Dear Parishioners,     

As we journey through the season of Advent, the figure of Mary shines even more brightly. Her “yes” to the Angel Gabriel paved the way for the coming (advent) of Jesus, our Savior. This week, we have the joy of celebrating her through three beautiful Marian feasts:

1- The Immaculate Conception (Dec. 8, observed on Dec. 9): Mary was conceived without sin, prepared by God to be the pure vessel who would give Jesus her own flesh and bones, becoming the Mother of God.

2- Our Lady of Loreto (Dec. 10): This feast commemorates the “Translation of the Holy House of Mary” from Nazareth to Loreto, Italy. It is a reminder of the sacred place where the Word became flesh.

3- Our Lady of Guadalupe (Dec. 12): Mary appeared to St. Juan Diego as a tender mother, leading a multitude of people to embrace the Catholic faith. She is now honored as the Patroness of the Americas, uniting us in her maternal love.

Our Blessed Mother was the way Jesus came to us in His first Advent, and she will also play this role in His second coming on the last day. Through her, Jesus comes to us during our lives. This week, let us focus our attention on her, as the way to Christ, and pray with renewed devotion, asking for her intercession as we prepare our hearts to welcome Christ anew this Christmas. May her example inspire us to say our own “yes” to God’s will in our lives.

In Christ,                                    Fr. Gaston Giacinti, IVE

 WEEKLY NEWS

Tradition of the Blessing of the Bambinelli  

Next weekend on the Dec 14th and 15th

everyone is invited to bring the Baby Jesus

figurines from their home Nativity sets to

the Church for a special blessing.

Mass for Our Lady of Guadalupe

On Wednesday December 11th at 7pm we will have a Mass of Our Lady of Guadalupe at St. John’s Church, followed by a presentation and a potluck in the basement of the Church. Everyone is invited.

Bible Study Reminder on the Gospel of Matthew – Thursday Dec 12^th

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

Advent Confessions

At St. John’s Fri Dec 13 5-6pm, and there will not be confessions, next Friday at Sacred Heart from 5 to 6:30.

Job Opportunity!

Sacred Heart Parish is excited to announce the reopening of its parish office at 208 Romaine Street. We are seeking a part-time Administrative Assistant. If interested, please contact Fr. Gaston at 705-750-8956 or via email at frgastongiacinti@peterboroughdiocese.org

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

 And 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

Word of God Merchandise Sale – Dec 8th

We have Products that infuse Sacred Scriptures into everyday life like T-shirts, Tote bags, Kitchen Towels, Aprons, Throw Cushions with The Word of God on them. This could be a great Christmas Gift for your family and friends as we celebrate this beautiful Season. Contact Nithya / Daniel @  Hesedgarments@gmail.com  for further info.

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.

Monday 16th at St. John, Tuesday 17th at Sacred H, Wednesday 18th at St. John, Thu 19th at Sacred H, Sun 22nd at St. John ,Mon 23rd at Sacred H.

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.

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