Way of Lights
For more than 50 years, the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate have held the Way of Lights at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows in Belleville, Illinois. It runs this year through Dec. 31. Indoor activities are from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; COVID-19 restrictions require guests to wear a mask indoors and follow social distancing. The Shrine gift shop, queen-size Christmas quilt raffle, wreath auction and Lego Nativity are inside the visitor center lobby. A carry-out menu is available. Outdoor activities are open 5 to 9 p.m., including the Journey through Bethlehem with more than 1 million white lights, camel rides and a petting zoo. For carriage ride reservations, call (314) 621-3334. Only the outdoor light display will be open on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas. For more information, visit snows.org.
Mass alternatives
For those unable to attend Mass because of COVID-19, here are a few alternatives: A daily Mass is livestreamed at 8 a.m. at the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis, cathedralstl.org. Many other parishes also livestream Masses. Sunday Masses for the homebound include:
Television: WRBU ch. 46 (ION) at 5:30 a.m.; KTVI ch. 2.2 at 9 a.m.; KPLR ch. 11 at 8:30 a.m.
Cable: AT&T U-Verse ch. 46 (ION) at 8:30 a.m.; Charter ch. 7 (ION) & 79 (ION) at 8:30 a.m.
Satellite: DirecTV ch. 46 & 305 at 8:30 a.m.; Dish ch. 46 & 216 at 8:30 a.m.; Fox (digital ch. only Charter: 88 antenna: 2.2) 9 a.m.; EWTN: 7 a.m. (live) or 11 a.m. (encore)
Radio: Covenant Network WRYT AM 1080 / KHOJ AM.
Spread Christmas cheer
Catholic Charities of St. Louis agencies have several opportunities to make Christmas brighter for the many people it serves through Christmas Giving programs. For information on the opportunities, visit bit.ly/33g6MZR.
Give back
Hollyberry Baking and Catering Company is partnering with SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital to provide help for the hospital with a Gift that Gives Back holiday gift set. Hollyberry is known for its partnership with St. Patrick Center. Ten percent of every dollar spent will be donated to the hospital foundation. Visit hollyberrycatering.com or call (314) 835-9977.
Prevention
CHADS Coalition for Mental Health has a reminder that children sometimes struggle with the holiday season, especially during this year with loneliness due to COVID-19 restrictions. CHADS seeks to provide support and lead children to brighter days. CHADS offers Signs of Suicide, family support, and social emotional well-being programs to advance the awareness and prevention of depression and suicide. For information, call (314) 952-8274 or visit www.chadscoalition.org.
Advent program
Maryknoll Lay Missioners are hosting a celebration of hope with three Catholic artists for a virtual Advent celebration. The event will feature musicians ValLimar Jansen and Greg Walton as well as artist Brother Mickey McGrath, OSFS, for an evening of storytelling, music and art that will connect with Maryknoll Lay Missioners’ mission of promoting global justice. The virtual gathering is on the third Sunday of Advent, Dec. 13, from 6 to 7:15 p.m. The theme is “The Light That Shines in the Darkness.” Maryknoll lay missioners and members of their communities in nine countries will offer reflection on the joy, hope and courage that sustained them through the challenges of the past year. For information or to register, visit mklm.org/advent.
Advent prayer service
Mercy Retreat and Conference Center and the archdiocesan Office of Racial Harmony are hosting a virtual Advent prayer service, “Lifting as We Climb,” from 2-4 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 13. Father William Dotson, pastor of St. Charles Borromeo Parish in St. Charles, will reflect on how the Incarnation guides the faithful in the work of social justice. Advance registration is required by noon on Friday, Dec. 11. Visit www.mercycenterstl.org/ lifting-as-we-climb for more information.