In the Chancery Notice of 4 December 2023, as announced in the Sunday Examiner, 10 December 2023, p.3, item III., Diocesan Building and Development Commission, the effective date “1 January 2024” should be corrected as “1 December 2023”.
II. OBLIGATION OF THE FAITHFUL TO ATTEND MASS ON CHRISTMAS DAY
On the basis of Canon 1246§1 of the Code of Canon Law, the faithful of our Diocese are obliged to attend Mass on Christmas Day, apart from attending Mass on Sundays. Since 24 December 2023 happens to fall on a Sunday, Cardinal Stephen CHOW, S.J., has decided to adopt the following discretionary provision:
Parish churches which regularly celebrate evening Masses on Sundays are to use the liturgical text for Christmas (Vigil or Proper) for the evening Masses on December 24. The faithful who will be unable to attend Mass on Christmas Day, by attending an evening Sunday Mass on December 24, are considered to have fulfilled the dual obligation of attending Mass on Sunday and Christmas day. This discretionary provision is valid for this year only.
III. WORLD DAY OF PEACE
The Catholic Church will celebrate the 57th WORLD DAY OF PEACE on Monday, 1 January 2024. The main theme is: “Artificial Intelligence and Peace”.
In response to the Holy Father’s appeal to promote world peace, Cardinal Stephen CHOW, S.J., will on this occasion preside at a special Mass at the Cathedral at 10:00 am. Both clergy and laity are cordially invited to participate. The special Mass will be broadcast live at the diocesan website: www.catholic.org.hk.
Parishes are to follow the Proper of the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God for the eucharistic liturgy on 1 January. They are also urged to pray for world peace.
IV. THE HONG KONG CATHOLIC BOARD OF COMMUNICATIONS
Cardinal Stephen CHOW, S.J., has appointed/reappointed the following to be Board members for a two-year term, effective 1 January 2024:
(a) Appointed Members:
Ms. Patty CHAN
Dr. Anthony FUNG
Ms. Susanne HO
Ms. Annie LAM
Dr. Kaman LEE
Ms. Rebecca LEUNG
Mr. TAI Keen Man
Ms. Zita TSANG
Ms. Catherine WONG
(b) Ex Officio Member:
Rev. Peter CHOY, VG (Chairperson)
V. DIOCESAN WORKING COMMITTEE FOR “FOLLOWING THY WAY”
Cardinal Stephen CHOW, S.J., has appointed/reappointed the following to be Board members for a two-year term, effective 1 January 2024:
