The use of the Christmas tree is relatively modern. Its origins are found in the medieval mystery plays that depicted the tree of paradise and the Christmas light or candle that symbolized Christ, the Light of the world. According to custom, the Christmas tree is set up just before Christmas and may remain in place until the Solemnity of Epiphany. The lights of the tree are illuminated after the prayer of blessing. In the home the Christmas tree may be blessed by a parent or another family member, in connection with the evening meal on the Vigil of Christmas or at another suitable time on Christmas Day. Click here for the Blessing Ritual.
Click here for a list of movies have been evaluated by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops according to artistic merit and moral suitability. The reviews include the USCCB rating, the Motion Picture Association of America rating, and a brief synopsis of the movie. Browse your TV listings, video store shelves, or your movie service website to find one of these classic gems and recent favorites to share with your family.
The feast of the Immaculate Conception is our national patronal feast. Therefore, we are always required to celebrate it as a holy day of obligation in any year that it falls on a Monday through Saturday. The only exception is when December 8 falls on a Sunday, as it does this year. In those years we celebrate the 2nd Sunday of Advent, which takes precedence over the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. The observation of the Immaculate Conception is transferred to Monday; however, it is celebrated as a “feast” (i.e., without any obligation to attend Mass).