By Ivette Sandoval

December always is the busiest time of the year for shopping, but it also is the busiest time for churches that take the time to plan ahead and put together great holiday events. They remind us that there is a more spiritual component to December and January as well. The Gazette offers this guide to holiday services within its coverage area.

BRIDGEPORT

All Saints-St. Anthony Church, 518 W. 28th Pl., (312) 842-2744. Thurs., Dec. 24, Christmas Eve children’s Mass 5 p.m. Carols at 11:30 p.m. followed by midnight Mass. Fri., Dec. 25, Christmas Day Masses at 8:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

Blessed Sacrament Parish, consisting of St. Maurice, 3601 S. Hoyne Ave., (773) 847-3357; Sts. Peter and Paul, 3745 S. Paulina St., (773) 523-3410; and Our Lady of Good Counsel, 3528 S. Hermitage Ave., (773) 523-3917. The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Sat., Dec. 12, mananitas at 5 a.m. at St. Peter and St. Paul, Mass at St. Maurice at 5 p.m. and at St. Peter and St. Paul at 7 p.m. Thurs., Dec. 24, Christmas Eve Mass at 4 p.m. at St. Peter and St. Paul in English and at Our Lady of Good Counsel at 5 p.m. in English, at 8 p.m. at St. Maurice in Spanish, and Midnight Mass at St. Maurice with caroling at 11:30 p.m. in English. Fri., Dec. 25, Christmas Day Masses, at 8 a.m. in St. Maurice in English, at 9 a.m. in St. Peter and St. Paul in English and Polish, at Our Lady of Good Counsel at 9:30 a.m. in English, and at 11 a.m. at St. Peter and St. Paul in Spanish.

First Lutheran Church of the Trinity, 643 W. 31st St., (312) 842-7390. Thurs., Dec. 24, Christmas Eve service at 6:30 p.m., and on Fri., Dec. 25, Christmas Day service at 10:30 a.m. followed by reception.

Holy Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church, 3116 S. Racine Ave., (773) 523-3838. Call church for information on Christmas Masses.

Holy Trinity Croatian Church, 1850 S. Throop St., (312) 226-7887. Fri., Dec. 25, Christmas Day Mass at 10 a.m. Fri., Jan. 1, New Year’s Day Mass at 10 a.m.

Monastery of the Holy Cross, 3100 S. Aberdeen Ave., (773) 927-7424. Thurs., Dec. 24 at 8 p.m., Christmas Eve Mass, and on Fri. Dec., 25 at 10 a.m., Christmas Day Mass.

Nativity of Our Lord, 653 W. 37th St., (773) 927-6263, www.nativitybridgeport.org. Masses on the feast of the Immaculate Conception are Tues., Dec. 8, at 6:50 and 8:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. Tues., Dec. 15, the church will host an Advent Reconciliation Service at 7 p.m. Christmas Eve Mass, Thurs., Dec. 24, at 4 p.m. and midnight. Christmas Day Mass, Fri., Dec. 25 at 8 and 11 a.m. New Year’s Day Mass, Fri., Jan. 1, at 10 a.m.

Our Lady of Fatima, 2751 W. 38th Pl., (773) 927-2421. Thurs., Dec. 24, Christmas carols at 7:30 p.m., bilingual Mass at 8 p.m. Fri., Dec. 25, Mass at 10 a.m. in English and midnight Mass in Spanish. Fri., Jan. 1, New Year Mass at 10 a.m. in English and Mass at noon in Spanish.

St. Barbara’s Church, 2859 S. Throop St., (312) 842-7979, www.stbarbarachicago.org. Fri., Dec. 11, at 6:30 p.m., school Christmas concert, open to the public. Mon., Dec. 21, Advent, Mass at 7 p.m. Thurs., Dec. 24, family Mass with children’s pageant at 4 p.m.; Midnight Mass with carols at 11:30 p.m. Fri., Dec. 25, Christmas Day Masses at 6, 9:30, and 11:30 a.m. Sun., Dec. 27, A capella choir, Canticum Novum, will sing at the 11:30 a.m. Mass, and then perform at 12:30 p.m. for the Christmas concert, performing both classical and contemporary music of the season.

