Bishop Ignatius Cardinal Suharyo led the Christmas Mass at the Cathedral Church in jakarta on December 25, 2023, celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. This cherished tradition, marked by a blend of solemnity and joy, typically includes a Christmas eve service and morning mass, where congregants sing carols and receive messages of peace, love, and hope from their clergy.For those in the Archdiocese of Jakarta, various parishes, including Meruya, Cilandak, and Kalideres, have scheduled multiple Masses on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, catering to families and individuals of all ages. This festive season,churches are inviting the community to join in thes meaningful celebrations,fostering a spirit of togetherness and reflection.as Christmas approaches,various parishes are preparing to celebrate with a series of special Masses on December 24 and 25. Notable services include the Tomang Parish, which will hold Masses at 16:00 and 20:00 on Christmas Eve, followed by services at 09:00, 11:30, and 16:30 on Christmas Day. Similarly, the Galaxy Park Parish will offer evening Masses at 17:00 and 20:30 on December 24, with morning services at 06:00, 08:30 (for children), and 11:30 on Christmas Day. Other parishes,such as the Grogol Parish and Bintaro Jaya Parish,will also host multiple Masses,catering to families and individuals of all ages. This festive season, communities are invited to come together in party and reflection, embracing the spirit of Christmas.As Christmas approaches, the Archdiocese of Jakarta has announced its schedule for Christmas Masses, inviting the faithful to celebrate this joyous occasion. On December 24, 2024, various parishes will hold multiple services, including st.Matthew the Evangelist Parish at 16:30, 19:30, and 22:00, and Christ Peace Church at 17:00 and 20:00. The celebrations continue on December 25, with services at St. Matthew’s at 07:00, 10:00 (children’s Mass), and 17:00, while Harapan Indah Parish will offer Mass at 17:30. This festive season provides an possibility for the community to come together in worship and reflection, with many parishes accommodating different schedules to ensure everyone can participate in the spirit of Christmas. For more details on specific parish schedules,visit the Archdiocese’s official website.
Q&A: Celebrating Christmas Mass in Jakarta – Insights from Bishop ignatius Cardinal Suharyo
Editor (Time.news): Thank you for joining us today, Bishop Ignatius Cardinal Suharyo. As we approach Christmas 2023, how do you feel about the significance of the Mass and the community’s participation?
bishop Ignatius Cardinal Suharyo: Thank you for having me. Christmas Mass is a profound time for reflection and celebration. It marks the birth of Jesus Christ and serves as a reminder of the messages of peace, love, and hope. Our services, held on both Christmas eve and Christmas Day, provide a splendid prospect for the community to come together in joy and solemnity. It’s crucial that families and individuals across the Archdiocese feel welcomed to join these celebrations.
Editor: speaking of community, many parishes in Jakarta, like Meruya, Cilandak, and Kalideres, have organized multiple Masses. What do you think this means for local congregations?
Bishop Ignatius Cardinal Suharyo: The scheduling of various Masses allows us to accommodate the needs of our diverse community, ensuring that everyone, irrespective of age or circumstance, can participate.Churches like Tomang and Galaxy Park have planned special evening services and dedicated morning sessions for children,which fosters inclusivity.This reflects our commitment to creating a space where families can come together in worship.
Editor: With the challenges many face today, how significant is the message delivered during these services?
Bishop ignatius Cardinal Suharyo: The messages of hope and love are especially vital during these trying times. Our clergy emphasize these themes in their homilies, reminding congregants that the spirit of Christmas transcends material concerns. It’s about community support and the bonds we share. each service serves as a beacon of hope, encouraging people to reflect on their lives and the ways they can contribute to the wellbeing of others.
Editor: Can you share details about the Christmas mass schedule so community members can plan accordingly?
Bishop Ignatius Cardinal Suharyo: Certainly! On Christmas Eve, there will be Masses in various parishes.For example, tomang Parish will have services at 16:00 and 20:00, while Galaxy Park’s Masses are scheduled at 17:00 and 20:30. On Christmas Day,families can attend Mass at St. Matthew’s at 07:00, 10:00, and 17:00, among others. It’s important for everyone to check their local parish schedules as they may vary, allowing ample opportunities to join in the celebration.
Editor: Lastly, what is your hope for the community during this Christmas season?
Bishop Ignatius Cardinal Suharyo: My greatest hope is for unity and camaraderie within our community. Christmas is a time for togetherness, reflection, and support for one another. I encourage everyone to join our celebrations and share in the joy of the season. Let us embrace the spirit of Christmas not just in our churches, but also in our interactions with one another, fostering kindness and love throughout the year.
This festive season stands as a significant reminder of our faith and values. by coming together to celebrate Christmas, we can reinforce our commitment to community and compassion. I invite all to engage in this beautiful journey of faith and reflection.