A Special Christmas Message from Bishop Thomas J. Tobin
Christmas is now upon us, a time when we joyfully celebrate the Birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. It seems to me that the meaning of this season can be found in just one word — “Emmanuel” — which means “God is with us.”

“God is with us” — that truth makes all the difference in the world. The Bible reminds us that “nothing can separate us from the love of God.” Even in the most difficult of times, then, God is with us. God is with you. He loves you and He cares for you every single day!

If you’ve drifted away from God, if you’ve quit the Church, perhaps it’s time to come home and to begin again. Spend time with the Lord in prayer, visit your parish church, and attend Holy Mass. There you will find a family of faith, and a God who loves you more than you can imagine.

To the members of our Catholic Family and to all of our friends and neighbors – Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all!
Thomas J. Tobin
Bishop of Providence
The Cathedral of Saints Peter & Paul, Providence, RI. Photo by Laura Kilgus, Assistant Editor, Rhode Island Catholic
Come Home this Christmas
Can't make it to Holy Mass for Christmas?
We invite you to watch the live stream of some of the Celebration of Christmas from the Cathedral of Saint Peter and Paul, Providence
Christmas Eve
  • 11 p.m. - "A Concert of Christmas Meditations" with the Gregorian Concert Choir and Festival Orchestra under the direction of Reverend Monsignor Anthony Mancini, Mr. Philip Farone, Organist

  • 12 a.m. - The Solemn Celebration of Midnight Mass with Most Reverend Robert C. Evans, Auxiliary Bishop of Providence


Christmas Day
  • 10 a.m. - Christmas Day Mass with Most Reverend Thomas J. Tobin, Bishop of Providence

Reminder about the 2021 Mass Obligation
My Mom’s Christmas Cookies

Bishop Tobin is pleased to share once again this year his favorite column about Christmas.

My mom loved Christmas. Each year it quickened her step and lifted her spirits, creating a lot of activity in the little house in which we lived...

Mom in the kitchen where she made her Christmas cookies, in 1962.
PHOTO COURTESY OF BISHOP TOBIN
THE CELEBRATION OF OUR 150TH ANNIVERSARY CONTINUES
"Sounds of the Season" Concert from December 5 
This special concert featured the music of Advent and Christmas with the Gregorian Concert Choir and Orchestra conducted by Rev. Msgr. Anthony Mancini, Mr. Philip L. Farone, organist.

Watch below
Pope: Christ comes in silence
Pope Francis said God manifests himself on earth in a silent way, and pointed to Christmas as the prime example
Gospel Reading for Christmas Day
Luke 2:15-20
When the angels went away from them to heaven,
the shepherds said to one another,
"Let us go, then, to Bethlehem
to see this thing that has taken place,
which the Lord has made known to us."
So they went in haste and found Mary and Joseph,
and the infant lying in the manger.
When they saw this,
they made known the message
that had been told them about this child.
All who heard it were amazed
by what had been told them by the shepherds.
And Mary kept all these things,
reflecting on them in her heart.
Then the shepherds returned,
glorifying and praising God
for all they had heard and seen,
just as it had been told to them.  
May you and your family have a blessed and happy New Year!

Sincerely yours in Christ,

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence
Communications Office
One Cathedral Square, Providence, RI
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