St. Gabriel Roman Catholic Church, 4522 S. Wallace St., (773) 268-9595. Thurs., Dec. 24, Christmas Eve Mass at 4 p.m. and Fri., Dec. 25, Christmas Day Mass at 9 a.m. Thurs., Jan. 31, New Year’s Eve Mass at 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. and Fri., Jan. 1, New Year’s Mass at 9 a.m.

St. Jerome Croatian Catholic Church, 2823 S. Princeton Ave., (312) 842-1871. Call church for information on Christmas Masses. St. Lucia Church, 3022 S. Wells St., (312) 842-6115. Thurs., Dec. 24, children’s Mass at 5 p.m. and midnight Mass. Fri., Dec. 25, Christmas Mass at 11 a.m. Thurs., Dec. 31, New Year’s Eve Mass at 5 p.m. Fri., Jan 1, New Year’s Day Mass at 11 a.m.

St. Mary of Perpetual Help, 1039 W. 32nd St., (773) 927-6646, www.stmaryofperpetualhelp.com. Sat., Dec. 12, Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Mass with blessing of roses at 4 p.m., communal penance service with confessions at 3 p.m. Thurs., Dec. 24, Christmas Eve Mass at 4 p.m. and Christmas music with harp and carols at 11:40 p.m., and Midnight Mass with music with parish choir. Fri., Dec. 25, Christmas Day Mass at 10:30 a.m. Sat., Dec. 26, and Sun., Dec. 27, Feast of the Holy Family, English mass, Sat. at 4 p.m. and Sun. at 8:30 a.m. in Latin and 10:30 a.m. in English. Thurs., Dec. 31, New Year’s Eve Holy Day Mass at 4 p.m., and Fri., Jan. 1, New Year’s Day, Mass at 10:30 a.m. Sat., Jan. 2, Solemnly of the Epiphany at 4 p.m. in English, and Sun., Jan. 3, at 10:30 a.m. in English.

BRONZEVILLE

Apostolic Faith Church, 3823 S. Indiana Ave., (773) 373-8500 www.afcchicago.org. Fri., Dec. 18, Senior Saints Society Christmas celebration at noon. Sun., Dec 20, Sunday school Christmas program at 9:45 a.m. Fri., Dec. 25, annual Christmas day shelter feeding program at noon.

Bethel AME Church, 4400 S. Michigan Ave., (773) 285-5500. Call for information.

Coppin Memorial AME Church, 5633 S. Michigan Ave., (773) 667-5881. Call for information.

Corpus Christi Church, 4920 S. King Dr., (773) 285-7720. Thurs. Dec., 24, Christmas Eve service at 10 p.m. Fri., Dec. 25, Christmas Day service at 9: 30 a.m. Fri., Jan. 1, New Year’s Day service at 9:30 a.m.

Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church, 4501 S. Vincennes Ave., (773) 373-6144. Call for information on Christmas services.

Grant Memorial AME Church, 4017 S. Drexel Blvd., (773) 285-5819. Call for information.

Hartzell Memorial United Methodist Church, 3330 S. King Dr., (312) 842-5957. Sun., Dec. 20, The Sanctuary Choir presents The Messiah with orchestra and guest soloists, 10:30 a.m. worship service. Thurs., Dec. 24, Christmas Eve candlelight service at 6 p.m. Sun., Dec. 27, Kwanzaa celebration at 1 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. Thurs., Dec. 31, Watch Night service at 6 p.m., Kwanzaa celebration immediately following service in Fellowship Hall.

Holy Angels Catholic Church, 607 E. Oakwood Blvd., (773) 624-5375. Call for information on Christmas services.

