The Catholic Mass
This part of the Mass includes the Penitential Act, Gloria, and Collect.
What is the Introductory Rites?
Saint Nicholas is best known today as the inspiration for this Christmas figure.
Who is Santa Claus?
The modern image of Santa’s red suit was popularized largely through advertising by this company.
What is Coca-Cola?
According to Luke’s Gospel, Mary wrapped Jesus in swaddling clothes and laid Him in this place.
What is a manger?
Christmas is celebrated on December 25 primarily to commemorate this event.
What is the Nativity of Jesus Christ?
This sacred vessel holds the consecrated hosts reserved in the church after Mass.
What is the tabernacle?
Saint Nicholas was a bishop, meaning he was a leader in this Church.
What is the Catholic Church?
The name “Santa Claus” is derived from the Dutch name for Saint Nicholas, Sinterklaas, originating in this country.
What is the Netherlands?
The angels announce Jesus’ birth to this group of people first.
Who are the shepherds?
Christmas begins this liturgical season, which lasts until the Baptism of the Lord.
What is the Christmas season?
The prayer said quietly by the priest before the Gospel, asking for purification of heart and lips.
What is “Cleanse my heart and my lips, almighty God…”?
Saint Nicholas is famous for giving gifts secretly, especially to help this group of people.
Who are children (or the poor)?
This 1823 poem helped standardize Santa’s sleigh, reindeer, and chimney visits.
What is “A Visit from St. Nicholas” (or “’Twas the Night Before Christmas”)?
This Old Testament prophet foretold that the Messiah would be born of a virgin.
Who is Isaiah?
This Mass, traditionally celebrated at midnight, emphasizes Christ as the Light entering the world.
What is the Mass at Night (Midnight Mass)?
This cloth, placed over the chalice during the Preparation of the Gifts, matches the liturgical color of the day.
What is the chalice veil?
Saint Nicholas lived in what is now this modern country.
What is Turkey?
Before being portrayed as jolly and rotund, Santa was often depicted wearing robes of this liturgical-associated color.
What is green?
The Gospel that includes the Magi, the star, and Herod’s response to Jesus’ birth.
What is the Gospel of Matthew?
This Marian doctrine affirms that Mary remained a virgin before, during, and after the birth of Jesus.
What is Mary’s perpetual virginity?
This theological term describes Christ becoming present—Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity—while the appearances remain bread and wine.
What is transubstantiation?
Saint Nicholas’ feast day is celebrated on this date.
What is December 6?
This reindeer was added last and did NOT appear in the original 1823 poem.
Who is Rudolph?
This theological term refers to God taking on human nature in the person of Jesus Christ.
What is the Incarnation?
This liturgical color is used during Christmas to symbolize joy, light, and glory.
What is white (or gold)?