MIdnight Mass in Your Area

Christmas time is a time for family, friends, celebration, and most of all, giving thanks. There is no better place to evoke an experience these emotions than during Midnight Mass. Midnight Mass is a ritual mass celebrated in many Catholic churches around the world. It celebrates the togetherness of the Catholic congregation, and the birth of their celebrated savior, the infant Jesus. Traditionally, Midnight Mass is held at or around the hour of 12:00am on the 24th of December, better known as Christmas Eve, however, some churches may vary their mass times in order to accomodate the schedules of their congregations, and it is best to check with them directly. It is a great way to start Christmas!

One of my favorite churches is Saint Joseph the Worker Parish, located at 19855 Sherman Way, Canoga Park, CA 91306 This church offers a cozy, family oriented atmosphere, which celebrates its many varieties of cultures during Midnight Mass. This is an excellent parish for those of any ethnicity, as well as those who wish to experience the joy and blessings of seeing faith bring closeness among those of different cultural backgrounds. Priests here speak English, Vietnamese, and Spanish, but because of the large and varied congregation, know many interesting facts and share a deep appreciation for many different cultures as well. There are several choirs, including one with younger voices, which is very popular with the existing congregation as well as visitors for its liveliness and passion for praise. The phone number to St. Joseph the Worker Parish is (818) 341-6634

Another church with a charming and multicultural atmosphere is Our Lady of The Valley Parish, also in Canoga Park. It is located at 22021 Gault Street, Canoga Park, Ca 91303. Built in 1921, this church offers a charming, very friendly environment full of rich cultural history of the Valley. The congregation is made up of a vast variety of ethnicities as well, such as Mexican, Filipino, and Vietnamese, to name only a few. People of every background should have no problem feeling right at home. The mass is celebrated here as well, and offers a definite feeling of close togetherness. This church offers a unique choir complete with instruments and renditions of songs of praise from different cultures. The phone number to Our Lady Of the Valley Parish is (818) 592-2880.

Yet another church in the San Fernando Valley is Saint John Eudes. It is located at 9901 Mason Avenue, Chatsworth, CA 91311. This church is bigger than the last two, and offers a more formal, traditional feel. This church is one of extreme beauty and grace, with its lofty ceilings and immaculate floors. The sermons of the priests are poignant and compelling, and seem to "hit home" no matter who the mass-goer is. The choir of this church is exquisite, singing more traditional, yet very spiritually uplifting songs of praise. This is the ideal church for a family or persons who are looking for a traditional and very engaging service. The phone number for St. John Eudes Parish is (818)341-3680.

Again, please be reminded that different churches may vary Midnight Mass schedules, so it is best to confirm mass schedules with them.