Does anyone go to church on Christmas eve?

[Fritzo]

Here was my thinking point. Still is.

“God and sinners reconciled”


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"...in the bed."


(Some of you reformed Catholics know what I'm talking about )

 

[Mai72]

Try out a Congregational Church. Many at mine are former Catholics (including me). Works more like you expect a Church to work and less guilt but more reflection.
Your mileage may vary.

I'll take that into consideration. Thanks.

 

[Raincity]

Confession of sins is not normally the main focus of Christmas Eve services. Maybe that was different in your experience but most Christmas services focus on the miracle of Jesus' birth and what Christians believe it meant for humanity. Catholic church is much different than other denominations or nondenominational worship. While Catholics consider themselves Christians, they generally don't consider other non Catholic Christians to be true Christians. If you went to a different denomination you would probably have a different experience. Don't judge all Christians from your limited experience at a catholic church.

That is not necessary true. While the Catholic Church is not going to validate the doctrine taught after the split with Martin Luther. The Church still recognizes those who worship and follow the holy trinity as followers of Christ. We Catholics just hope and pray that everybody will return to what we believe is the true church and everybody will reconcile with our father.

 

[Raincity]

I've stopped going to church years ago. I just find the "lets all go to church and repent our sins" on Christmas eve very silly. I've also noticed that many young people aren't going to mass anymore.

Maybe it's a sign of things to come?

I think your equating confession with midnight mass because at this time of year most parishes in North America offer what I like to call speed confession where all the local priests from different parishes will come to help accommodate those wanting to do confession at a particular parish. Something Catholics are taught and required to do once a year.