Kenwood United Church of Christ, 4608 S. Greenwood Ave., (773) 373-2861. Sun., Dec. 6, 124th anniversary worship service at 11 a.m. Fri., Dec. 25, Christmas Day Mass at 11 a.m. and Fri., Dec. 31, watch-meeting service at 7 p.m., dinner to follow.

Metropolitan Community Church, 4610 S. Prairie Ave., (773) 536-2046. Sun., Dec. 20, Christmas concert at 3 p.m. Call for information on Christmas services.

Morning Star Baptist, 3933 S. King Dr., (773) 285-8111. Fri. Dec. 25, Christmas Day service at 10 a.m.

Olivet Baptist Church, 3101 S. King Dr., (312) 528-0124. Call for information.

Pilgrim Baptist Church, 3300 S. Indiana Ave., (312) 842-4417. Sun., Dec. 20, Christmas service at 10:45 a.m.

St. Ambrose, 1000 E. 47th St., (773) 624-3695. Call church for information on Christmas Masses.

St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church, 50 E. 41st St., (773) 268-1518. Call for information. St. James United Methodist Church, 4611 S. Ellis Ave., (773) 285-4244. Christmas service, Sun., Dec. 27 at 11 a.m.

St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 3801 S. Wabash Ave., (773) 268-1900. Thurs., Dec. 24, Mass at 10 p.m. with caroling and High Mass at 10:30 p.m.

South Park Baptist, 3722 S. King Dr., (773) 548-6566. Sun., Dec. 20, annual Christmas service featuring the children’s program at 3 p.m. Sixth Grace Presbyterian Church, 600 E. 35th St., (312) 225-5300. Call for information.

West Point Missionary Baptist Church, 3566 S. Cottage Grove Ave., (773) 538-7590. Born to Die Christmas Cantata, Sun., Dec. 6 at 4 p.m., performed by 150 Voice Choir. Advent celebrated on Sun., Dec. 6 at 10:45 a.m. Inspirational Voices of Praise chorale, Winter Wonderland concert, Sun., Dec. 13 at 3 p.m. Fri., Dec. 31, New Year’s Eve “Explosion” service, a non-traditional celebration, at 10 p.m.

CHINATOWN

Chinese Christian Union Church, 2301 S. Wentworth Ave., (312) 842- 8545, www.ccuc.net. Fri., Dec. 18, Christmas cantata program in sanctuary at 7:30 p.m., and on Sun., Dec. 20 at 2 p.m. Sun., Dec. 20, Christmas Sunday, service in English at 9:30 a.m. in Sanctuary; Mandarin service at 9:45 a.m., on third floor of Pui Tak Center (2216 S. Wentworth); Oasis Cantonese service at 10 a.m. on second floor of Impact Center (2261 S. Wentworth); and Cantonese service at 11:30 a.m. in sanctuary. Thurs., Dec. 24, Christmas Eve service in sanctuary at 11:30 a.m. Sun., Dec. 27, Cantonese baptism at 11:30 a.m. in sanctuary.

St. Therese Chinese Catholic Church, 218 W. Alexander St., (312) 842-6777, www.sttherese-chinatown.org. Thurs., Dec. 24, Christmas Eve Mass at 7:45 a.m.; 10:30 p.m. Christmas carols; 11:30 p.m. Midnight Christmas Mass. Fri., Dec. 25, Christmas Mass at 8 a.m., 9:30 a.m. High Mass. Sat., Dec. 26, St. Steven, Deacon and First Martyr, Mass at 7:45 a.m. and Vigil Mass at 5 p.m. Sun., Dec. 27, Holy Family of Nazareth Mass at 8 a.m. and High Mass at 9:30 a.m. Thurs., Dec. 31, New Year’s Eve Mass at 7:45 a.m., silent adoration at 5:30 p.m., thanksgiving Mass for blessings received at 6 p.m., and “hot pot” in the church basement at 7 p.m. Fri., Jan. 1, Solemnity of the Virgin Mary, Mother of God, Mass at 8 a.m., 9:30 a.m. solemn Mass. Sat., Jan. 2, Mass at 8 a.m. and vigil Mass at 5 p.m. Epiphany of the Lord, Mass at 8 a.m. and Cantonese Mass at 9:30 a.m. Sun., Jan. 10, Mass at 8 a.m., high Mass at 9:30 a.m., and Indonesian Mass at 11 a.m.

