The Basilica of Saint Mary in Minneapolis announces its Christmas schedule, including the greening of the Basilica with Christmas decorations on December 21-24, and Christmas Eve services on December 24 featuring a 4pm children's choir service, 11:30pm Vigil of Lights procession, and midnight mass. Christmas Day services on December 25 include masses at 7:30am, 9:30am, noon, and 4:30pm celebrating Christ's birth through music, song, and scripture.

1. MEDIA ADVISORY/PHOTO OPPORTUNITY
Christmas 2012
Celebrate Christmas with The Basilica of Saint Mary
The Basilica of Saint Mary in Minneapolis announces its Christmas schedule
WHAT:
One of the most beautiful places in Minneapolis during the month of December is easily The Basilica of Saint Mary.
Today, The Basilica announces its schedule of events for Christmas. These events include the greening of The Basilica,
Christmas Eve services and Christmas Day services.
The greening of The Basilica will be an ideal opportunity to capture volunteers as they beautify The Basilica with the main
liturgical symbols of Christmas: 30 foot tall Christmas trees, the nativity set, evergreens and poinsettias.
There are many Christmas Eve services, including the highly-attended 4:00pm Christmas Vigil Eucharist and beautiful
Vigil of Lights at 11:30pm followed by Solemn Eucharist at midnight. The Vigil of Lights is a great photo and video
opportunity as 100 ministers carrying candles process into the darkened church and The Basilica is bathed in the glow of
candlelight.
Christmas Day features four well-attended services, with each service celebrating Christ’s birth into the world through
beautiful music, song and scripture.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
December 21- Greening of The Basilica
8:30am-noon
Volunteers will begin decorating for Christmas. Evergreen trees, bows and other decorations will adorn the church.
December 24- Greening of The Basilica
8:30am-2:00pm
Volunteers will finish decorating for Christmas. Flowers and poinsettias will be brought in this day.
December 24- Christmas Eve
4:00pm- Christmas Vigil Eucharist- Featuring children’s choirs, cantor, organ.
6:30pm- Christmas Vigil Eucharist- Featuring contemporary & youth choirs, piano.
8:30pm- Christmas Vigil Eucharist- Featuring The Basilica Renaissance Ensemble, organ.
10:30pm- Prelude Music for Christmas- Featuring harp, flute, organ.
11:00pm- Choral Music for Christmas- Featuring The Basilica Cathedral Choir, harp, organ.
11:30pm- Vigil of Lights- Featuring The Basilica Cathedral Choir, organ.
Midnight- Solemn Eucharist- Featuring The Basilica Cathedral Choir, brass, harp, organ.
December 25-Christmas Day
7:30am- Eucharist at Dawn- Featuring cantor, organ.
9:30am- Solemn Eucharist- Featuring The Basilica Cathedral Choir, brass, strings, organ.
Noon- Solemn Eucharist- Featuring The Basilica Cathedral Choir, brass, strings, organ.
4:30pm- Eucharist- Christmas music from around the world..
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