On Mass attendance on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
Posted date: November 24, 2017
At the meeting of the Regional Catholic Bishops Conference of Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei in Majodi, Plentong from the 11th to the 15th of July 2016, it was confirmed that:
a) The Fourth Sunday of Advent is observed on 24th of December 2017 at the morning masses and the sunset masses (anticipated) on the 23rd of December;
b) The Sunday evening Masses on the 24th December, is to be treated as the Vigil or night masses for the Solemnity of the Nativity of Our Lord.
2. It is strongly encouraged that the faithful attend masses on both days (Fourth Sunday of Advent and Christmas) unless there is a just reason that impedes them from doing so.
3. In the case of the faithful being unable to attend both days due to a just reason, they are to observe some special way to pray or perform works of piety and charity.
4. Pastors, as far as their circumstances permit, are to provide masses for both the Fourth Sunday of Advent and the Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord. However, they may make judgments in individual cases and grant dispensations to individuals or families for a just cause based on their local circumstances.
In other words:
Christmas Eve is on 24 December, which is also the Fourth Sunday of Advent.
All Catholics are obliged to attend the Mass of the 4th Sunday of Advent (Sunset Mass on 23 December or Morning Mass on 24 December) AND the Christmas Mass (Christmas Eve on 24 December or Christmas Day on 25 December).