The CTR Giving Tree
Our charitable initiative for Advent
This Advent, join us in sharing the joy of giving through our Giving Tree! Starting December 1, the tree will be set up in the church foyer. Each ornament represents a gift for a person in need. Simply choose an ornament, fulfill the need, and return the item by December 15. This year we are focusing on these charities:
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Birthright
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Farm Workers
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Sancta Maria House
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Society of St. Vincent de Paul
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Prayer Ministry
Through this initiative, we can bring hope, peace, love, and joy to those most in need during this Advent season.
Bambinelli Sunday
The tradition of the blessing of the bambinelli
Sunday, December 15 at the 11:00 am Mass
One of the most cherished traditions of the Christmas season, the Blessing of the Bambinelli was started by St. John Paul II and has brought joy to families around the world. Every year on the Third Sunday of Advent, children in Rome bring the baby Jesus (Bambinelli) from their Nativity scenes to St. Peter’s Square, where the Pope blesses these precious figurines during the Sunday Angelus.
This beautiful tradition has spread to churches everywhere, offering families a meaningful way to connect their home Nativity scenes with the celebration of Christmas in their parish.
We invite you to take part in this tradition! On Sunday, December 15, bring the Baby Jesus figurine from your home Nativity set to the 11:00 am Mass for a special blessing.
Adoration by Candlelight
An evening of peaceful reflection
Tuesday, December 31 at 9:00 pm
Join us this New Year's Eve for a serene evening of candlelight adoration and evening prayer. Together, we will give thanks for the blessings of the past year and seek God's grace for the year ahead. Fr. Paul will offer prayers of thanksgiving, and bestow a special New Year’s blessing. Come and welcome the New Year with us in the light of Christ’s peace.
Confession Times
Come experience Jesus' mercy
Prepare your heart for Christmas by encountering Jesus in the sacrament of reconciliation. Our biggest opportunity for confession during Advent is at our penitential service on Thursday, December 19 at 7:00 pm. You can also visit during our regular confession times: Saturdays from 9:30 to 10:00 am and Sundays from 4:00 to 4:45 pm. Penitential services are also available at these locations:
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St. Edmund’s Parish (Lower Lonsdale) – December 12 at 7:00 pm
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St. Stephen’s Parish (Lynn Valley) – December 18 at 10:30 am
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St. Pius X Parish (Deep Cove) - December 11 at 7:00 pm
You can use our Guide to the Sacrament of Confession to help you prepare.
Service Opportunities
Check back for more service opportunities being added through Advent.
Men's Shelter Meal
Thursday, December 12 from 1:15 - 2:15 pm
Support the Archdiocesan Men's Shelter by making individually-wrapped baked goods and sandwiches and bringing them to CTR on Thursday, December 12. Your generous donations help feed hundreds of men who find a warm place to sleep at the Men's Shelter.
Family Resources
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Drawing Closer to God – in these six episodes, art teacher Ms. Kim teaches kids how to draw scenes from the Nativity story. As children follow along, they learn to see the connections between the big picture of God's story and their place within it. View it by signing up for a free account on Formed.org.
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Kids Bulletin – a fun weekly printout for kids to learn about the Gospel message each week. Grab one at the Welcome Centre each week, or print one off at thekidsbulletin.com.
Schedule December 24 to January 1
Join our parish family as we reflect on the birth of Christ and look forward to the blessings of the year ahead.
Christmas Masses
December 24: 5:00 pm
December 24: 9:30 pm
(carols at 9:00 pm)
December 25: 9:00 am
December 25: 11:00 am
Holy Family Sunday
December 29: 9:00 am
December 29: 11:00 am
December 29: 5:00 pm
Solemnity of Mary, Holy Mother of God
January 1: 9:00 am
January 1: 11:00 am
New Year's Day
A note about confessions: there will be no confession on December 25 or December 31.