HomeAdvent

Advent and Christmas Mass Times

2023 Advent Mass Times

  • Saturdays: 4:30pm
  • Sundays: 9 & 11:15am
  • Tuesdays – Fridays: 9am

2023 4th Sunday of Advent Mass Times

  • Sat Dec 23: 4:30pm
  • Sun Dec 24: 9 & 11:15am

2023 Christmas Mass Times

  • Christmas Eve, Sun Dec 24: 6, 8 & 11 pm
    • Incense will be used at the 11:00 pm Mass.
  • Christmas Day, Mon Dec 25: 10am

2023 Feast of the Holy Family  Mass Times

  • Sat Dec 30: 4:30pm
  • Sun Dec 31: 9 & 11:15am

2024 Solemnity of Mary Mother Of God Mass Times

  • Sun Dec 31: 4:30pm
  • Mon Jan 1: 10am

*incense will be used at this mass

Please note, to accommodate our influx of guests we will not have a designated masking section during Christmas Eve (Dec 24) and Christmas Day (Dec 25)

Advent Events at 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 on Thursday December 14 from 7:00-8:30 pm and Saturday December 16 from 10:30-12:00 noon. We will also be offering confessions Friday’s of Advent after the 9am mass. Come and experience the mercy and grace of this sacrament. Here’s a guided examination of consciencethat might be of use.

Advent Wreath Making: Date: Saturday Dec 2, 2023 Time: 1-3pm. Location: Holy Trinity Parish Church Hall. Please register in advance: email ehmisaac@ns.sympatico.ca or add your name to the sign up sheet in the foyer of the church. All supplies are provided.

Be an Angel: Starting on Saturday, December 2nd, our 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 – for Mental Health & Addictions Program. Donations of personal items for inpatients and residents of a variety of hospitals and outreach programs. More details are available in the green handout in the foyer. Date: Nov. 22 – Dec.13. Location: Drop off Box Holy Trinity Parish Foyer 

Preparing for Advent

Beginning the Church’s liturgical year, Advent (from, “ad-venire” in Latin or “to come to”) is the season encompassing the four Sundays (and weekdays) leading up to the celebration of Christmas.

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 color 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.

As we prepare for Christmas, we note some differences to the Mass that should are observed during the season. For instance, the priest wears violet or purple during Advent, except for the Third Sunday of Advent (Gaudete Sunday) when rose may be worn. Aside from what the priest wears, other aesthetic changes in the Church can include a more modestly decorated altar.

Advent devotions including the Advent wreath, remind us of the meaning of the season. Many individuals and families attended our Advent Wreath Making Event on Dec 2nd– thanks to the Knights for hosting! Here are prayers that can be prayed when lighting the candles on your family Advent wreath.

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

2023 Advent Mass Times

  • Saturdays: 4:30pm
  • Sundays: 9 & 11:15am
  • Tuesdays – Fridays: 9am

1st Sunday of Advent: December 3rd
2nd Sunday of Advent: December 10th
3rd Sunday of Advent: December 17th
4th Sunday of Advent: December 24th