GRAND AVE. AREA

St. John Cantius, 825 N. Carpenter St., (312) 243-7373, www.cantius.org. Sat., Dec. 5, Handel’s Messiah, concert for choir and orchestra at 7:30 p.m. Sun., Dec. 6, St. Cecilia Choir sings during 12:30 p.m. Mass. Sat., Dec. 12, concert of Nine Lessons and Carols for Christmas at 7:30 p.m. Sun., Dec. 13, St. Cecilia Choir sings for 12:30 p.m. Mass and 4 p.m. concert of Nine Lessons and Carols for Christmas. Sun., Dec. 20, St. Cecilia Choir during 12:30 p.m. Mass. Thurs., Dec. 24, Christmas Eve Midnight Mass at 11 p.m. Fri. Dec., 25, Christmas Day Mass at 11 a.m. with Holy Innocents Choir. Thurs., Dec. 31, Cantate Domino Choir sings for Deo Gratias Service and Midnight New Year’s Eve Mass.

Santa Maria Addolorata Church, 528 N. Ada St., (312) 421-3122. Thurs., Dec. 24, Christmas Eve Mass at 10:30 p.m. in Spanish; midnight Mass in English. Fri., Dec. 25, Christmas Day Mass at 9 a.m. in English and 10:30 a.m. in Spanish. Fri., Jan. 1, New Year’s Mass at 10:30 a.m. in English and Spanish.

NEAR WEST SIDE, TRI-TAYLOR, UNIVERSITY VILLAGE

Chicago International Church (EFCA), 2304 W. Taylor St. (church office only), (312) 226-8026, www.ciefc.org. The church holds its services at the Rush University Academic Building, 600 S. Paulina St., ninth floor, Room AR994. Sun., Dec. 13, at 10:15 a.m. celebrating Christ at Christmas with an international potluck meal following. Sun., Dec. 20, worship begins at 10:15 a.m. with special Christmas music and scripture readings in many languages, and snacks after.

Church of the Epiphany-Episcopal, 201 S. Ashland Ave., (312) 243-4242, www.epiphanychurch.org. Advent services every Sunday in December at 10:30 a.m. Thurs., Dec. 24, Christmas Mass at 6 and 10 p.m.

First Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1124 S. Ashland Ave., (312) 733-6886. Thurs., Dec. 24, Christmas Eve Mass at 11 p.m., followed by Christmas candlelight service. Fri., Dec. 25, Christmas Day worship with carols at 10:30 a.m., followed by Mass at 11 p.m.

Holy Family Church, 1080 W. Roosevelt Rd., (312) 492-8442. Thurs. Dec., 24, Carols with pipe organ at 4 p.m. and Christmas Mass at 5 p.m., and 10 p.m. with Gospel choir. Fri. Dec., 25, Mass at 9:45 a.m. Sun. Dec. 27, Masses at 9:45 a.m. and 5 p.m., Feast of the Holy Family.

New Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 1252 S. Wolcott Ave., (312) 733-1262, www.newzionmbc.com. Sun., Dec. 13, Christmas concert. Fri., Dec. 25, Christmas Day service at 8 a.m. and Thurs., Dec. 31, New Year’s Eve watch night service at 9 p.m.

Notre Dame de Chicago Church, 1334 W. Fluornoy St., (312) 243-7400, www.ndcc.archchicago.org. Daily worship throughout Advent, Mon. through Fri., 6:30 a.m.; Sat. 8:30 a.m., Dec. 5, 12, and 19. Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Tues., Dec. 8, 6:30 a.m. English Mass in the chapel, 7 p.m. bilingual Mass in the church. Sacrament of Reconciliation, Wed., Dec. 16, 7 p.m. Simbang Gabi, Sat., Dec. 19, 5 p.m. Filipino Advent celebration follwed by reception. Thurs., Dec. 24 Christmas family Mass with children’s choir at 5 p.m. and reenactment of Christmas Story, bilingual midnight Mass preceded by carols at 11:30 p.m. Fri., Dec. 31, Mary Mother of God vigil Mass at 5 p.m., and Fri. Jan.1 Mass at 10 a.m.

