Prepare for the coming of the newborn king by attending one of these faith-filled events featuring carols and Christmas classics
DETROIT — Snow has begun to fall, wreaths and candles have been lit, and chestnuts are roasting on an open fire.
Advent has begun in the Archdiocese of Detroit.
As the Church flips the calendar to a new liturgical year, one of the most cherished seasonal traditions is attendance at an Advent or Christmas concert. Each year, Detroit Catholic brings you a collection of concerts and musical offerings at local Catholic parishes.
The concerts below (with a few notable exceptions) are free and open to the public, featuring some of the best parish musicians, choral ensembles and professional singers performing classic Christmas carols, songs of the season and melodies to get your family in the spirit to welcome the coming newborn king. If you know of a concert that should be added to this list, email us at [email protected].
May you and your family have a joyous, holy Advent season this year.
Wednesday, Dec. 4 (7 p.m.)
‘Cathedrals’ Advent Tour featuring Matt Maher and Sarah Kroger
Matt Maher and Sarah Kroger will perform a special night of worship Dec. 4 at the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament, part of the CATHEDRALS tour sponsored by the International Justice Mission and the Hallow app. This event is a time to gather together as a community and celebrate the season of Advent through music, prayer, and reflection. All are welcome to attend this evening of praise and worship.
Tickets, which are in limited supply, cost $35 to $75 each, and can be purchased here. The concert begins at 7 p.m., with doors opening at 6 p.m. The Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament is located at 9844 Woodward Ave., Detroit.
Wednesday, Dec. 4 (6 p.m.)
‘Lives of Faith & Joy’ Concert featuring Bro. Al Mascia at St. Paul of Tarsus
Join us for a night of inspiring music by Bro. Al Mascia, OFM, on Wednesday, Dec. 4, at 6 p.m. in the social hall of St. Paul of Tarsus Parish. The “Lives of Faith & Joy” Concert will feature original music by Bro. Mascia. All are welcome. A free will offering will take place. St. Paul of Tarsus Parish is at 41300 Romeo Plank Road, Clinton Township.
Friday, Dec. 6 (7 p.m.)
‘O Holy Night’ Christmas Concert at Sacred Heart Major Seminary
'Tis the season! Join us on Friday, Dec. 6, at 7 p.m. for the Sacred Heart Major Seminary Christmas Concert, "O Holy Night." Enjoy a night of beautiful music performed by the Sacred Heart seminarians while preparing your heart for the Christmas season. The concert will begin at 7 p.m. in the seminary's main chapel. A social will follow in the parlor afterward. All are welcome! Seating is limited; please RSVP here. For questions, please contact Emily Berschback at 313.596.7424 or [email protected]. Sacred Heart Major Seminary is at 2701 Chicago Blvd., Detroit.
Friday, Dec. 6 (6 p.m.)
Christmas Concert at St. Roch
Come and join us for a holiday musical feast at St. Roch Parish in Flat Rock! This Christmas concert will feature many favorite choral pieces and interactive sing-alongs. The Christmas concert will feature the St. Roch choir directed by Christian Fisher. A reception will follow with a sneak appearance by St. Nicholas. St. Roch is at 25022 Gibraltar Road, Flat Rock.
Saturday, Dec. 7 (7 p.m.)
‘Unto Us’ performed by the Detroit Lutheran Singers at Divine Child
Save the date for The Detroit Lutheran Singers "Unto Us" Christmas Concert at the Church of the Divine Child! Join us on Saturday, Dec. 7 at 7 p.m. for a wonderful concert under the direction of Christopher Hall will feature music from Handel's Messiah. Hope to see you there! The Church of the Divine Child is at 1055 N. Silvery Lane, Dearborn.
Sunday, Dec. 8 (7:30 p.m.)
Rochester Community Christmas Concert at St. Andrew
Join the community for the 59th annual concert featuring many groups from the Rochester area at St. Andrew Parish. Music starts at 7 p.m. with Resurrection Brass, and the concert starts at 7:30 p.m. A free will offering will be taken. St. Andrew Parish is at 1400 Inglewood Ave., Rochester.
Wednesday, Dec. 11 (7 p.m.)
A Christmas Concert presented by the Belgian American Association Band at St. Lucy
Mark your calendars and join us on Wednesday, Dec. 11, at 7 p.m., for the annual Belgian American Association Band Christmas Concert at St. Lucy. The free concert will be in the Church this year. For information, visit belgianband.org. St. Lucy Parish is at 23401 E. Jefferson, St. Clair Shores.
Thursday, Dec. 12 (6:30 p.m.)
'A Holiday Concert' with Soprano Angela Theis & Pianist Timothy Cheek at St. John’s Resort
Soprano Angela Theis has performed numerous roles at the Detroit Opera House, and has been a soloist with various opera companies and symphony orchestras, most notably at Carnegie Hall in 2019. Dr. Timothy Cheek has performed recitals as a collaborative pianist in 18 countries on four continents, and has been heard on radio and television programs around the world. This free concert is part of the AIP Speaker Series at St. John’s Resort and will begin with a rosary at 6:30 p.m. St. John’s Resort is located at 44045 Five Mile Road, Plymouth.
