A Christmas Gift for the Homebound: TV Mass Brings the Joy of Christ’s Birth to Those Unable to Attend
- Denver Catholic Staff
- 1 hour ago
- 3 min read
On Christmas Day, Catholics around the world gather in churches to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ — the Word made flesh, born for our salvation. For many, this joyful gathering around the altar is the heart of Christmas.
Yet for some members of our community — the elderly, the sick, and those truly unable to leave their homes — attending Mass in person is not possible. For them, the Archdiocese of Denver once again offers a beautiful gift this Christmas: the TV Mass for the Homebound, allowing them to unite spiritually with the Church as she celebrates the Nativity of the Lord.
A ministry of presence and care
The TV Mass for the Homebound is a long-standing ministry of the archdiocese, created in 1966 to serve those who are prevented by illness, frailty or serious circumstance from attending Mass in person. Through television and online broadcasts, the faithful who are homebound can pray along, hear the Word of God proclaimed and enter into the joy of Christmas with the wider Church.
This ministry reflects the Church’s deep concern for those who are vulnerable and isolated, especially during the holidays. No one should feel forgotten at Christmas — least of all those who carry heavy crosses.
Christmas TV and online Mass times
On Christmas Day 2025, the following broadcasts will be available:
English Mass
KWGN Channel 2: 5:00–6:00 a.m.
PBS Channel 12: 6:30–7:30 a.m.
Spanish Mass
PBS Channel 12.2: 7:00–8:00 a.m.
In addition, the Mass will be available anytime on Christmas Day via YouTube at archden.org/tvmass, making it accessible for those who need flexibility or who may not have access to television.
Families, caregivers and parishioners are encouraged to share this information with loved ones who are homebound, helping ensure they know they are invited to participate.
A Gentle Reminder
While the TV Mass is a blessing for those who cannot attend in person, the Church continues to teach that Catholics who are physically able are obliged to attend Mass in person on Sundays and holy days of obligation, including Christmas.
The Eucharist is not merely something we watch; it is a sacrament we receive. Gathering bodily with the Church to worship God is a vital part of Catholic life and discipleship. When we are able, Christ calls us to come to the altar, to be present and to worship the Father with the Son in the Holy Spirit, together as Church.
The TV Mass is therefore not a substitute for in-person attendance for those who are able to attend, but rather a compassionate provision for those who are legitimately prevented from doing so.
One Church, United in Prayer
Whether in a parish pew or a living room chair, Christmas remains a moment of profound grace. Through the TV Mass for the Homebound, the Archdiocese of Denver helps ensure that all the faithful, especially those who are suffering or alone, can share in the joy of Christ’s birth.
This Christmas, let us remember those who cannot join us in person. Let us pray for them, reach out to them, and help them connect to the Church’s celebration. And let us rejoice together that Emmanuel — God with us — comes to dwell with his people.
For online access, visit archden.org/tvmass.
