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December – The Month of The Immaculate Conception
The month of December is dedicated to the Immaculate Conception. The first 24 days of December fall during the liturgical season known as of Advent and are represented by the liturgical colour purple — a symbol of penance, mortification and the sorrow of a contrite heart. The remaining days of December mark the beginning of the Christmas season. The liturgical colour changes to white or gold — a symbol of joy, purity and innocence.
What Is the Immaculate Conception?
The Immaculate Conception is a Catholic dogma that states that Mary, whose conception was brought about the normal way, was conceived without original sin or its stain. That’s what “immaculate” means: without stain. The grace given to Mary is at once permanent and of a unique kind. The grace Mary enjoyed was not a result of the angel’s visit. In fact, Catholics hold, it extended over the whole of her life, from conception onward. She was in a state of sanctifying grace from the first moment of her existence.
Mary’s Cooperation
Mary freely and actively cooperated in a unique way with God’s plan of salvation (Luke 1:38; Gal. 4:4). Like any mother, she was never separated from the suffering of her son (Luke 2:35), and Scripture promises that those who share in the sufferings of Christ will share in his glory (Rom. 8:17). Since she suffered a unique interior martyrdom, it is appropriate that Jesus would honour her with a unique glory.
The Season of Advent
Jesus said, “I am the light of the world; he who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
Jesus is the light of the world…and he calls us to bring his light to the world. During Advent, the coldest and darkest time of the year, Catholics use a special Advent wreath with four candles to represent the light of Jesus in our hearts and homes. As Francis of Assisi said, “All the darkness in the world cannot extinguish the light of a single candle.”
1st week in advent we light the “Prophecy Candle“. This purple candle that represents HOPE
Purple is the primary colour associated with Advent. Within the Catholic Church it symbolizes penance, preparation, and sacrifice. During the first week of Advent we remember the Old Testament prophets who foretold of Jesus’ coming with hope and anticipation. Are you ready to discover the hope Jesus is inviting you to experience this Advent?
2nd week we light the “The Bethlehem Candle“. This purple candle represents Peace and Preparation
During this second week of Advent, we reflect on our lives and focus on becoming better-versions-of-ourselves in preparation for Jesus’ coming. We remember the journey Joseph and Mary took from Nazareth to Bethlehem.
3rd week we light “The Shepherd’s Candle“. This pink candle represents Joy.
During the third week of Advent we are filled with joy for the near arrival of Jesus on Christmas day. This Sunday is often called “Gaudete Sunday” as we reflect on the joy the shepherd’s felt at the birth of Jesus.
4th week we light “The Angel’s Candle”. This represents Love and we are back to purple.
During this final week of Advent we rejoice in the endless love that God has for us, which is made apparent in the birth of his Son. We reflect on the good news of God’s love brought to us from the angel Gabriel
Holy Face Devotion
Come join us in a powerful devotion to the Holy Face of Jesus every Tuesday evening after the 7:00 pm mass in reparation for modern affronts against the first three commandments concerning idolatry, blasphemy and irreverence, and to offer the wounded Face of Jesus, as an object of adoration and prayer to save souls and restore Christendom in Canada and throughout the world.
“I seek Veronica’s to wipe and honour my Divine Face, which has few adorers”. 
First Friday Adoration
First Friday overnight Eucharistic Adoration at St. Michael’s begins on the Friday at 7 pm and continues through the night until 8 am on Saturday, followed by Mass.
Blessing Sunday
The second Sunday of every month is Blessing Sunday. Please bring any religious articles, pictures, etc. to Mass to be blessed.
Mass Intentions
The recommended stipend for a Mass intention is $15. Should an amount more than $15 be given to the parish, the balance will be considered a donation to the parish. Please be clear when asking for a Mass intention if your intention must be a single intention. If no mention of this is made at the time of your request, the intention may be placed with other intentions.
Please contact the office – secretary@stmcorkery.ca or 613-256-3441 – if you would like to have Mass intentions offered at Mass.