Jesus’ Love for Us
“Among those born of women no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.”
During Advent, we recall Christ’s birth and anticipate Christ’s coming at the end of time. Not only did Jesus come into the world some 2,000 years ago; He is with us still, through the Holy Spirit. We might feel called to ask: why did Jesus choose to become a human being?
Both the first reading and the Gospel today help us answer this question: God wants to heal us. Jesus came to heal us. More than the physical, Jesus wants to heal us of our weaknesses and sin: to purify, sanctify and glorify us. He comes to raise humanity to Himself.
When Jesus praises John the Baptist in today’s Gospel, He then says that even the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than John. That means each of us, members of the body of Christ who hope to join Him in His kingdom, will be greater than John the Baptist. The beauty that He has in store for us is beyond our imagination!
Our eager hope as we approach Christmas is a very personal one. We await Our Lord’s work in us: the healing He has wrought, is working and will continue to work in us.
Adapted from Living with Christ- Gabrielle Tonelli, Calgary, AB
Advent & Christmas Schedule
Confessions
The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be celebrated on Tuesday, December 16 at 7:30 p.m. (English) and Wednesday, December 17 at 7:30 p.m. (Spanish). This is an excellent way to prepare your heart for the coming of Jesus at Christmas.
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 – 6:00 p.m.
English – 8:00 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
The Legion of Mary is a Catholic lay movement, which aims to collaborate in the Church’s mission of evangelization. In the spiritual formation of its members the Legion places much emphasis on the doctrine of the Mystical Body of Christ, on seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and on the performance of apostolic work in union with Mary. Legionaries place themselves at the service of Mary and wish to help her in her mission as “Mother of the Church”. For information, call 416-439-1545.
God ‘s Plan for Your Child’s Life
Parents, God has a plan for your child’s life. Talk with your child about what plan that might be. Point out the gifts and abilities you see in your child and discuss how s/he might use them to serve 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.
SACRAMENTAL PREP NEWS
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION – Registration is closed.
CONFIRMATION – Registration is closed.
R.C.I.A. – Registration is closed.
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.
St. John of the Cross
Feast Day – December 14
John was born in 1542 at Fontiveros, Spain. He entered the Carmelite community and was ordained in 1567. With the great Carmelite mystic, Teresa of Avila, he worked for the reformation of his order and help found the reformed (‘Discalced’) Carmelites. During his life, he suffered much, enduring imprisonment, humiliation and ill-treatment. His writings are both classics of spirituality and of Spanish literature. His best-known works are The Ascent of Mount Carmel, The Dark Night of the Soul, and The Living Flame of Love. He died in 1591, was canonized in 1726 and proclaimed Doctor of the Church in 1926.
Mass Intentions for December 13 – 20, 2025
Saturday 5:00 p.m.
Intentions of Maria Chaves
Sunday 8:00 a.m.
+Pasquale Palumbo, requested by M. Palumbo
Sunday 10:00 a.m.
+Pedro Gonzales, requested by the family
Sunday 12:00 noon
Intentions of the Parish Community
Sunday 8:00 p.m.
+M. L. John, Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence & Xavier Richard, requested by the family
Monday 7:15 a.m.
Intentions of Marie Neeff
Tuesday 7:15 a.m.
+Mike Madigan, requested by the family
Tuesday 7:00 p.m.
+Kenn Shah, requested by the family
+Souls in purgatory
+Nicholapillai & Josephine Soosaipillai, requested by the family
+Ng Tjhoen Ngo, requested by Liny
Intentions of Nathanael & Vivian Rodrigues
Intentions of Nolita Marin
In thanksgiving, Eduardo Samano & Oralia Olivera
In thanksgiving
Intentions of Catherine Sumathy Rajaratnam
Intentions of Marie Fernando & Doris Peters
Wednesday 7:15 a.m.
Intentions of Larry Neeff
Wednesday 7:00 p.m.
+Sabino Fernandes, requested by the family
Thursday 7:15 a.m.
+Ivan Uribe Moreno requested by V. Rey
Thursday 7:00 p.m.
+Manuel Gueco, requested by the family
+John, Tonia & Chett Di Falco, requested by the family
+Francisco Lagundi, requested by the family
+Sister Alice Vaz
+Deceased members and friends of the Grande family
+Jovita Reyes, requested by A. Mascarinas
+Salvatore Agueci
+Deogracias de Guzman, requested by the family
Intentions of Nancy Zhong
Intentions of the family and friends of the Grande family
Friday 7:15 a.m.
+Sarah Bedford James, requested by the family
Friday 7:00 p.m.
+Pierre Claver Kayumba, Beatrice Kamaraba, Joanne Mukhigiro & Richard Ndayizeye, requested by the family
Saturday 9:00 am
Intentions of the Pereira family