Precious Blood Parish, 2411 W. Congress Pkwy., (312) 733-5331. Our Lady of Guadalupe novena, Thurs., Dec. 3, through Thurs., Dec.10, at 7 p.m. Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe on Sat., Dec. 12, Mañanitas at 5 a.m. and Mass at 6 p.m. Wed., Dec. 16, through Wed., Dec. 22, Las Posadas awaiting the birth of Jesus at 7 p.m. in church every evening followed by piñatas for children. Thurs., Dec. 24, Christmas Eve Mass at 7 p.m.

St. Basil’s Greek Orthodox Church, 733 S. Ashland Ave., (312) 243-3738. Thurs., Dec. 24, Vespers at 6 p.m. and caroling at 7 p.m. Fri., Dec. 25, Orthros at 9 a.m., Divine Liturgy at 10 a.m. Thurs., Dec. 31, Great Festival of St. Basil, Great Vespers at 7 p.m. and Divine Liturgy at 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 1, St. Basil’s Day Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, Orthros 9 a.m., Devine Liturgy 10 a.m.

Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii, 1224 W. Lexington St., (312) 421-3757, fax (312) 421-3756, www.ourladyofpompeii.org. Ninth annual Mary and Christmas Celebration, Sat., Dec. 5, pre-concert buffet from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., concert from 7:45 p.m. to 9 p.m. and champagne and pastry reception to follow. Individual tickets are $150 per person. Rosary devotion every Sun. at 8 a.m. Padre Pio Prayer Cenacle at 6 p.m., the first Wed. of the month. Mother Cabrini, second and fourth Wed. of the month. Advent Day of reflection and reconciliation, Sat., Dec. 12, at 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. “Advent: The Church’s Pregnant Pause,” $20 pre-paid registration due Tues., Dec. 8, $25 afterwards, includes lunch. Thurs., Dec. 24, Christmas Eve Mass, 11:30 p.m. carols followed by Midnight Mass and rector’s reception. Fri., Dec. 25, Christmas Mass at 11 a.m. Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, Sun., Dec. 27 at 8:30 and 11 a.m. La Befana children’s pilgrimage, Sun., Jan. 3, at 11 a.m. Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, Sun., Dec. 17 at 11 a.m. Mass. St. Francis of Assisi Parish, 813 W. Roosevelt Rd., (312) 226-7575. Thurs., Dec. 24, Christmas Eve Masses at 8 a.m. and at midnight. Fri., Dec. 25, Christmas Day Masses at 9:45 and 11:30 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. Thurs., Dec. 31, New Year’s Eve Masses at 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. All services in Spanish only.

PILSEN

Providence of God Catholic Church, 717 W. 18th St., (312) 226-2929. Call church for information on Christmas Masses. St. Anthony Hospital, 2875 W. 19th St., (773) 484-1000. Fri., Dec. 25, Christmas Day Mass at 10:30 a.m.; and Fri., Jan 1, New Year’s Day Mass at 10:30 a.m.

St. Pius V, 1919 S. Ashland Ave., (312) 226-6161. Fri., Dec. 11, there will be a midnight Mass to celebrate the Virgin of Guadalupe’s birthday. Sat., Dec. 12, mañanitas at 5 a.m., followed by Mass at 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m., then at 6:30 p.m. the Mass of the Roses, where everyone will receive a rose. Wed., Dec. 16, posadas begin at 6 p.m. with rosary and continue until Wed., Dec. 23. On Thurs., Dec. 24, midnight Mass (Misa de Gallo) until 1 a.m., to await the birth of baby Jesus. Christmas Day, Fri., Dec. 25, 11 a.m. in English and Mass in Spanish at 1:15 p.m.

