The Advent season is a time of preparation that directs our hearts and minds to Christ’s second coming at the end of time and to the anniversary of Our Lord’s birth on Christmas. From the earliest days of the Church, people have been fascinated by Jesus’ promise to come back. But the scripture readings during Advent tell us not to waste our time with predictions. Advent is not about speculation. Our Advent readings call us to be alert and ready, not weighted down and distracted by the cares of this world (Lk 21:34-36). Like Lent, the liturgical colour for Advent is purple since both are seasons that prepare us for great feast days. Advent also includes an element of penance in the sense of preparing, quieting, and disciplining our hearts for the full joy of Christmas.

Mass Times¹

Advent

Christmas

Feast of the Holy Family and Christmas Octave

Solemnity of Mary, Holy Mother of God

The Parish Office will be closed from December 24th, 2025 – January 1st, 2026

Advent Holy Trinity Parish

Sacrament of Reconciliation
In addition to our weekly scheduled times for confession (Fridays from 8:30-8:50 am and Saturdays from 3:30-4:15 pm), we have invited some additional priests to come hear confessions this Advent. Please see the times below. We will also be offering the Sacrament of Reconciliation each Friday of Advent before the 9 am mass. Come and experience the mercy and grace of this sacrament. Here’s a guided examination of conscience that might be of use.

Be an Angel
Starting on Sunday, November 30, 2025 the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul invites you to be an Angel to people in our community who are struggling with emergencies throughout the entire year. With the kind donations provided by our parishioners, we help with the basics like power, water, rent and medications, which have to be paid even when a person is ill or loses their job. Our members will be in the church lobby after each weekend mass up until Christmas to answer questions and accept donations. Envelopes are available and tax receipts will be provided for donations of $10 or more. Thanks for helping us help those in need. 

Fr. Eric Theriault Christmas Gift Ministry
Once again this year our Parish will be participating in the Fr. Eric Theriault Christmas Gift Ministry for Mental Health & Addictions Program. Donations of personal items for inpatients and residents of a variety of hospitals and outreach programs around Halifax will be collected until December 15, 2025 in the box in the foyer at Holy Trinity Parish.

Beacon House Christmas Box Program
Beacon House is once again seeking the support of the parish for their Christmas Box program– last year they distributed 500+ Christmas boxes and they are hoping to do the same this year. These boxes will include stuffing mix, cranberry sauce, canned gravy and cookies, juice, and a bag of vegetables. Recipients will also receive a gift card for a local grocery store for the cost of a turkey. Holy Trinity Parish has been asked to donate 200 cans of cranberry sauce. Please place cans for donation in the box in the church foyer (under the coat rack) on the way in to Mass. Thanks for your faithful support of Beacon House. 

Here are some suggested resources to help us prepare the way this Advent.

• Attend Mass on the four Sundays of Advent. Go back and watch the homily again here on our YouTube channel.
• Consider some spiritual reading. You’ll find some helpful resources locally at Veritas Catholic Books and Gifts at 30 Farnham Gate Rd. in Clayton Park. 
• Have you checked out FORMED?  Sign up to receive daily emails with video reflections on the daily Mass readings by Dr. Tim Gray; or check out this series of Advent Reflections by Dr. Michael Patrick Barber called “The True Meaning of Christmas” and learn the meaning behind your favourite Christmas pastimes. Or listen to this audio presentation by Dr. Scott Hahn called Prepare the Way of The King. 
• Sign up to participate in this online Pray More Advent Retreat.
• Or follow the Dynamic Catholic’s Best Advent Ever plan.

1. This section was updated on December 5, 2025 ↩︎