Spending the holidays on the Grand Strand is a great idea for families, couples and groups looking to celebrate the season with a little rest and relaxation at the beach, and there are plenty of Christmas and New Year’s activities to keep you and your loved one busy and entertained.
But just because you are away from your home and church doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the reason for the season. For Catholics who are accustomed to attending Mass for Christmas and New Year’s, here’s a list of local churches offering a wide range of services to meet your schedule:
* Our Lady Star of the Sea: Located in North Myrtle Beach, this church will host Christmas Eve Carol Service at 4:15 p.m. and 8 p.m., Family Mass at 5 p.m., Traditional Mass at 9 p.m., and Spanish Mass at 10:30 p.m. Christmas Day Mass at 9 a.m. Our Lady Star of the Sea will also hold special Solemnity, Mary Mother of God services for New Year's – at 5 p.m. on New Year's Eve and 8 a.m. and noon on New Year's Day. For more information, visit www.olssnmb.com.
* Precious Blood of Christ: Located in Pawleys Island, this historic church is the only one on the Grand Strand hosting a special Midnight Mass. Precious Blood of Christ will hold Christmas Eve Mass at 6 p.m., followed by Midnight Mass at 12 a.m. Christmas Day Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. New Year's Eve Mass is set for 6 p.m. and New Year's Day Mass is at 10:30 a.m. For more information, call www.pbocchurch.com.
* St. Andrew of Myrtle Beach: Located in Myrtle Beach at the corner of Kings Highway and 37th Avenue North, this massive church will hold several services during the holiday season. Christmas Vigil Masses at 4 p.m., 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. on Christmas Eve with Spanish Mass at 8 p.m. Christmas Day Masses are set for 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Those services are in addition to regular Sunday Masses at 7:30, 9:15, 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Dec. 28, when the theme will be the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. Mary Mother of God Masses will feature Vigil Mass at 6 p.m. on New Year's Eve and Holy Day of Obligation Masses at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. on New Year's Day. For more information, visit www.standrewcatholicchurch.org.
* St. James the Younger: Located in historic downtown Conway, this church will hold numerous services for the holidays. Christmas Eve Mass will be held at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., followed by Spanish Mass at 8 p.m. Holy Day Mass will be held at 10 a.m. and noon on Christmas Day. Mary Mother of God Mass will be held at 6 p.m. (8 p.m. for Spanish service) on New Year's Eve. These special masses are in addition to the regular Sunday services at 9:30 a.m. (noon for Spanish). For more information, visit www.stjamesconway.org.
* St. Michael: Located in Garden City Beach, this church will hold Christmas caroling and special scripture readings as part of its holiday service schedule. On Christmas Eve, Daily Mass is at 8 a.m., followed by Family Christmas Vigil Mass at 4 p.m., Life Teen Christmas Vigil at 7 p.m., and Christmas Vigil Mass at 10 p.m. Christmas Day Mass will be held at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. with caroling starting 30minutes before each service. Daily Mass will be held at 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on New Year's Eve, and New Year's Day Mass is set for 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. For more information, visit www.saintmichaelsc.net.
(Posted: 12/16/14)
(Photo Courtesy: olssnmb.com)
