The Nativity Scene
Every December 25 all Churches celebrate Christmas Day, the day of Jesus’ birth, and that’s why the central expression of Christmas is none other than the Nativity Scene. There can be all the other decorations like the Christmas tree, the fairy lights, presents, etc. but the Nativity Scene takes the central focus among all these other decorations.
It has to be, it must be, because when we see the Baby Jesus lying in the manger, it reminds us of the fulfilment of that age-old promise of God. The Saviour has been born. The Word of God was made flesh. The love of God is expressed in the reality of the human situation.
The Nativity Scene is not only about the baby in the manger. There is Mary, whose “yes” at the Anunciation enabled God to come into the world. There is Joseph, who didn’t fully understand everything but nonetheless did the right and just thing. There were the shepherds, the sheep, as well as the cow and the donkey.
What is so fascinating about the Nativity Scene is that each figure and each object has a story to tell. All the stories point to that one main story, and that is God’s great love for humanity, that is the great mystery of the Christmas story.
It is about the unconditional and sacrificial love of God for sinners. It is also an expression of God’s love in the people around us. Mary reminds us of those who care for us with a tender love. Joseph reminds us of those who protected and provided for us. The shepherds remind us of the lowly and unseen workers who provided us with the essential services. Even the donkey and the cow remind us of the burdens of life and the sacrifices we have to make.
So, the Nativity Scene is about God’s love for us and about our love for each other. Christmas is about love and the celebration of love. God has fulfilled His promise of love. Therefore, let us promise to love God and may that love be expressed in our relationships with one another as we celebrate Christmas.
On this special day, Fr. Martin SCJ and Fr. Aegi SCJ and the staff of St. Thomas More would like to wish all of you a Merry Christmas. May the birth of Christ fill our hearts with hope and faith. Merry Christmas.
Fr. Aegidius Warsito SCJ
Christmas / New Year’s Schedule
Christmas Eve The Vigil of Christmas December 24, 2025 | English – 5:00 p.m. Spanish – 7:00 p.m. English – 9:00 p.m. English – 11:00 p.m. |
Christmas Day The Nativity of the Lord December 25, 2025 | English – 8:00 a.m. English -10:00 a.m. English – 12:00 noon Spanish – 2:00 p.m. |
New Year’s Eve December 31, 2025 | No morning Mass Spanish – 5:00 p.m. English – 7:00 p.m. |
New Year’s Day Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God January 1, 2026 | English – 8:00 a.m. English – 10:00 a.m. English – 12:00 noon Spanish – 2:00 p.m. |
The Legion of Mary Pilgrim Statue
The Pilgrim Virgin Statue is a blessed replica of our Blessed Mother. It is a travelling sacramental offered by the Legion of Mary to be given to any home, wishing to create a prayerful, sanctifying space where family and friends are encouraged to pray the rosary and meditate on its mysteries. All parishioners are welcome to request the statue. If you are interested in having the Pilgrim Virgin Statue in your home, please call the parish office at 416-439-1545.
Prayers for the Sick
We are praying for the sick of our parish: Sheila Downs, Sonali Paris, Keith Achue, Andrea E. Bernabey, Louise Inches, Tina Lopes, Mary McKay, Robert MacLochlan, Victoria Munson, Michael & LeeAnne Passalidis, Gail Ramalho, Veronica Lim Sang, Grace Mendoza, Joan & William Flynn, Irene Bower and Baby Lili. May they be supported by our prayers and pastoral ministry and by the grace of God.
2026 Sunday Offertory Envelopes
The 2026 Sunday Offertory envelopes are available in the foyer for those who are currently using them. They are in alphabetical order. Please come to the parish office if you wish to have a new set of offertory envelopes.
Mass Intentions for December 20 - 27, 2025
Saturday 5:00 p.m.
Intentions of Nathaniel, Vivian & Ella Rodrigues
Sunday 8:00 a.m.
+Nemisio Sr., Jun, Romeo and Jose Chua, requested by the family
Sunday 10:00 a.m.
+Gliceria Talag, requested by the family
Sunday 12:00 noon
Intentions of the Parish Community
Sunday 8:00 p.m.
+Morris Wolgen, requested by the family
Monday 7:15 a.m.
+Eusebio Lewis, request
ed by the D’Mello family
Tuesday 7:15 a.m.
+Gerard Perumal, requested by the family
Tuesday 7:00 p.m.
+Graham Biggar, requested by the family
+Agostinho Teixiera, requested by the family
+Louis Nelson & Nymthe, requested by the family
+Alice, John & Greg Kershaw, requested by the Grande family
+Paz De Sais, requested by Judy
+Frisca Manalo, requested by the family
+Celine & Dennis Pinto, requested by the family
+Salvatore Agueci, requested by J. & K. Longo
+Mindalina Auxtero, requested by the family
In thanksgiving, Kevin & Colleen Pinto
Intentions of Nolita Marin
Intentions of Nick Bastianpillai
Wednesday – Christmas Eve
No Mass intentions
Thursday – Christmas Day
No Mass intentions
Friday 9:00 a.m.
Intentions of Hy and Vinnette Francis
Saturday 9:00 a.m.
+Pamela & Jimmy Yeo, requested by the family
Montreal & Quebec Pilgrimage - 2026
There will be a pilgrimage leaving from our parish on May 15th -17th, 2026 going to Montreal & Quebec, under the spiritual leadership of our pastor, Father Aegidius Warsito, SCJ.
The itinerary includes St. Joseph’s Oratory of Mount-Royal, Mary, Queen of the World Cathedral, Sainte Anne-de-Beaupre, Cape de Madeline.
For more information, please see the flyers at the entrances to the church or call the parish office.
Saints of the Church
St. John – Feast Day December 27
The apostle John was the son of Zebedee and the brother of James, and a fisherman. John was very close to Jesus and was present at the Transfiguration, the raising of Jairus’ daughter and the Agony in the Garden. John is the “beloved disciple” referred to in the Gospels. While ancient scholarship linked him to the Fourth Gospel, the Book of Revelation and the three epistles that bear his name, modern scholarship disputes this notion. John is believed to have died at Ephesus in extreme old age. In Christian iconography, his symbol is the eagle.
