Catholics in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis should keep a close eye on their parish bulletin or website this Advent season. Some parishes may add an earlier Mass on Christmas Eve and may add more Masses on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Because Christmas Masses typically draw larger congregations, three changes will give priests flexibility to safely accommodate more parishioners, archdiocesan leaders say.

Archbishop Bernard Hebda recently communicated to priests about a change around Christmas Eve Mass time guidelines. During this year’s pandemic, Christmas Eve Mass may be celebrated as early as 2 p.m. Previously, the earliest time was 4 p.m.

Depending on capacity, churches continue to be limited to a maximum of up to 250 people per service. Adding an earlier Mass or two on Christmas Eve enables more people to attend liturgies while maintaining social distancing and allowing time for sanitation of the church between Masses.

Catholics might note two other temporary changes at their parishes. Earlier this year, because of the pandemic, Archbishop Hebda issued guidance to parishes and priests on two subjects: the number of Masses a priest is permitted to celebrate on a given day, and the use of the sacrament of reconciliation’s third form, known as “general absolution.”

Since March 13, and effective for the duration of the pandemic, priests may celebrate as many Masses as they deem necessary to meet “the reasonable needs of the faithful.” Previously, priests assigned to parish ministry could celebrate two Masses on weekdays and three on Sundays or holy days of obligation.

Additionally, priests may offer general absolution as a form of reconciliation. Because administering the sacrament of penance typically places people in close proximity, since March 20, pastors have been allowed to offer reconciliation in this form, where parishioners can be socially distanced in pews. Many parishes continue to offer one-on-one confessions in socially distant ways, so parishioners should check with their parish. Catholics who receive general absolution are obliged to confess serious sins in the normal, one-on-one form of confession as soon as possible.

In a letter to parishes and priests in early November, Archbishop Hebda said that it may be helpful to remember that the first Christmas occurred at a challenging time as well.

“In fact, Jesus has continued to make his presence known throughout history’s difficulties, including this pandemic,” he said. “He becomes incarnate in us as we show kindness and concern for the health and salvation of our neighbors.”