Parish News

Christmas 2020

Today we celebrate the Second Sunday of Advent. Advent also marks the beginning of the Church's new liturgical year, but as we look back on 2020 I am sure I don't need to remind you that it has been far from ordinary! 

Advent is a time of preparation, and a time to look forward with hope. As we prepare to celebrate Christmas, I would like to share with you the arrangements for Mass at this special time in the Church's calendar. 

Given current restrictions, booking is essential, and I would ask that you read the information available on our parish website before booking your tickets. You can find out how to book by clicking here.

More information is also available below, including an appeal on behalf of Bo'ness Storehouse and the Salvation Army. 

 

We will have two Christmas Masses

Midnight Mass will be preceded by a Carol Service which will begin at 11.30pm. Due to current restrictions congregational singing is not permissible, however this will still be an opportunity to reflect on the Christmas story and listen to a selection of carols.

Morning Mass will be celebrated at 10am.
 

Please follow the links to book your tickets

You can access this information by clicking here.

 

Please only book tickets for your own household

We will organise seating based on the orders that we receive. Given the requirement to maintain physical distancing of 2 metres between households, it is important that you only book for your own household to attend Mass. If others need to book, they can use this link or call Callum on 07817 510 850.

This will enable us to ensure that we can organise seating within the church to accomodate as many parishioners as possible, within the legal limits.
 

When booking, each individual attending needs a ticket

This is a slight change to how we've been taking bookings for Sunday Masses. When you book for your household, please add a ticket for every individual from your household who will be attending the Mass. This will help us to make sure we are complying with the legal maximum of 50 attendees.
 

You will receive an email with your tickets and confirmation of your order

It is important that you only attend Mass at Christmas if you have received confirmation of your order. We appreciate that this is a challenging time, and that some parishioners may be disappointed. We hope and pray that, between our Christmas Masses, we can accomodate most of our parishioners who wish to join us.
 

At Mass, please continue to follow the guidance

Christmas is a time of year when we would like to socialise and greet one another. Please continue to follow the guidance to stop the spread of Covid-19. Please maintain a distance of 2 metres from other households, where a face covering and follow the directions of stewards.
 

Appeal from Bo'ness Storehouse and Salvation Army

Can you help Bo'ness Storehouse and the Salvation Army to supply Christmas dinners to those in need this year? St Mary's Church would like to supply the dessert for these meals, so we're looking especially for items like Christmas puddings, mince pies, rice pudding, custard, cream and trifles. We'd also appreciate cranberry sauce, as well as new, unopened toys. If you prefer, a monetary donation would also be gratefully received. Donations can be handed into the church before 13th December. Thank you for your support!