FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK: “PREPARE THE WAY”
In the year 270 the Roman emperor Aurelian established December 25th as the feast of the unconquered sun. This feast which occurred at the time of the winter solstice was adapted by the Christian community following the Council of Nicea in 325AD and given a new meaning. Instead of celebrating the birth of the unconquered sun, they celebrated the mystery of the Incarnation, the birth of Christ who is “a light that shines in the darkness” (Jn.1:5). Early on, the Christian community decided that the best way to mark the birth of Christ was with the celebration of the Eucharist. By the late sixth century a series of three Eucharistic celebrations took place in Rome at Christmas at St. Peter’s. Following the construction of the Basilica of Mary Major in Rome, around 440AD and the addition of a side chapel corresponding to the Cave of the Nativity in Bethlehem, there developed a vigil at the basilica on the evening before the feast. A nighttime celebration of the Eucharist concluded the vigil. Over the years the Midnight Mass enjoyed great popularity drawing people to the light and darkness motifs of the feast. In the opening prayer of the Mass we pray, “Father, you make this holy night radiant with the splendour of Jesus Christ our light, We welcome Him as Lord, the true light of the world.”
During Advent:
- we invite you to pray for one another
- we invite you to participate in our Advent projects for the Drop-In-Centre and Michael House
- we invite the children to help feed hungry children throughout the world by their donations to the Chalice Christmas Smiles Campaign
CHRISTMAS SCHEDULE 2017
SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION
Tuesday, December 19th – 8a.m.to 12noon; 2p.m. to 5p.m.
Wednesday, December 20th – 6:30p.m. to 7:30p.m.
Saturday, December 23rd – 3:30p.m. to 5:00p.m.
EUCHARISTIC CELEBRATIONS
Saturday, December 23rd – 5:15p.m.
Sunday, December 24th – 9a.m. & 11a.m.
CHRISTMAS EVE
Sunday, December 24th – 5:15p.m.; 8:00p.m.; 12Midnight preceded by Carols at 11:30p.m.
Monday, December 25th – 9a.m. & 11a.m.