St. Procopius, 1641 S. Allport St., (312) 226-7887. Through Fri., Dec. 11, Novenas to the Virgin of Guadalupe, Sat., Dec. 12 mananitas at 5 a.m., and at 6:30 p.m. Mass of the Roses. Thurs., Dec. 24, Christmas Eve Mass. Thurs., Dec. 31, Christmas Eve Mass at 7 p.m.

WEST HAVEN

First Baptist Congregational Church, 1613 W. Washington Blvd., (312) 243-8047. Fri., Dec. 13, Handel’s Messiah at 4 p.m. Fri., Dec. 18, Christmas program with the Sunday school program at 7:30 p.m. On Fri., Dec. 25, candlelight Christmas Day service, 6:30 a.m. Thurs., Dec. 31, watch night service at 10:30 p.m. until the New Year.

Greater Bethlehem Baptist Church, 2400 W. Warren Blvd., (312) 733-6832. Adult choir, Sun., Dec. 20 at 3:30 p.m. Christmas Day sunrise service, Fri., Dec. 25 at 6 a.m.

St. Malachy Church, 2248 W. Washington Blvd., (312) 733-1068. Call church for information on Christmas Masses.

Christ the King Lutheran Church, 1532 S. Michigan Ave., (312) 939-3720. Call for information.

First United Methodist Church, Chicago Temple, 77 W. Washington St., (312) 236-4548, www.chicagotemple.org. Sat., Dec. 19 at 5 p.m., longest night service with guest preacher John DeBerry. Sun. Dec. 20, fourth Sunday of Advent, worship service at 8:30 and 11 a.m. Wed., Dec. 23, holy communion from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. and at 12:10 p.m. noontime worship service. Fri., Dec. 25, Christmas Day worship service at 9:30 a.m. Sat., Dec. 26, worship service at 5 p.m. Sun. Dec. 27, worship service at 8:30 and 11 a.m. Wed. Dec. 30, holy communion from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 12:10 p.m. noontime worship service. Thurs., Dec. 31, New Year’s Eve watch night worship service beginning at 7 p.m.

Grace Episcopal Church, 637 S. Dearborn St. at Grace Place, (312) 922-1426. Call for information.

Loop Christian Ministries, Daystar School building, 1550 S. State St., (312) 427-7962, www.loopchurch.org. Use Dearborn Street entrance; free parking off Dearborn Street. All worship services Sundays at 10 a.m. The church will be preparing for the feast of Christmas by revisiting the history of the South Loop and seeing how that interfaces with the themes of Advent and Christmas. Themes are as follows: Sun., Dec. 6, The South Loop as the Wilderness in the 1970s; Sun., Dec. 13, as Boom Town, 2005; and Sun., Dec. 20 Christmas in the South Loop 2009.

Old St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 1500 S. Michigan Ave., (312) 922- 3444, www.oldstmarys.com. Wed., Dec. 9, Christmas pageant at 5 p.m. and on Wed., Dec. 16, at 11 a.m. Sat. Dec. 12, Christmas concert at 7:30 p.m. Simbang gabi service, Thurs., Dec. 17 at 7 p.m. Thurs., Dec. 24, Christmas Eve family Mass at 5 and 8 p.m., with carols at 7:30 p.m. Fri., Dec. 25, Christmas Day Mass at 8:30 and 11 a.m.

