Blue Christmas mass?
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Blue Christmas mass?
| Fri, 12-22-2006 - 6:13pm |
I was reading on the front page of the paper about Blue Christmas mass being held this year for those feeling depressed and joyless during the Holiday season.

Not until I read it in the paper like you did;)
I would like to take the time to promote the Christmas Day evening chat on iVillage. Just click the link in my siggie. It's for those feeling down or lonely & CL's Poppy & Barb are a great support for those in need! (((hugs))) jan
I never heard of it until I read about it in the Chicago Trib. I think it's a great idea. This can be such a difficult time of year. So many expectations, mostly that we put on ourselves.
I was close to tears after work today when I was picking up the last couple of gifts. I should have been relieved to have been done and just felt overwhelmed. I was totally stressed when I came home and was having chest pains. I think part of it is PMS, which is not a good combination with the holidays! Fortunately all I have to do this weekend is wrap gifts, hang out, visit an elderly neighbor, and go to church on Christmas Eve. We're having a quiet Christmas at home since we already celebrated with my in-laws last weekend and my family lives out of state.
About a week before Thanksgiving, the Chaplain's office at my university sponsored a "Service for Those with Hurting Hearts" where we were encouraged to light a candle in memory of lost friends and loved ones. The service provided a safe environment to allow some tears to escape and to quietly remember those we've lost. Honestly, I didn't make it past the assistant chaplain's welcome before the water-works started.
This Wednesday during evening prayer, my church provided an opportunity to share concerns of grief and loss both for those present at the service and for those in the community. We were invited to write our prayers on pieces of paper and place them on the altar as a way of giving those things to God.
While not on the holiday, both of these services were very meaningful ways to deal with loss and grief at this time of year. I think the idea of a "Blue Christmas" mass is a great service to the community.
Shelley