VAN BUREN, Maine – Van Buren’s St. Bruno-St. Remi Catholic Church is bringing back its Christmas Eve Mass, a long-standing tradition that went away after the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020.
Christmas Eve Mass, also known as midnight Mass, is a special Christmas Eve service that celebrates the birth of Christ. The traditional celebration is part of the Catholic religion, which holds special significance in northern Maine’s French Acadian heritage.
The return of the Mass is part of an overall revival of the church under the new leadership of the Rev. Anthony Korir, whom many churchgoers affectionately call “Father Tony.” Korir started his tenure in July, and parishioners believe his community engagement has already sparked renewed energy and interest in the town’s church.
“In a small northern Maine town, we’re reclaiming a tradition that unites people across generations and denominations,” parishioner Georgette Lebel said. “The midnight Mass isn’t only about nostalgia; it’s about the message of hope Christmas brings, especially meaningful this year.”
Korir leads with an attitude of being open to everyone in the community, and makes a point to be present in Van Buren, whether that means working with the church’s thrift store and food pantry or making appearances at local sporting events.
“I participate in gatherings, and visit those who used to come to the church and are no longer able to or are sick,” he said. “I am present to anybody who wants to be listened to.”
Lebel and fellow parishioner Patricia Ezzy commended Korir’s work at the church, which Lebel said has resulted in renewed energy and increased attendance.
Korir is deeply involved in the local community, and reinstituting Midnight Mass will help bring back the practices that shaped life in Aroostook County, Lebel said.
The church’s average attendance varies between 140 and 170, Korir said. Before coming to Van Buren, he was appointed at the Parish of Precious Blood, based in Caribou, in 2022.
The priest works well with the children of the community, Lebel said. Kids are often excited to give him a high-five after Mass.
Lebel and Ezzy both grew up in St. Anne, across the border in New Brunswick, Canada. Lebel during her adulthood moved to Texas for 36 years, but moved back up to Van Buren and joined the church about eight years ago.
When Lebel rejoined, she reconnected with Ezzy and others she knew from St. Anne.
Ezzy, who has been attending the church since 1966, said the COVID-19 pandemic damaged attendance at the church, and once they lost it, it was difficult to get back.
“I think Father Tony is helping a lot in bringing people back to the church,” she said. “I sing in the choir, and every Sunday we say ‘Oh, there’s more people.’”
In fact, the choir has a new 11-year-old member who will perform a solo at the Midnight Mass.
When asked about the positive feedback and growing momentum he’s helped create, Korir said he is just focusing on his religious duties.
“I give my all,” Korir said. “That’s what I am here for, to let people grow their faith and create a relationship with the Lord. Nothing more. Nothing less.”
Looking ahead, Ezzy believes people in the community will benefit from the upcoming Midnight Mass, which will revive a longstanding tradition.
“They will come, and they will relive that beautiful experience that they have lived for so many years,” she said.