Old St. Patrick’s Church, 700 W. Adams St., (312) 648-1021, www.oldstpats.org. Candlelit Christmas Choir and the Metropolis Symphony Orchestra, Fri., Dec. 4, concert through Sat., Dec. 5 at 7:30 p.m.; visit the church’s website to purchase tickets. Tues. Dec. 8, Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, 5:30 Mass. Waiting in Vigil with Mary: Images and Stories of Mary in the Catholic Tradition, 7 to 9 p.m. in the church hall. Sun., Dec. 13, third Sunday of Advent, Mass at 7, 8, 9:30, and 11:15 a.m., and 12:45 and 5 p.m. An Adult Appreciation of the Christmas Story with the Rev. John Cusick, at 9:30 a.m. at the church hall, and at 6:30 p.m. at the Frances Xavier Warde School Cafeteria. Tues., Dec. 16, An Advent of Reflection with Jack Shea, at 5:30 p.m. in the church, 6:30 p.m. dinner in the church hall, and at 7 p.m. presentation in church hall; reservations at (312) 648-1021. Sun., Dec. 20, fourth Sunday of Advent, Mass at 7, 8, 9:30, and 11:15 a.m., and 12:45 and 5 p.m., Family Ministry Christmas Story and Reception, Mass at 9:30 a.m. and reception in the gym. Thurs., Dec. 24, Christmas Eve Mass at 3 and 5 p.m. in the church and hall, Midnight Mass, doors open at 10:30 p.m. Fri., Dec. 25, Christmas Day Masses at 7, 8, 9:30, and 11:15 a.m. Thurs., Dec. 31, New Year’s Eve Mass at 5 p.m. Fri., Jan. 1, New Year’s Day Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mass at 10 a.m.

St. James Catholic Church, 2942 S. Wabash Ave., (312) 842-1919. Thurs., Dec. 24, carols at 5:45 p.m., followed by Mass at 6 p.m. On Fri., Dec. 25, Christmas Day Mass with carols at 10 a.m. Epiphany service, Sun., Jan. 3, at 9:30 and 11 a.m., followed by parish party.

St. Peter’s Catholic Church, 110 W. Madison St., (312) 372-5111, www.stpetersloop.org. Tues., Dec. 8, holy day of obligation, Solemn Mass at 12:15 p.m. Wed., Dec. 9, communal penance services at 12:15 p.m. and on Wed., Dec. 23, at 12:15 p.m. Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Sat., Dec. 12, Mass at noon. Advent evening prayer at 5:40 p.m. Thurs., Dec. 17, Fri. Dec. 18, Mon., Dec. 21 through Wed., Dec. 23. Thurs. Dec. 24 Christmas Eve, 11 p.m. vigil of Christmas, readings and carols (choir and strings), midnight Mass to follow. Fri., Dec. 25, Solemnity of the Nativity of Our Lord, Mass at 9 and 11 a.m., and 12:30 p.m. Feast of the Holy Family, Sat., Dec. 27 at 5 p.m., Sun., Dec. 28, at 9 and 11 a.m., and 12:30 and 6 p.m. Vigil of the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, Wed., Dec. 31, at 5 p.m.

Solemnity of Mary Mother of God, Thurs., Jan. 1, at 10 a.m. Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord, Sat., Jan. 3, at 5 p.m. and Sun., Jan. 4, at 9 a.m., 11 a.m. with choir, and 6 p.m. Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. Sat., Jan. 10 at 5 p.m. and Sun., Jan. 11 at 9 and 11 a.m., and 12:30 and 6 p.m.

Second Presbyterian Church, 1936 S. Michigan Ave., (312) 225-4951. Twenty-third annual “Sing Along Messiah,” Sun., Dec. 6 at 3:30 p.m. Christmas Eve Candlelight Service, Thurs., Dec. 24 with reception at 6 p.m. followed by Worship Service at 7 p.m.

CHRISTMAS PLAYS, PAGEANTS, CHOIR RECITALS, ASSEMBLIES, AND OTHER SPECIAL EVENTS

Chiesa Nuova, 230 S. Laflin St., (312) 226-0983. Wed., Dec. 16 at 6 p.m., Quest Theatre Ensemble presents a free performance of Blue Nativity at St. Peter’s Church, 110 W. Madison St. Wed., Dec. 30, at 7:30 p.m., a Franciscan Christmas, an annual holiday feast with stories, music, and holiday feasting, $25 per person. Seating is limited for 30 people. Call for reservations at (312) 226-0983.

