The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Bulletin

09-Dec-24

General Announcements

Fundraising & Events

If you have a fundraising idea you would like to explore, contact Audrey Baker.

Around the Archdiocese

Year-End & Christmas Giving

Our Parish undertook a major restoration of the church building this year. While your contributions have been instrumental in positioning the Parish to take on additional renovations next year, our operational expenses continue to outpace the weekly collection.

For your donations to be credited towards your 2024 tax receipt, they need to be received by December 31, 2024.

Donations made at the Mass on December 31 will be considered 2024 donations; however, cheques dated 2025 will be recorded for the 2025 Tax Year.
Donations made at the New Year’s Day Masses on January 1 will be considered 2025 donations.
Donations may be made by e-transfer at any time. Make your donation prior to midnight December 31 for it to be counted for the 2024 Tax Year.

2025 Offertory Envelopes

Your annual box of collection envelopes is available for pick-up at the back of the Church. If you are new to our Parish, be sure to complete a parishioner registration form to be assigned a number for tax receipt purposes. Thank you for your support!

Christmas Flower Drive

Dressing up our Church for Christmas

Contribute to the floral decoration of our church this Christmas with a poinsettia. At this special time of year, you may wish to leave a small floral card in the arrangement in honour of a loved one. Plants will be arranged on the altar for our Christmas celebrations.

Flowers will be accepted throughout December until the morning of Christmas Eve. Cash donations for flowers would also be gratefully received. Please put donations in an envelope with your envelope number on it and deposit it in the collection basket before December 22.

For Pilgrims of Hope

Papal Intention for December

Let us pray that this Jubilee strengthen us in our faith, helping us to recognize the Risen Christ in the midst of our lives, transforming us into pilgrims of Christian hope.

St. Ann Votive Candle

An Advent Gift to Enhance Your Prayer Corner

Advent is a period of quietness and moderation. Parishioners are invited to receive a St. Ann votive candle to assist in their prayerful preparation in anticipation of the coming of our Lord.

Gifts are courtesy of anonymous donors. Freewill offering may be made at the back of the Church.

Journey through Advent Video Series

The General Secretariat of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops is pleased to announce the online weekly video series for this year’s Advent season. Designed to help the faithful prepare for the memorial of the birth of Our Lord celebrated at Christmas, these videos provide valuable resources and opportunities for faith formation. Titled Journey through Advent, the series is a collaborative initiative of the Office for Evangelization and Catechesis, the National Liturgy Office, and the Office national de liturgie.

This year’s reflections will be led by the Most Reverend Frank Leo, Metropolitan Archbishop of Toronto, and the Most Reverend René Guay, Bishop of Chicoutimi. The videos guide viewers through the Advent season by offering reflections, enriched by spiritual and pastoral insights, on the Gospel readings proclaimed during each of the four Sundays of Advent.

As we prepare for the Nativity of Our Lord, it is hoped that this year’s Journey through Advent videos will be a source of spiritual comfort, peace, and meaningful preparation for all who watch them.

The videos will be uploaded one at a time on a weekly basis throughout Advent and will be available on the CCCB website each Monday in advance of the upcoming Sunday Eucharistic Celebration (25 November, 2 December, 9 December and 16 December).

Get started with the series today (available in both official languages).

Community Memorial Banners for Veterans

Merrickville Legion is creating memorial banners for vets next year. Cost for a banner is $275 (one-time fee).

For more information, contact Rose Lamingman at 613.269.4402.

After-Mass Carols

Get in the spirit of Christmas! Join harpist Suzanne Glaser at the back of the Church after mass throughout Advent in singing a few carols.

Lions Christmas Hamper Program

In 2023, the Lions Christmas Hamper Program helped 76 Merrickville-Wolford families enjoy a Happy Christmas Season. The need will be greater this season.

Boxes for cash or cheque donations are located at:

Merrickville Drug Mart
Merrickville Food Market (Food Town)
Larkspur Lane
Merrickville Post Office
Mainstreet Restaurant
LCBO
Violets on Main

To Request a Hamper

If you or anyone you know would benefit from receiving a food hamper, please call Rhonda at 613.269.4918.

2024-2025 Sunday Missal

The Sunday Missals for the upcoming liturgical year are now available. These handy paperback books contain the readings and prayers for all Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation throughout the liturgical year, as well as some hymns, reflections, and more.

Missals are available for purchase at the back of the Church. To ensure that everyone has barrier-free access to participate in the Mass, the Missals will be available for a free-will offering. (Suggested offering is $7.)

Metal Recycling

Turn your unwanted metal items, such as stoves, washers, dryers, barbeques, and lawn mowers, into funds for the
St. Ann’s Building Fund.

Contact Bill for more information:

Text: 343.988.2163
Call: 613.269.2163 (please leave a message)

After-Mass Social

Our next after-Mass social is on December 15. Stick around and helpdecorate the Church for Christmas.

Contact Mary-Lou Hamill if you would like to assist with our after-Mass socials.

St. Ann Leather Coasters

Great Stocking Stuffer

Made in Canada from premium full-grain leather (1/8”), these 4” round coasters are designed to protect surfaces from heat and spills. Look improves over time. Wipe with a damp cloth to clean.

Each pack comes with four coasters, one of each colour: natural, heritage brown, English tan, and black. Perfect for housewarmings, host / hostess gift, and stocking stuffer.

$20 / set of 4. Now available for purchase at the back of the Church. These limited-edition coasters won’t last long. Get yours today!

Leather coaster with custom St. Ann artwork

Christmas Concert

Join us for an afternoon of Christmas music, featuring Chris Murphy, Jon McLurg, and Noah St. Amand (of Turpin’s Trail). Refreshments will be served in the parish hall. A free-will offering would be greatly appreciated with the proceeds donated to the Social Planning Council of Kingston.

Date: Thursday, December 12

Time: 1:00 - 3:00 pm

Location: St. Joseph Parish | 392 Palace Road, Kingston ON

Carol Sing at St. John the Apostle

Melos Choir will be performing Advent & Christmas music from England to Armenia, 6th to 19th centuries, interspersed with Carol singing with the audience.

Date: Sunday, December 15

Time: 3:00 pm

Location: St. John the Apostle Parish | 88 Patrick Street, Kingston ON

Cost: $20 or free-will offering as able; at the door or online

St. John Fisher Dinner

CCO Kingston’s Fundraising Event

Please join CCO missionaries and students from Queen’s University for a memorable evening. Come and hear first-hand testimonies of students who have encountered Jesus personally and are becoming leaders in the evangelization of the world. During the program, an invitation will be made for you to financially support the work of CCO in Kingston. There is limited space, so please register on EventBrite.

Date: Thursday, February 13

Time: 6:00 - 9:30 pm

Location: Our Lady of Fatima Parish Hall | 588 Division St, Kingston ON