Sunday 20th December
Service
11.10am RTÉ One
The Rev Dr Julian Hamilton leads students and staff of Trinity College, Dublin, in an ecumenical Service for the Fourth Sunday of Advent, with music from the Unity Gospel Choir, directed by Neville Cox.
Christmas Eve (24th December)
Carols From Áras an Uachtarain
6.15pm RTÉ One
President Michael D & Mrs Sabina Higgins welcome into their home a star-studded and eclectic mixture of guests, to celebrate Christmas, including presenter Mary Kennedy, Imelda May, Iarla Ó Lianáird, John Sheahan, Mick Flannery, The Voice UK runner-up Lucy O’Byrne and Dutch special guest star Gert van der Vijver, aka “The Sand Magician” with his daughter, Rosa, “The Sand Princess.” They are joined by children from Rutland Street National School, Dublin and Carlow’s Aspiro Choir, plus “the world’s favourite orchestra”, The RTÉ Concert Orchestra, under the baton of Gavin Maloney.
Mass on Christmas Eve
11.15pm RTÉ One
Fr Michael Cusack C.Ss.R. celebrates Midnight Mass in the beautiful Redemptorist church of St Joseph, in Dundalk, Co. Louth, featuring music from the St Joseph’s Redemptorist Senior Choir, led by organist and choirmaster Trevor Clarke and featuring internationally renowned soprano, Tara Erraucht.
Christmas Day (25th December)
Service for Christmas Day
10.15am RTÉ One
The Rev David Neiland and Headmaster Scott Naismith lead staff and pupils of Methodist College, Belfast, in a special Service for Christmas Day, with music from the school choir, under the direction of Ruth McCartney.
Mass on Christmas Day
11.00am RTÉ One
Fr. Brendan Callanan, C.Ss.R., celebrates Mass in St Joseph’s Church, Dundalk, Co Louth, with traditional Christmas music led by St Joseph’s Redemptorist Senior Choir and soloist Fionnuala Quinn, under their organist and musical director, Trevor Clarke.
Urbi et Orbi
11.55am RTÉ One
Pope Francis offers a Christmas greeting “to the City and the World” from the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica, in Rome. Commentary and translation is from Fr Thomas McCarthy, OP.
A Christmas Message from the Archbishops of Armagh.
12.25pm RTÉ One
Archbishop Eamon Martin and Archbishop Richard Clarke, respectively Primates of the Catholic and Church of Ireland Churches in Ireland, present a joint Christmas message of faith, hope and love.
Sunday 27th December
11.ooam RTÉ One
Service
A special Christmas Service of Carols with members of Ireland’s Latvian community, including the Latvian Society in Ireland Choir, led by Inguna Mieze and Inguna Grietina.