The Advent season is a time of preparation that directs our hearts and minds to Christ’s second coming at the end of time and to the anniversary of Our Lord’s birth on Christmas. From the earliest days of the Church, people have been fascinated by Jesus’ promise to come back. But the scripture readings during Advent tell us not to waste our time with predictions. Advent is not about speculation. Our Advent readings call us to be alert and ready, not weighted down and distracted by the cares of this world (Lk 21:34-36). Like Lent, the liturgical color for Advent is purple since both are seasons that prepare us for great feast days. Advent also includes an element of penance in the sense of preparing, quieting, and disciplining our hearts for the full joy of Christmas. (USCCB)
Christmas Season Mass & Event Schedule
December 2: Healing Mass & Anointing of the Sick
Saturday, December 2, 2023
  • 5:00 p.m.  — Mater Christi Church
December 8: Feast of the Immaculate Conception
Thursday, December 7, 2023 (Vigil Mass)
  • 7:00 p.m.  — St. Mary Church
Adoration from 3-6:30 p.m. ONLY

Friday, December 8th
  • 8:00 a.m.  — Mater Christi Church
  • 8:30 a.m.  — St. Mary Church
  • 7:30 p.m.  — Mater Christi Church
December 10: Advent Lessons & Carols
Sunday, December 10, 2023
  • 2:30 p.m.  — Mater Christi Church
December 12: Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Tuesday, December 12, 2023
  • 7:00 p.m.  — St. Mary Church
December 16: Simbang Gabi​
Saturday, December 16, 2023
  • 5:00 p.m.  — Mater Christi Church
December 18 & 20: Las Posadas
Monday, December 18
  • 7:00 p.m. — St. Mary Church
Wednesday, December 20
  • 7:00 p.m. — Mater Christi Church
December 23 & 24: Fourth Sunday of Advent & Christmas Eve
Saturday, December 23 and Sunday, December 24

4th Sunday of Advent
Saturday, December 23, 2023
  • 4:00 p.m. — St. Mary Church
  • 5:00 p.m. — Mater Christi Church
  • Saturday, December 24, 2023
    • 9:30 a.m. — Mater Christi Church
    • 10:00 am — St. Mary Church
Christmas Eve
Sunday, December 24, 2023
  • 3:00 p.m.  — St. Mary Church
  • 3:00 p.m.  — St. Mary Parish Center; Children’s Christmas Pageant
  • 3:30 p.m.  — Mater Christi Church
  • 5:00 p.m.  — St. Mary Church
  • 10:00 p.m.  — St. Mary Church 
    • Carols begin at 9:30 p.m.
  • 12:00 Midnight — Mater Christi Church
    • Carols begin at 11:30 p.m.
December 25: Christmas Day
Monday, December 25th​
  • 8:00 a.m. — St. Mary Church 
  • 9:30 a.m.  — Mater Christi Church
  • 10:00 a.m.  — St. Mary Church
  • 11:00 a.m.  — Mater Christi Church
No 5:00 p.m. Mass at St. Mary Church
December 30 & December 31: Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph
Saturday, December 30, 2023
  • 4:00 p.m. — St. Mary Church
  • 5:00 p.m. — Mater Christi Church
Sunday, December 31, 2023
  • 8:00 a.m. — Mater Christi Church
  • 8:00 a.m. — St. Mary Church
  • 9:30 a.m. — Mater Christi Church
  • 10:00 a.m. — St. Mary Church
  • 11:00 a.m. — Mater Christi Church
*No 5:00 p.m. Mass at St. Mary Church.
January 1: Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God
Monday, January 1, 2024
  • 9:30am Mater Christi Church
  • 10am St. Mary Church
*No 8am or 830am Daily Mass
January 6 & 7: Epiphany
Saturday, January 6 & Sunday, January 7, 2024
  • ​Regular Weekend Mass Schedule
January 13 & 14: Baptism of the Lord
Saturday, January 13 & Sunday, January 14, 2024
  • Regular Weekend Mass Schedule
    • 8am Mass only at St. Mary Church begins.
Advent Sacrament of Reconciliation
Christmas lights seem to be going up earlier this year. It appears we are eager to dispel the darkness as we await the birth of the Light of the World.

We have been given a gift that graces us to dispel other darkness’s—in our hearts, in our lives. Pope Francis wrote, “The Lord never tires of forgiveness. Let us ask for the grace not to tire of asking forgiveness because he never tires of forgiving.”

The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be celebrated:
December 6, beginning at 6:30 p.m. at St. Mary Church.

Please view our Reconciliation Service online.

You can also continue to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation each Saturday of Lent prior to the Vigil Mass, beginning at 3:00 p.m. at St. Mary Church and 4:00 p.m. at Mater Christi Church.

Come to the Light!
Advent Events
Holiday Stroll - Youth Choir will be singing Christmas Carols
  • Friday, December 1; Lyne Pastoral Center (40 E. Burlington, Riverside)
Pictures with Santa
  • December 2 & 3, 2023 following Mass at Mater Christi Church​
Advent Lessons & Carols
  • Sunday, December 10; 2:30 — Mater Christi Church
Our Lady of Guadalupe Mass & Celebration
  • Tuesday, December 12; 7:00 — St. Mary Church
Las Posadas
  • Monday, December 18; 7:00 p.m. — St. Mary Church
  • Wednesday, December 20; 7:00 p.m.  — Mater Christi Church
Advent Resources