Midnight Mass

for 1 hour
St Cuthbert's, Shadforth
Church Lane Shadforth Durham, DH6 1NR, United Kingdom

Christmas Eve midnight Mass is a traditional and significant religious service celebrated in many Christian denominations around the world, often taking place at the stroke of midnight on December 24th. It marks the beginning of Christmas Day and commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ.

During this special service at St Cuthbert's here in Shadforth, incense plays a symbolic and sensory role. Here's a brief description of Christmas Eve midnight Mass with a focus on incense:

The Mass begins when the clock strikes 23:00

Candlelight: The church is typically adorned with candles, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The flickering candlelight symbolizes the arrival of the "Light of the World" in the form of Jesus.

Incense: One of the most distinct aspects of the Christmas Eve midnight Mass is the use of incense. The priest or clergy may use a censer, a metal container with chains, to swing burning incense throughout the church. This incense represents the prayers of the faithful rising to heaven and is also a symbolic offering of the Magi's gifts to the infant Jesus. The fragrant smoke adds a sensory dimension to the service, creating a sacred and reverent atmosphere.

Readings and Gospel: The liturgy includes readings from the Bible, focusing on the Nativity story from the Gospel of Luke. These readings narrate the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem and emphasize the significance of his coming.

Eucharist: The Mass usually includes the celebration of the Eucharist, where the bread and wine are consecrated and shared by the congregation, symbolizing the body and blood of Christ.

Communion: After the Eucharist, the congregation participates in Holy Communion, receiving the consecrated elements as a spiritual communion with Christ.

Blessing: The Mass concludes with a blessing from the priest, sending the congregation forth into the Christmas season with the joy of Christ's birth.

Christmas Eve midnight Mass is a cherished tradition for many Christians, providing a meaningful and worshipful start to the Christmas celebration. The use of incense, along with other elements of the service, creates a spiritually enriching and memorable experience.

St Cuthbert's, Shadforth

Welcome to St Cuthbert's Church in Shadforth, County Durham. Follow our website and social media for updates about our parish information, church life and events and services.

St Cuthbert's, Shadforth is committed to the safeguarding of children, young people and adults. We follow the House of Bishops guidance and policies and have our own Parish Safeguarding Officer(s), PSOs.  Fur further information please visit our website.

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Get in touch

St Giles Parish Office

St Giles Church
Gilesgate
Durham

DH11QQ
Greg Jarvis, Parish Administrator
0191 374 1079
Reverend Father John Fisher - Vicar
07377 146 110

Our website

What's on

Midnight Mass

for 1 hour
St Cuthbert's, Shadforth
Church Lane Shadforth Durham, DH6 1NR, United Kingdom

Christmas Eve midnight Mass is a traditional and significant religious service celebrated in many Christian denominations around the world, often taking place at the stroke of midnight on December 24th. It marks the beginning of Christmas Day and commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ.

During this special service at St Cuthbert's here in Shadforth, incense plays a symbolic and sensory role. Here's a brief description of Christmas Eve midnight Mass with a focus on incense:

The Mass begins when the clock strikes 23:00

Candlelight: The church is typically adorned with candles, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The flickering candlelight symbolizes the arrival of the "Light of the World" in the form of Jesus.

Incense: One of the most distinct aspects of the Christmas Eve midnight Mass is the use of incense. The priest or clergy may use a censer, a metal container with chains, to swing burning incense throughout the church. This incense represents the prayers of the faithful rising to heaven and is also a symbolic offering of the Magi's gifts to the infant Jesus. The fragrant smoke adds a sensory dimension to the service, creating a sacred and reverent atmosphere.

Readings and Gospel: The liturgy includes readings from the Bible, focusing on the Nativity story from the Gospel of Luke. These readings narrate the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem and emphasize the significance of his coming.

Eucharist: The Mass usually includes the celebration of the Eucharist, where the bread and wine are consecrated and shared by the congregation, symbolizing the body and blood of Christ.

Communion: After the Eucharist, the congregation participates in Holy Communion, receiving the consecrated elements as a spiritual communion with Christ.

Blessing: The Mass concludes with a blessing from the priest, sending the congregation forth into the Christmas season with the joy of Christ's birth.

Christmas Eve midnight Mass is a cherished tradition for many Christians, providing a meaningful and worshipful start to the Christmas celebration. The use of incense, along with other elements of the service, creates a spiritually enriching and memorable experience.

Safeguarding

"Our parish of Shadforth and Sherburn is committed to safeguarding children, young people and adults from harm. We follow the House of Bishops guidance and policies and have our own Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO). Our Diocese of Durham’s safeguarding pages contain vital links and information including contacts for the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor who advises our PSO. If you are concerned that a child or adult has been harmed or may be at risk of harm please contact the PSO
Gail Bartley 0191 527 1299 or the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor Beth Miller 0796 8034075 If you have immediate concerns about the safety of someone, please contact the police and your local authority’s children or adult social care services."