hear private
confessions and help us prepare our hearts for the birth of Jesus
Christ on Christmas. |
Tuesday
December 20, 2011
7:00 pm |
| Feast of the Immaculate Conception |
The Feast
of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary is a Holy
Day of Obligation. |
Mass Schedule:
Thursday, December 8th
7:00 am, 8:15 am,
5:00 pm & 7:00 pm |
(back to Liturgical Seasons Index)
Christmas . . . Celebrating Christ's Birth
Christmas is celebrated in many special ways at Nativity since it is not only the second greatest feast of the Church year but it is also the Feast Day of our parish.
Christmas liturgies are filled with joyful sung praise at Nativity. It is our tradition to combine our musical forces and encourage all parishioners to fully participate in these celebrations.
Christmas Liturgy Schedule at Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church
| Christmas
Eve
December 24th |
|
4:00
P.M. |
Celebrated in the school auditorium.
This is the traditional children's mass and has contemporary music
with Nativity's music ensemble. The infant Jesus is carried
to the outside manger scene after the Mass. |
4:00 P.M.
and
6:00 P.M. |
Celebrated in
the upper church. The 4 pm Mass also offers overflow
seating in Steiner Hall with closed circuit audio. The infant
Jesus is carried to the manger as part of the opening procession.
The music is traditional Christmas music.
|
Midnight
Mass |
Midnight Mass
has been celebrated at Nativity for over 80 years. The choir begins
at 11:30 with joyous music accompanied by organ, and Summit Hill
quintet. The four consecration candles on the walls of the side-aisles
are lit in commemoration of our parish's feast day.
|
| Christmas
Day
December 25th |
|
7:00A.M.
and
8:15 A.M. |
Celebrated in the main church.
There is no music at the 7 a.m. and there traditional mucis with cantor
and organ at the 8:15 am mass. |
11:00A.M. |
This Mass is celebrated with
full choir, quintet and cantor. |
|
Please Note: There is
no 9:30A.M. or 5:00P.M. Mass on Christmas Day |
(back to Liturgical Seasons Index)
Ordinary Time
The Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord, which concludes the Christmas season, is followed by the first of two periods of Ordinary Time. This continues until Ash Wednesday.
“Ordinary Time” does not mean average. In this situation, Ordinary refers to “"Not Seasonal",” the part of the Liturgical Year that is outside the seasons of Lent-Easter and Advent-Christmas. During this time the Church celebrates the wonder of God in all things.
The readings during Ordinary Time offer instructions for living our Christian faith on a daily basis. The Feast of Christ the King marks the last Sunday of Ordinary Time
(back to Liturgical Seasons Index)
Lent: A Time for Conversion
The Season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday. Lent is the season of fasting, prayer and penance. During this six-week period, we prepare to celebrate the Paschal Mystery: the passion, death and resurrection of our Lord.
All parishioners are encouraged to prepare their hearts and minds during the season of Lent by joining in prayer and participating in the liturgical and communal prayer experiences offered by the parish during this most Holy Season.
Ash
Wednesday
Feb. 22, 2012 |
Ashes
are a symbol of penance made sacramental by the blessing of the
Church. The words of the blessing -- "Remember, Man is dust,
and unto dust you shall return" help us to develop a spirit
of humility and sacrifice. |
Mass schedule:
7:00 am, 8:15 am 5:00 pm
& 7:00pm |
Parish
Penance Service
April
3, 2012 |
All parishioners
are invited and encouraged to attend our Lenten Parish Penance Service.
Several priests will be available to hear private confessions and
help us prepare our hearts for the passion, death and Resurrection
of our Lord, Jesus Christ. |
7:00 pm |
Stations
of the Cross |
Nativity parishioners meet in
the upper church on Fridays during Lent for weekly Stations of the
Cross. |
7:00 pm |
Lenten
Parish Mission
March 27-29, 2012
|
The parish’s
annual three-day mission offers parishioners an opportunity to reflect,
grow spiritually, strengthen their understanding of Catholic traditions
and teachings and reaffirm their commitment to the Catholic faith.
The parish mission generally coincides with the parish's Lenten
journey. |
7:00-8:30 p.m. |
Palm
(Passion) Sunday |
Passion Sunday marks the beginning
of Holy Week. At this liturgy, we recreate and celebrate Christ's
messianic entrance into Jerusalem. Palms will be distributed and blessed
at all Masses. |
Regular Sunday
Mass Schedule |
Fish
Fry |
Sponsored by the Nativity Men's
Club, a Lenten Fish Fry will be held in the school cafeteria for 2
Fridays during Lent. |
5:30 pm |
(back to Liturgical Season Index)
Easter Season . . . Christ has Risen, Alleluia! Alleluia!
As the Church around the world celebrates the Highest Feast Day of the year we at Nativity combine our musical and artistic talents to enhance the Easter liturgies. Easter morning resounds with glorious alleluias and hymns of joy proclaiming the resurrection of our Lord!
| Easter Mass Schedule: |
| Easter Vigil - Saturday |
| |
7:30p.m |
| Easter Sunday |
| |
7:00 a.m. |
| |
8:15 a.m. |
| |
9:30 a.m. |
| |
11:00 a.m. |
The Triduum and Easter Liturgy Schedule at Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church
Holy Thursday
Mass of the Lord's Supper
April 5, 2012 |
This evening Mass commemorates the institution of the Sacrament of the Eucharist, institution of Priesthood, and Christ's command to love and serve one another. Just as Jesus concluded His Last Supper with His disciples by praying in the Garden of Gethsemane, this Mass concludes with adoration of the Blessed Sacrament at the Altar of Repose. Parishioners are invited to "stay and keep watch" with our Lord. The Church will remain open until midnight. |
7:30 p.m. in the Main Church |
Good Friday
Celebration of the Lord's Passion
April 6, 2012 |
On this day, the Church meditates on the Passion of her Lord and Spouse, adores the Cross and intercedes for the salvation of the world.
Good Friday is a day of fasting and abstinence. |
3:00 p.m. in the Main Church
7:30 p.m. in the Main Church |
Holy Saturday
Celebration of the Easter Vigil
April 7, 2012 |
The Easter Vigil begins in darkness which is overcome by light during the Service of Light which reminds us that Jesus is the Light of the World. It is followed by the story of salvation proclaimed through scripture. Our community celebrates the final steps of our RCIA candidates into our faith through Baptism, Confirmation and the reception of the Holy Eucharist. The liturgy builds until the Church is ablaze with light, the bells are pealed, the Gloria and Alleluia are triumphantly sung, and the power of Easter resurrection is proclaimed. |
7:30 p.m. in the Main Church |
Easter Morning
Sunday
April 8, 2012 |
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|
7:00A.M.
8:15A.M. |
These Masses are held in the main church. |
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| 9:30A.M. |
This Mass is held in Steiner Hall, the lower church. |
|
| 11:00A.M. |
This Mass is celebrated with full choir, brass and string instruments. |
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Please Note: There is no 5:00P.M. Mass on Easter Sunday |
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(back to Liturgical Season Index)
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