Thursday, Dec. 12 (6 p.m.)
Holiday Concert with The Judelaires at St. Veronica
Join us on Thursday, Dec. 12, for our annual festive Holiday Concert featuring The Judelaires! An afterglow reception will be held in the vestibule with refreshments. This is a free-of-charge event, with an optional donation collection. St. Veronica Parish is at 21440 Universal Drive, Eastpointe.
Sunday, Dec. 15 (4 p.m.)
Christmas at the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament
Join us for an afternoon of divine harmony, where the air will be filled with timeless carols and sacred music that capture the true spirit of Christmas. Our talented Cathedral Schola, children of the Cathedral Choir Academy, and Archdiocesan singers will perform a selection of cherished hymns, anthems, and angelic songs that reflect the cultural heritage of our beloved city. The free concert is part of the Cathedral Cultural Series and will be followed by an Advent Artists Market in the nearby gathering space. The Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament is at 9844 Woodward Ave., Detroit.
Sunday, Dec. 15 (7 p.m.)
Festival of Lessons and Carols at St. Isidore
Experience Sacred Scripture, songs and carols of the season presented by the Macomb Chorale, Dakota and Anchor Bay H.S. Choirs, Camé Women’s Quartet and the InVoice Men’s Ensemble. Admission $5.
For more information, contact [email protected]. St. Isidore Parish is at 18201 23 Mile Road, Macomb Township.
Sunday, Dec. 15 (6:30 p.m.)
Music Ministry Christmas Concert at St. Lawrence
St. Lawrence Parish in Utica will present its annual Music Ministry Christmas Concert, “A Celebration of Our Savior’s Birth in Song,” at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15. The free concert features the St. Lawrence liturgical choir, handbell choir and instrumentalists. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. St. Lawrence Parish is at 44633 Utica Road, Utica.
Sunday, Dec. 15 (3 p.m.)
Holiday Concert ‘Around the World’ at St. Fabian
Join us for a festive concert featuring the parish choir and the Genesis Youth Choir, along with soloists Therese Smith and Brooke Evans. This concert will showcase holiday favorites from around the world, highlighting music from countries such as England, Germany, the Caribbean, Spain, Ukraine, and Poland, with some pieces performed in their native languages. Kim Kerwin will be joining us to share fun facts and coordinate our outreach for C.A.R.E.S. We would greatly appreciate donations of winter gloves, hats, scarves, and financial contributions to support this cause. After the concert, a cookie and punch reception will be held in the social hall. The concert will last approximately 60 minutes and will conclude with a festive carol sing-along. There will be a reception afterward in the social hall. St. Fabian Parish is at 32200 W. 12 Mile Road, Farmington Hills.
Sunday, Dec. 15 (4 p.m.)
Advent Festival of Lessons & Carols at St. Kieran
We hear you singing those Christmas carols! Come sing with us on Sunday, Dec. 15, at our Advent Festival of Lessons & Carols, presented by the St. Kieran Parish Music Ministry. The free event is open to the public and will include prayer, song and Scripture. St. Kieran Parish is at 53600 Mound Road, Shelby Township.
Sunday, Dec. 15 (3 p.m.)
‘He Came for Love,’ an Advent Concert on the Christmas Story at St. Mary
Join the music ministry of St. Mary Parish in Royal Oak on a journey through the Christmas story. This concert will include beautifully sung choral and contemporary pieces and reflections on the love of God that came into the world on Christmas. No charge for entry. A free will donation will be collected. St. Mary Parish is at 730 S. Lafayette Ave., Royal Oak.
Friday, Dec. 20 (6:30 p.m.)
‘Ready the Way’ concert by Haven at St. Thomas a’Becket
Come to ready your heart and mind for the coming of the Lord! Join us for “Ready the Way,” an Advent evening of reflection and song by the praise band Haven on Friday, Dec. 20, at 6:30 p.m. at St. Thomas a'Becket, which is at 555 S. Lilley Road, Canton.
Saturday, Dec. 21 (2 p.m.)
Carols with the Capuchins at St. Bonaventure Monastery
Celebrate the spirit of the season at the Solanus Casey Center with a beautiful afternoon of Lessons and Carols. On Sunday, Dec. 21, at 2 p.m., step into the warmth of this sacred gathering where tradition, music, and faith unite to bring the Christmas story to life. Experience the timeless story of Christ’s birth through Scripture readings, each followed by a hymn or carol that resonates with the message of each passage. Our music ministers will lead you through melodies both joyous and reflective, filling the space with reverent anticipation for the coming of our Savior. Carols with the Capuchins is free and open to the public with no RSVP required. Free, gated, off-street parking is available. St. Bonaventure Monastery and the Solanus Casey Center are at 1780 Mount Elliott St., Detroit.
Know of one we missed? Let us know at [email protected] and we’ll be happy to add it to the list.
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