CatholicTV to Broadcast Pope Francis’s Christmas Mass

On Saturday, December 24 at 8 p.m., the CatholicTV Network will broadcast Christmas Mass from St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, presided over by Pope Francis, the Watertown-based network announced. The Mass will be rebroadcast on Christmas Day at 7 a.m.

Mass with Pope Francis is part of CatholicTV’s 72-hour Christmas marathon beginning on Christmas Eve at 12 a.m. The marathon also includes a live broadcast of Pope Francis’s Christmas message, Urbi et Orbi, on Christmas Day at 6 a.m. The Pope’s message will be rebroadcast the same day at 3:30 p.m. and 11 p.m., and on 12/26 at 8:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. A full schedule of Christmas programming is available online. Tune in to CatholicTV for Christmas Mass with Pope Francis on 12/24 at 8 p.m. and Dec. 25 at 7 a.m. CatholicTV is available on cable, CatholicTVLIVE.com, Roku, Apple TV, or your mobile device.

Find Out How to Enter the Watertown Holiday Lighting and Decoration Contest

Each year, lights and decorations go up around Watertown to celebrate Christmas and the holiday season. If you think your’s is the best in town, enter the Holiday Lighting and Decoration Contest for the chance to win a gift card and a donation for your favorite charity. 

The contest is sponsored by Watertown Realtor Bob Airasian, and the deadline to enter is Dec. 10, 2016. The winner will receive a $250 American Express Gift Card, plus $250 to their favorite charity. Decorations will be judged on the following criteria:
• Unique design and creative use of lights and decorations
• Story line or theme
• Display and placement of decorations, animated objects, etc.

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Services Around Watertown

Churches around Watertown will celebrate Christ’s birth with Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services. See the times and locations here. First Parish of Watertown (35 Church St.) Dec. 24, Christmas Eve Candlelight Service 4:30 and 6 p.m. Includes the adult choir, candlelight and a homily (two services are exactly the same). Social hour in between the services at approximately 5:15 p.m. including a cookies pot luck.

Still Time to Enter Watertown’s Best Holiday Decorations Contest

Do you do up your home for the holidays? You can see how it stacks up in the Watertown’s Holiday Lighting and Decorations Contest. Decorate the exterior of your home in your best Holiday Cheer for the chance to win a $250 American Express Gift Card and a $250 Donation to your local charity of choice. The deadline for entry is Dec. 4, 2015. To enter: email your name, address and phone number to bob@bobairasian.com.

Watertown Church to Hold Service for Those Feeling Blue During the Holidays

Watertown’s Church of the Good Shepherd will hold its annual Blue Christmas service for people who feel blue during the holidays. The Blue Christmas Service is one of hope and healing. This interfaith gathering is particularly for those who are lonely, down, or feel the weight of loss during the holiday season, according to the announcement from the church. “We welcome all people who want to stand together in honesty at a time when the culture presses us to be ‘jolly,'” the announcement said. The service is by candlelight and includes song, reflection and silence. A light reception follows.

Whooley Foundation Provides Gifts for Watertown Kids in Need

Each year, just before Christmas, the Community Room at the Watertown Police Station fills with toys destined for families struggling during the holiday season. The effort is the continuation of the work of the late-Sgt. John “Sonny” Whooley – a Watertown Police officer who made it his mission to make the children in the community a little happier, said Det. David Collins, who oversees the drive these days. Members of the Watertown Police and Fire departments do much of the work.