We’re excited to announce the return of our 5:30 Sunday night Mass this fall. This Mass had been a favorite in our parish for nearly two decades, particularly among youth and young adults. It also offered a unique, relaxed setting at the end of the weekend, making it a popular choice for many families as well.
Unfortunately, COVID introduced a sharp drop in Mass attendance across the weekend schedule, forcing us to cut back from five weekend Masses to three. Despite these changes, we’ve consistently received questions about when the evening Mass would return. After careful consideration, we’ve decided to bring it back and here’s why!
Reduce Overcrowding at the 11:00 AM Mass
Our 11:00 AM Mass, post COVID, increasingly draws large crowds, leading to overcrowded, even standing room only conditions. By reintroducing the 5:30 PM Mass, we aim to distribute attendance more evenly across our weekend services. This, in turn, will hopefully lead to greater accessibility and hospitality. Probably it will be a much smaller Mass, in terms of attendance, than the other weekend Masses (at least initially). This, in turn, could provide a more reflective alternative to the bustling morning services.
Provide Convenience for Youth Programs
Our middle and high school Sunday programs are vital parts of our parish life, offering young people a chance to grow in their faith and build community. Middle school meets at 4pm, high school at 6:30 PM. By scheduling the 5:30 Mass between these programs, we make it easier for students and their families to participate in both. This alignment allows for a seamless transition from educational and social activities to spiritual nourishment, reinforcing the importance of faith in their daily lives. It also underscores the centrality of the Eucharist in living out our Catholic faith.
Accommodate Sports Schedules
We recognize that Sunday morning sports commitments can make it challenging for families to attend church. While we’d love for everyone to prioritize Mass, we understand the realities of busy schedules. The 5:30 PM Mass provides a practical solution, offering families an option that fits better with their day. This later time slot allows parents and children alike to fulfill their sports obligations while still making time for worship, ensuring they don’t have to choose between two important parts of their lives.
Navigate Ravens Game Days
For many in our community, the Baltimore Ravens’ 1:00 PM home games are a beloved tradition. We understand that game days can pose a scheduling conflict for attending morning Mass. The 5:30 Mass offers a convenient solution, allowing fans to enjoy the game and still participate in church later in the day. This flexibility respects both the cultural and spiritual dimensions of our community, providing a way to engage with both aspects without compromise.
We’re looking forward to the return of the 5:30 Sunday night Mass and believe it will once again become a meaningful part of our parish life. We also invite anyone interested in getting involved to consider serving here. Your participation will enhance the experience for everyone and strengthen our community. To learn more press serve so you can begin the process!
No one could have seen the effects of our collective COVID experience these past four years. But step by step we are moving forward to a “new normal.”
See you on Sunday evenings, starting September 8.
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