Solemnity of Mary the Mother of God

In the spotlight: feast of Mary, Mother of God, Christmas in Ukraine, snowstorm’s impact

The best way to usher in a truly “new” year is to stop waiting for things to get better on their own, and instead recognize what is essential and reach out now to help others, Pope Francis said.

The Christmas season begins with vigil Masses on Christmas Eve and concludes on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, Jan. 9.

Here is a list of upcoming Masses interpreted for the deaf and persons with hearing disabilities that will be celebrated in the diocese.

In the spotlight: Christmas around the world, polar plunge, COVID surge

The feast days from Dec. 26 through Jan. 9 are all part of the season of Christmas.

At the beginning of a year people hope will mark the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, Pope Francis urged them to create a “culture of care,” including by sharing the gift of their time with others.

A new year is a chance for a new start, a time to remember that all people are brothers and sisters and a time to nurture amazement that God became human to save all people, Pope Francis said.