While many dream of a White Christmas, most don’t imagine it arriving a full month later—on the Third Sunday of Ordinary Time, January 25th!
Because extreme weather is expected in the Washington, DC area, our Archbishop, Cardinal McElroy, has written to all saying that Catholics are not required to go to Mass this Sunday, January 25, 2026 (or anticipated Masses on January 24), in fulfillment of their Sunday Obligation.
This applies to:
- Anyone who belongs to the Archdiocese of Washington, no matter where they are, and
- Any Catholic who happens to be in the Archdiocese during that time.
No one has to use this exception—if you can safely get to Mass and think it’s a good idea, you’re encouraged to go. But no one should feel guilty or worried if they decide not to attend because of the weather.
Even if you don’t go to Mass, we are still asked to honor Sunday – The Lord’s Day – in other ways.
We will keep our normal Sunday Celebration schedule, except the Mass in French.
There are two Masses Saturday evening, our Vigil in English at 5:00 pm and our Vigil in Spanish at 7:00 pm. Be prepared to carpool or drop off passengers and park beyond the parish parking lot if participation exceeds normal levels. We appreciate your consideration.
You may find this video, The Sunday Mass for Sick and Shut-ins, helpful in keeping Sunday Holy.
These resources might help you and your family to honor Sunday at home before heading out to build a snowman like Pope Leo!
Stay safe. You’re excused from Mass if the weather makes it risky, and you can keep Sunday holy in other ways instead.
Debido al mal tiempo, los católicos que se encuentren en o estén vinculados a la Arquidiócesis de Washington quedan dispensados de asistir a Misa el 25 de enero de 2026. Se recomienda asistir a Misa si es seguro hacerlo, pero no es obligatorio. Quienes no asistan deben santificar el domingo mediante la oración, la lectura de la Sagrada Escritura o actos de caridad.
En raison des conditions météorologiques sévères, les catholiques se trouvant dans l’Archidiocèse de Washington ou qui y sont rattachés sont dispensés de l’obligation d’assister à la messe le 25 janvier 2026. La participation à la messe est encouragée si elle peut se faire en toute sécurité, mais elle n’est pas obligatoire. Ceux qui n’y assistent pas sont invités à sanctifier le dimanche par la prière, la lecture de l’Écriture sainte ou des actes de charité.
La messe en français est annulée, et les personnes qui souhaitent assister à la messe sont invitées à participer aux messes régulières en anglais.
Do thời tiết xấu, các tín hữu Công giáo đang ở hoặc có liên hệ với Tổng Giáo phận Washington được miễn bổn phận tham dự Thánh Lễ vào ngày 25 tháng 1 năm 2026. Việc tham dự Thánh Lễ được khuyến khích nếu có thể đi lại an toàn, nhưng không bắt buộc. Những ai không tham dự được mời gọi thánh hóa ngày Chúa Nhật qua việc cầu nguyện, đọc Kinh Thánh hoặc thực hành các việc bác ái.