Melbourne Churches hosting Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve

Post

Subscribe

Posted 2020-12-17 by Catherine Wright ⇒ follow

Thu 24 Dec 2020

Whether you subscribe to notions of organised religion or prefer a less formal approach to spirituality, a Christmas Eve Midnight Mass is always a magical experience. Regardless of creed, an hour out of the festive madness to pause and reflect on the year, and on the contribution we have made in our communities, can be a beneficial and serene tradition for everyone. Soaked in ritual, charged with an atmosphere of anticipation and resplendent with twinkling candles and sweet incense, a midnight mass is a beautiful way to begin the holiday celebrations.

Many churches are hosting midnight mass this year, including the venues listed below. Please check out their websites before turning up, as numbers will be restricted and many churches are using online booking systems:

**St Patrick's Cathedral
1 Cathedral Place
East Melbourne
03 9662 2233**

St Patrick's are no newbies to the online booking system, as this is how the popular Easter and Christmas services were organised pre-Covid. This year includes a 30 minute carol service at 11.30pm, before the main event at midnight. Those well-loved nostalgic carols will sound angelic in a cavernous cathedral setting. Book a pew athttps://www.trybooking.com/events/landing?eid=695466&
**Christ Church South Yarra
Cnr Punt and Toorak Roads
South Yarra
03 9866 4434**

This old bluestone Anglican church is bringing midnight forward to the slightly family-friendlier time of 11pm. You'll still get that midnight mass experience, but will be safely in bed before Santa hits Victoria! They are also hosting a Christmas Crib Eucharist for the kiddies at 4pm on Christmas Eve. Get tickets athttps://www.trybooking.com/events/landing?eid=692451&

**St Mary's Star of the Sea
33 Howard Street
West Melbourne
03 9328 3474**

With a reputation as one of the most beautiful churches in Australia, St Mary's is an obvious choice for an atmospheric midnight mass. The evening kicks off at 11.30pm with some Carols before Midnight. Density limits apply, like all venues, and a seat at St Mary's is on a first-come, first-served basis, so an early arrival time is essential to avoid disappointment. Find out more athttps://www.stmaryswestmelbourne.org/christmas

**Sacred Heart Church, St Kilda
83 Grey St
St Kilda West
03 9531 6120**

Another option for early birds, Sacred Heart Church throws its doors open on Christmas Eve for an 11pm service. To guarantee some square inches on one of their pews, simply turn up early! The church will require either a QR scanning from your phone or simply write down your details in their record book, as part of covid requirements. More information on this hugely community-based parish is athttps://www.shscparish.org.au/

**St Dominics, East Camberwell
816 Riversdale Road
East Camberwell
03 9912 6870**

For those out east, St Dominics will also host carols before their midnight mass. Beautiful melodies will commence at 11.45pm as the last of the congregation shuffles in. To nab a spot in this homely little chapel, hop on and book:https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing?eid=694183&

These are just a handful of the many churches hosting Midnight Mass in what has been an extraordinary year. Let's enjoy some safe coming-together and some inward reflection to counterbalance the chaos of all the shopping and cooking!

(Writer is not religious, and finds midnight mass at Christmas an uplifting and spiritual experience)