December 2023 is Advent Year A in the Sunday liturgical cycle and Year 1 in the weekday cycle. See Mass readings resources for specific Sundays and feast days in December 2023 here. Learn more about lectionary cycles for December 2023 from the USCCB.
Sundays and Holy Days in December 2023
Sunday December 3, 2023
The Mass readings for the 1st Sunday of Advent Year B emphasize the importance of being alert and ready for the Lord’s coming. They call for a transformation of hearts and a steadfast commitment to discipleship, reminding us to remain watchful and prepared for the unexpected. The themes of readiness, transformation, and being steadfast resonate throughout the readings.
Friday December 8, 2023
The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception on December 8th commemorates Mary’s conception without original sin, highlighting her role as a pure vessel for Jesus. The readings emphasize Mary’s pivotal role in God’s plan for the world’s salvation, showcasing her humble acceptance of God’s will.
Sunday December 10, 2023
The readings for the 2nd Sunday of Advent Year B center around the figure of John the Baptist and his call to repentance. The readings highlight the importance of baptism, reconciliation, and preparation for the coming of Jesus Christ. Themes such as getting ready, humility, and the sacraments are explored, inviting reflection on these topics during this time of Advent.
Sunday Dec 17, 2023
The readings for the 3rd Sunday of Advent Year B, also known as Gaudete Sunday, emphasize the theme of rejoicing as the coming of our salvation draws near. The readings highlight hopeful waiting, humility, joy, and the recognition of our identity in relation to the Messiah. The homily themes could revolve around the anticipation of Christ’s arrival, the importance of humility, the experience of joy in the midst of waiting, and reflecting on our true identity as children of God.
Sunday Dec 24, 2023
The Mass readings for the 4th Sunday of Advent Year B focus on the themes of the original Ark of the Covenant and the Annunciation to Mary, who becomes the new Ark of the Covenant. The readings explore the promises made to David, the praise of God, and the angel Gabriel’s visit to Mary, revealing her role as the chosen mother of Jesus. Reflecting on the Blessed Virgin Mary, her acceptance of God’s plan (Fiat), and the symbolism of Mary as the Ark of the Covenant can be fruitful points for contemplation.
Monday December 25, 2023
Christmas is a highly significant celebration in the Church, second only to Easter, as it commemorates the incarnation of Jesus Christ. The Christmas season, lasting for eight days, emphasizes the themes of God’s choice to dwell among humanity, the concept of solidarity, and a focus on the person of Jesus Christ. In December 2023, Christmas falls on a Monday.
Sunday Dec 31, 2023
The Mass readings for the Feast of the Holy Family Year B highlight the significance of family. The readings present the encounter of Joseph, Mary, and the infant Jesus with Simeon and Anna, shedding light on Jesus’ future. The themes encompass understanding the meaning of belonging to God’s family and recognizing the diverse forms of families, including biological, faith-based, and intentional families.
December 2023
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Event Details
Click on the event name for Mass readings for the day, resources, homilies, reflections, and more.
Friday December 1, 2023
Friday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time
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In the gospel for Friday of the 34th week in Ordinary Time, Jesus talks about how we know what season it is by what we see around us. In the same way, we will know when we are near to the Kingdom of God. Saturday December 2, 2023
Saturday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time
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In the gospel for Saturday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time, Jesus talks about being awake, vigilant, and prepared for the unknown tribulations coming to our lives. Sunday December 3, 2023
1st Sunday of Advent Year B
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The readings for the 1st Sunday of Advent Year B are a call to be alert in waiting for the coming of the Lord. So perhaps this Sunday talk about some ways we can make ourselves ready to be transformed by the Advent season. Here are some ideas. Monday December 4, 2023
Monday of the 1st Week of Advent
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In the gospel for Monday of the 1st week of Adventl, a Roman centurion asks Jesus to heal his servant. And he has the faith to know that Jesus can do it without even entering the house. Tuesday December 5, 2023
Tuesday of the 1st Week of Advent
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In the gospel for Tuesday of the 1st week of Advent, Jesus prays to the Father in the Spirit. We hear Jesus praising the Father in this lovely outpouring. Wednesday December 6, 2023
St. Nicholas
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December 6 is the feast day of St. Nicholas. St. Nicholas was a fourth century bishop who is the origin of the Santa Claus story. He was known for his generosity and his habit of secret gift giving. Thursday December 7, 2023
St. Ambrose, Bishop and Doctor
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St. Ambrose was a 4th century bishop. He was known for his humility. He was instrumental in the conversion of St. Augustine and was the one who baptized him. Friday December 8, 2023
Saturday December 9, 2023
St. Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin
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St. Juan Diego was a native American peasant who is known for telling the world about Our Lady of Guadalupe. He was the first saint who was indigenous to the Americas. Sunday December 10, 2023
2nd Sunday of Advent Year B