First Baptist Congregational Church, 1613 W. Washington Blvd., (312) 243-8047. Fri., Dec. 13, Handel’s Messiah at 4 p.m. Fri., Dec. 18, Christmas program with the Sunday School program at 7:30 p.m.

Greater Bethlehem Baptist Church, 2400 W. Warren Blvd., (312) 733-6832. Adult choir, Sun., Dec. 20, at 3:30 p.m.

Andrew Jackson Language Academy, 1340 W. Harrison St., (773) 534-7000. Fri., Dec. 18, 1 p.m., holiday assembly. The public is welcome to attend.

Jones College Prep, 606 S. State St., (773) 534-8600, www.jonescollegeprep.org. Wed., Dec. 9, the instrumental music winter concert, 7 to 9 p.m. in the auditorium. Complimentary parking available in lot at State Street and Balbo Drive. Tuesday, Dec. 15, noon, the Jones College Prep Choir will perform at the Harold Washington Library Center, 400 S. State St. Liberty Baptist Church, 4849 S. King Dr., (773) 268-6757, www.lbcofchicago.org. Call for information on Kwanzaa celebration.

Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church, 2151 W. Washington Blvd., (312) 738-0053, www.metropolitanmbc.tripod.co m. Service at 10:45 a.m. every Sunday. Sun., Dec. 20, Christmas concert at 3 p.m.

Notre Dame de Chicago Church, 1334 W. Fluornoy St., (312) 243-7400, www.ndcc.archchicago.org. Our Lady of Guadalupe novena Thurs., Dec. 3, through Fri., Dec. 11. Most evenings 7 p.m., except Sat., Dec. 5 (5 p.m.); Sun, Dec. 6 (after noon liturgy). Feast Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Sat., Dec. 12, 5 a.m. Las Mananitas, 5 p.m. bilingual Mass of the Roses; fiesta after Mass with music and food. “The Life of Mary in Text and Image,” Sat., Dec. 19, 3 p.m.

Old St. Patrick’s Church, 700 W. Adams St., (312) 648-1021, www.oldstpats.org. Candlelit Christmas Choir and the Metropolis Symphony Orchestra, concert Fri., Dec. 4, through Sat., Dec. 5 at 7:30 p.m. Visit the church’s website to purchase tickets.

St. Barbara’s Church, 2859 S. Throop St., (312) 842-7979, www.stbarbarachicago.org. Fri., Dec. 11, at 6:30 p.m., School Christmas concert, open to the public. Mon., Dec. 21, Advent, Mass at 7 p.m. Sun., Dec. 27, a capella choir, Canticum Novum, will sing at the 11:30 a.m. Mass, and then perform at 12:30 p.m. for the Christmas concert, performing both classical and contemporary music of the season.

St. Mary of Perpetual Help, 1039 W. 32nd St., (773) 927-6646. Sat., Dec. 12, Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Mass with blessing of roses at 4 p.m.

Washington Irving School, 749 S. Oakley Blvd., (773) 534-7295. Call for information about holiday programs.

ADVENT WORSHIP AND LESSONS AND CAROLS

Church of the Epiphany—Episcopal, 201 S. Ashland Ave., (312) 243-4242, www.epiphanychicago.com. Advent services every Sunday in December at 10:30 a.m.

First United Methodist Church, Chicago Temple, 77 W. Washington St., (312) 236-4548, www.chicagotemple.org. Sat., Dec. 19 at 5 p.m., longest night serve with guest preacher John DeBerry. Sun., Dec. 20, fourth Sunday of Advent, Worship service at 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.

Notre Dame de Chicago Church, 1334 W. Fluornoy St., www.ndcc.archchicago.org. Christmas caroling the Sundays of Dec. 6, 13, and 20, 6 p.m., starting at the church and passing through the neighborhood. Lessons and carols, Tues., Dec. 15, 7 p.m. Advent celebration with music and reflections in the church.