Blue Christmas

For many people, the Christmas holidays are a painful time, either because they are grieving a loss, or are alone, or because they come from a difficult family background. The usual holiday expectations-- good cheer, merry-making, family gatherings, gift exchanges-- can be a source of sadness or disappointment. Blue Christmas is an opportunity to welcome people and celebrate the core religious meaning of the holiday without the overlay of social expectations that just doesn't fit for some.

According to Fr. Larry Rice, Paulist priest and former Director of the Newman Center, "For the folks who don't fit the 'template' of the holidays, we want to give them permission, in a sense, to come to Church with all they are, and all they're feeling, and know that we welcome and accept them." Fr. Rice points out that people living with depression, struggling with loss, or just feeling left out, should have a place to go to celebrate and observe the birth of Christ.  

"Christmas-- marking the Incarnation of Jesus Christ-- is an essentially hopeful time. We want to communicate that hope in a gentle way that is welcoming and accepting."

Other churches have held "Blue Christmas" services, often on December twenty-first-- the longest night of the year. But the Newman Center staff wanted to emphasize Christmas itself, and not relegate the Mass to a less important date.  

Each Christmas Eve, the Newman Center welcomes people to the Blue Christmas Mass at 8 p.m., which features a more reflective atmosphere, and an explict welcome for anyone who's feeling less than "joyful and triumphant." If you're interested in knowing more about it, please contact Pastoral Associate Becca Bass.