Local Catholics look to Christ to bring light this Christmas season

METUCHEN – The miracle of Christmas reminds us that Christ was born into this world to save us from spiritual darkness, the Bishop of Metuchen told the faithful of the diocese.
 
“The joy of Christ’s birth feeds our hunger for the Eucharist,” the Most Rev. James F. Checchio, Bishop of Metuchen, wrote in a Christmas message to the faithful of the diocese. “His coming brings light, healing and hope to all who are looking for answers and refuge amidst the difficult times we are all living in.”
 
The coronavirus pandemic has been a source of difficulties for many, causing isolation, financial strains, sickness and even the death of loved ones. For Catholics and Christians alike, its effects first hampered the seasons of Lent and the joyous celebration of Easter. The pandemic has now unwelcomely lingered into the Christmas season, a time in which many people are already missing loved ones who have passed and now have cause to miss loved ones still present, though unable to be physically present. 
 
But, for many, the joy of Christ’s birth and the celebration of that miracle during the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass restores hope and brings peace.
 
Bishop Checchio will celebrate the 10:30 p.m. Mass on Christmas Eve at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen. This Mass and others at the Cathedral, like many that will take place in parishes around the four-county Diocese of Metuchen, will be livestreamed. To view the list of parishes offering livestreamed Masses, visit: https://diometuchen.org/parish-live-streams 
 
“I know that many families for holidays and special occasions use Zoom meetings to help satisfy the need to be with each other as we still have a need to ‘experience’ our loved ones’ presence. This need is all the more true in our relationship with the Lord Jesus,” wrote Bishop Checchio. “Yes, virtual Mass provides comfort and an opportunity to choose to offer ourselves to God, but just like our virtual family meetings, they are certainly not the same.”
 
Parishes in the diocese will still open their doors to welcome the faithful for Christmas Masses in person, but due to limited seating capacity to allow for social distancing, some parishes may require congregants to register in advance. 
 
“Even through this difficult time, our faith in the Lord gives us the confidence that He is guiding us, we are never alone, and that we are called to learn to trust Him more and more,” the bishop emphasized.
 
Knowing that many will celebrate Christmas at home this year amid concerns over the spread of the coronavirus and also acknowledging the difficulties of the past year, the Diocese of Metuchen will virtually share the joy and light of Christ’s birth, both on Christmas day and throughout the Christmas season, through its “Light of the World: Keeping Christmas Alive” initiative. On Christmas day, beginning with a reflection from Bishop Checchio, and each day thereafter throughout the entirety of the Christmas season, the diocese will share personal reflections from priests around the Diocese of Metuchen. To sign-up to receive reflections delivered to your inbox, visit: https://lightingheartsonfire.org 
 
As part of initiative, the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi in Metuchen will make its annual Christmas concert available virtually, premiering in the evening on Christmas day. The concert will feature works performed by the cathedral’s handbell choir, a trumpeter, musicians playing the French horn and cello, as well as several vocalists. To view the concert on Christmas day or any day after, visit: https://diometuchen.org. 
 
“May the birth of Jesus Christ always inspire your personal prayer and reflection and renew your commitment to love and share the Gospel message with others,” wrote Bishop Checchio. “May Christ’s birth light the fire of His love so that it shines brightly within all of us; you have certainly been an inspiration to me during these challenging times.”
 
For more information about livestreamed parish Masses and celebrations throughout the Christmas season in the Diocese of Metuchen, please visit: https://diometuchen.org