Catechism Updates
December was a vibrant and joyful month for the Catechism Department as we celebrated the Advent season, engaged our students in meaningful activities, and prepared for the Christmas Night celebration.
1. Advent Calendar Handouts
To help our students and families prepare for the coming of Christ, we distributed Advent calendars at the beginning of the month. Each calendar included scripture readings, prayers, and activities that encouraged reflection and anticipation of Christmas.
2. Secret Santa Gift Exchange:
In the spirit of giving, we organized a Secret Santa gift exchange among the students and teachers. Each participant drew a name and prepared a thoughtful gift for their assigned friend. This activity not only brought joy and excitement but also taught the values of generosity and kindness.
3. Christmas O Holy Night Celebration:
Our Christmas 'O Holy Night' celebration was a highlight of the month, bringing together students, families, and teachers for an evening of joy and fellowship. Students showcased their talents through various cultural programs, including singing, dancing, and nativity play.
The evening also featured a lively carol singing session, where our youth and students joined together to sing beloved Christmas hymns and songs, creating a warm and festive atmosphere.
December was a month filled with spiritual enrichment, community bonding, and joyful celebrations. The Advent calendars, Secret Santa gift exchange, and Christmas O Holy Night celebration successfully engaged our students and families, fostering a deeper understanding of the Christmas season.
Mathruvedi Updates
Feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Our Parish celebrated the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary on Sunday, the 8th of December 2024. The Feast Day celebrations were held with Holy Mass, Ladeenju, Procession and Nercha. Rev. Fr. Jerlin Francis blessed the Nercha payasam and the same was distributed among the parishioners.
Christmas Cake Fundraiser Sale
The Christmas Cake Fundraiser Sale kicked off from Sunday Dec 01, 2024 with the blessings of Rev. Fr. Jerlin Francis. Mathruvedi, under the able leadership of our parish priest, sourced and distributed fresh, premium quality cakes at affordable rates to the parishioners. Apart from the delicious plum cakes that are traditional to the season’s celebration, other varieties such as marble cakes, carrot & dates cakes were also made available.
The fundraiser event was a big success with an overwhelming response of pre-orders and walk in sales and a little over 220 cakes were sold. Mathruvedi remained glad and thankful that it could serve parishioners relish afresh, the authentic taste of traditional plum cakes of the Christmas season.
Christmas Eve
Christmas Eve celebrations started with Solemn Holy Qurbana and procession on Dec 24, 2024. The parishioners visited the Nativity Crib and received eternal blessings. Nativity celebrations included cake cutting, auction and kottikalasam.
Plum cakes sourced by Mathruvedi were cut after due blessings by Rev. Father and distributed among fellow parishioners. An auction of home-made snacks prepared by Mathruvedi members followed subsequently. A variety of tasty snacks such as unniyappam, vattayappam, achappam, parippu vada, egg puffs etc. were made available for auction.
The entire church sang and danced to the melodious, traditional Christmas carol songs sung by the church choir amidst the powerful, rhythmic beats of the drums, thereby marking the
kottikalasam a lovely, cherished memory in all the hearts.
Christmas Event – O Holy Night
The Christmas Event ‘O Holy Night’ marked the blessed Christmas Day Celebrations on Dec 25,2024. The celebrations started with Solemn Holy Mass at 4:00 pm by Rev. Fr. Jerlin Francis, receiving the blessings of our Lord Jesus Christ.
An exciting bunch of fun and celebrations unfolded, with many cultural programs showcasing the
spirit and warmth of Christmas. Mathruvedi also participated with an entertaining performance. The event ended with Raffle ticket draw and a sumptuous Dinner.
‘O Holy Night’ brought in tidings of great joy, and we shared the joy, peace, love and hope of Jesus’ birth with lasting memories!
Nurses Ministry Updates
In December, Regina Nurses Ministry prayer tool prayers for saints. On the 13th of December, we prayed the chain Rosary from 5:30 am to 6:00 pm. Most of the Nurses Ministry members have participated in this. Canada Nurses Ministry conducted a chain Rosary on December 18th from 10:00 am to December 19th at 10:00 am. Every region got one-hour slots. Regina Nurses ministry got the slot from 11:00 pm to 12:00 am, and most of the members participated.
Knight of Columbus Updates
In December, the Knights of Columbus organized a series of vibrant activities at the church, which were warmly embraced by the parishioners. Highlights included a Crib and Outdoor Lighting Competition as well as a Throw Ball Competition, both of which saw enthusiastic participation. To support our initiatives, we also hosted a Biryani Sale as a fundraising event, successfully raising 495 CAD.
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