[NYer]

Is this not done in the Catholic church, then? Or was it just our (lovely) church which did not do this? The service was beautiful, but it was Not Right!! :)

Like Theoden and maryz, I have never experienced anything like that except at the Easter Vigil Mass. Prior to attending Midnight Mass last night, I watched live coverage of the Vigil Mass from the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Washington DC. The Church, as you described, was in total darkness except for candles held by those in attendance. It began with the Proclamation of the Birth of Christ From The Christmas Martryology, again something I had never experienced before. If the tradition you describe is prevalent in certain Protestant churches, perhaps some of the Catholic Churches are now 'borrowing' it to embellish their liturgies. I have seen this in the RC Diocese of Albany where certain parishes now celebrate the Anglican tradition of 'Lessons and Carols'.

Our Midnight Divine Liturgy began with the singing of Silent Night as Father processed up the aisle carrying the infant Jesus to place in the creche. We had candles burning in the windows but the Church was fully illuminated. It was, as always, a beautiful liturgy.

[Huber]

This seems more extra-liturgical than anything else. It is a nice effect, and I also have seen it done in many churches. I cannot recall it in a Roman Catholic Church.

[kosta50]

"If the tradition you describe is prevalent in certain Protestant churches, perhaps some of the Catholic Churches are now 'borrowing' it to embellish their liturgies"

That's my impression too.