Dear Parishioners,   

As we journey through the holy season of Advent, the Church invites us to reflect deeply on the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. One of the most beautiful and ancient traditions during these final days leading up to Christmas is the singing and meditation of the O Antiphons (6th century). These antiphons, prayed from December 17th to December 23rd, accompany the Magnificat during Vespers and the Roman Missal and are familiar to many through the hymn, O Come, O Come, Emmanuel. Each antiphon highlights a unique title for Christ, drawn from Scripture:

December 17: (O SAPIENTIA) O Wisdom of our God Most High, guiding creation with power and love: come to teach us the path of knowledge!

December 18: (O ADONAI) O Leader of the House of Israel, giver of the Law to Moses on Sinai: come to rescue us with your mighty power!

December 19: (O RADIX JESSE) O Root of Jesse’s stem, sign of God’s love for all his people: come to save us without delay!

December 20: (O CLAVIS DAVID) O Key of David, opening the gates of God’s eternal Kingdom: come and free the prisoners of darkness!

December 21: (O ORIENS) O Radiant Dawn, splendor of eternal light, sun of justice: come and shine on those who dwell in darkness and in the shadow of death.

December 22: (O REX GENTIUM) O King of all nations and keystone of the Church: come and save man, whom you formed from the dust!

December 23: (O EMMANUEL) O Emmanuel, our King and Giver of Law: come to save us, Lord our God!

I encourage you to make these antiphons a part of your daily prayer during this time. Reflect on the titles and what they reveal about Jesus’ mission. May these sacred words draw us closer to the joy and wonder of Christmas.

In Christ,

Fr. Gaston Giacinti, IVE.

WEEKLY NEWS

Christmas Activity – The Posadas

From December 16th through December 23rd at 6:00 pm we will have The Posadas. Come and join to renew your spirit as we approach Christmas, with the prayer of the rosary and Carols.

The Posadas will take place on:

Monday 16th at St. John,

Tuesday 17th at Sacred Heart,

Wednesday 18th at St. John,

Thu 19th at Sacred Heart,

Sun 22nd at St. John,

Mon 23rd at Sacred Heart.

 Bible Study Reminder on the Gospel of Matthew – Thursday Dec 19^th

Join the DRIVEN TO PRAISE prayer Group as we journey now through the Beatitudes 7pm – 8 pm at St. John the Baptist.

Christmas Concert Friday Dec 20 at 7pm at Sacred Heart by “The Sacred Heart Children’s Choir and bellringers” directed by Mr. Randy Mills and sponsored by the Traditional Latin Mass. All invited.

Sacred Heart Annual Memorial Wish Tree

This year’s Wish Tree Mass is on Sat, Dec. 21st at Sacred Heart Church at 5PM. This is a Mass for all the Faithful Departed presided by His Excellency, Bishop Daniel Miehm and it is also an aid in the fundraising for parish renovations projects at Sacred Heart. A light reception following the Holy Mass.

If you would like to participate you have 3 different options below, please choose one:

1.You can drop an envelope in the collection basket (marked as Wish Tree Mass) either at SH or St. J with:

1. The names of those you want to remember in this Holy Mass B. Your full name and address C. Your donation. or
2. By using the printed form and filling it out and again putting it in the collection basket on the weekend. or
3. By coming to the office during office hours: Tue, Thu or Fri between 3:30 – 5:00PM at 300 Wilson St.

For questions please contact Ed Genge at 705-292-6665 or genge@sympatico.ca

D IOCESAN &O THER NEWS:

Pilgrims of Hope—Jubilee Year 2025

Jubilee Opening Mass will be on December 29th, 2024, 10:30 am at St. Peter-In-Chains, celebrated by His Excellency Bishop Daniel Miehm. The faithful will be asked to gather outside the Knights of Columbus Hall (parking lot area) facing the veranda to hear the introductory remarks for the Jubilee Year.  We will all ‘pilgrimage’ across the street to St. Peter’s for the continuation of the celebration of Holy Mass. Plenary Indulgences available for the pilgrimage. Poster

Christmas Schedule

Tue. Dec. 24^th 3:00pm at St. John’s – Confessions

Tue. Dec. 24th 4:00pm at St. John’s – Holy Mass

Tue. Dec. 24th 5:30pm at Sacred H. – Holy Mass

Wed. Dec. 25th 8:00 am at Sacred H. – Confessions

Wed. Dec. 25th 9:00 am at Sacred H. – Holy Mass

Wed. Dec. 25th 10:30am at St. John’s – Holy Mass

Wed. Dec. 25^th 12:00pm Sacred Heart – Confessions

Wed. Dec. 25^th 12:00pm Sacred H. – T Latin Mass

Holy Mary Mother of God – New Year Schedule

Tue. Dec. 31st 3:00pm at St. John’s – Confessions

Tue. Dec. 31st 4:00pm at St. John’s – Holy Mass

Tue. Dec. 31st 5:30pm at Sacred Heart – Holy Mass

Tue. Dec. 31st 11pm-12am at St. John’s – Adoration

Wed. Jan. 1st 8:00am at Sacred Heart – Confessions

Wed. Jan. 1st 9:00am at Sacred Heart – Holy Mass

Wed. Jan. 1st 10:30am at St. John’s – Holy Mass

Wed. Jan. 1st 12:00pm at Sacred Heart – Confessions

Wed. Jan. 1st 12:00pm at Sacred Heart – T Latin Mass