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The readings for the 2nd Sunday of Advent Year B tell us of John the Baptist and his call to repentance. Some possible topics for this weekend are baptism, reconciliation, or the sacraments in general. Here are some ideas. Monday December 11, 2023
Monday of the 2nd Week of Advent
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In the gospel for Monday of the 2nd week of Advent, some men help a friend by lowering him through the roof so Jesus can heal him. Tuesday December 12, 2023
Our Lady of Guadalupe
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December 12 is the feast day of the Our Lady of Guadalupe. She appeared to Juan Diego, a Native American, in1531 and her image miraculously appeared on his cloak. Wednesday December 13, 2023
St. Lucy (or St. Lucia)
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December 13 is the feast day of St. Lucy (or St. Lucia). Lucia means “light”. St. Lucy is the patroness of the blind, martyrs,epidemics\; salesmen, throat infections, and writers. Thursday December 14, 2023
St. John of the Cross
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December 14 is the feast day of St. John of the Cross. He was a sixteenth century mystic and poet who worked with St. Teresa of Avila to reform the Carmelite order. Friday December 15, 2023
Saturday December 16, 2023
Saturday of the 2nd Week of Advent
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In the gospel for Saturday of the 2nd Week of Advent, Jesus compares John the Baptist to Elijah, and comments that the people did not recognize him as a prophet. Sunday December 17, 2023
3rd Sunday of Advent Year B
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The readings for the 3rd Sunday of Advent Year B (Gaudete Sunday) encourage us to rejoice because our salvation is near. Some possible topics for this weekend are hopeful waiting, humility, and joy. Here are some ideas. Monday December 18, 2023
Advent Weekday on December 18
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In the gospel for an Advent weekday on December 18, Joseph is told in a dream that he should not divorce Mary because she is pregnant. He hears that she will bear “God with us” and he trusts in the message. Tuesday December 19, 2023
Advent Weekday on December 19
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In the gospel for an Advent weekday on December 19, Zechariah learns from the angel Gabriel that he and Elizabeth will have a son, who will turn hearts and prepare the way of the Lord. But he doubts and is struck mute. Wednesday December 20, 2023
Advent Weekday on December 20
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In the gospel for an Advent weekday on December 20l, we hear how the angel Gabriel visits Mary and tells her she has be chosen to be the mother of the Son of God. She responds with her fiat, let it be done. Thursday December 21, 2023
Advent Weekday on December 21
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In the gospel for an Advent weekday on December 21, we hear of the visitation of Mary to Elizabeth. John the Baptist leaps in the womb of Elizabeth when Mary, the bearer of our Lord, greets her. Friday December 22, 2023
Advent Weekday on December 22
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In the gospel for an Advent weekday on December 22, Mary praises God in her beautiful prayer, the Magnificat. She sings of God’s mercy, especially for the lowly and those without power. Saturday December 23, 2023
Advent Weekday on December 23
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In the gospel for an Advent weekday on December 23, we hear of the birth of John the Baptist. Zechariah affirms the child’s name, even though it is not a family name, and then he is able to speak of it. Those who witnessed this were amazed. Sunday December 24, 2023
4th Sunday of Advent Year B
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The readings for the 4th Sunday of Advent Year B speak of the original Ark of the Covenant and of the Annunciation of the Angel Gabriel to Mary, the new Ark of the Covenant. So perhaps talk about Mary and her role in our salvation. And think about how we can also be a dwelling place for our Lord. Monday December 25, 2023
Tuesday December 26, 2023
St. Stephen Protomartyr
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December 26 is the feast day of St. Stephen, the first martyr. He was a deacon in the early Church. He was accused of blasphemy and stoned to death. Wednesday December 27, 2023
St. John, Apostle and Evangelist
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St. John the Evangelist was one of the 12 apostles of Jesus Christ. He is the author of the Gospel of John, the Epistles of John, and the Book of Revelation. His feast day is December 27. Thursday December 28, 2023
The Holy Innocents
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December 28 is the feast day of the Holy Innocents. This day commemorates the children who were executed by Herod in fear that the newborn messiah would take his throne. Friday December 29, 2023
St. Thomas Becket
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December 29 is the feast day of St. Thomas Becket, Martyr. He was the chancellor of King Henry II and was later appointed as Archbishop of Canterbury. Saturday December 30, 2023
The 6th Day in the Octave of Christmas
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In the gospel for the 6th day in the Octave of Christmas, the prophetess Anna finally sees what she has been waiting for, the child who will redeem her people. Sunday December 31, 2023
The Feast of the Holy Family Year B
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The readings for the Feast of the Holy Family Year B focus on the importance of family. So the topics for this weekend could include what it means to be a member of God’s family. Different types of families – biological families, faith families, intentional families – could also be discussed.
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