The International Day of Prayer for Persecuted Christians is observed each year on the first Sunday in November. It is an opportunity for the global body of Christ to unite in prayer for our persecuted Christian family members. May He grant those in dangerous areas who are hurting His sustenance, comfort, and peace, every today. The day is dedicated to praying for Christians who face persecution around the world. Resources are available for individuals and participating churches at idop.ca.

Remembrance Day: Canadians “pause in silence to remember those who died in war and to pray for the victims of aggression and inhumanity throughout the world. It is a day to pray for peace and to consider what we are doing as individuals, as a community and as a nation to bring God’s peace into the world.” This is a day when a believing community should rededicate itself by prayer and action to the ideals Jesus gives us in the Beatitudes (Ordo 2023-2024) Members are invited to pause and pray the attached prayer in remembrance. ascensionofourlord.ca/in-our-parish-2020-11-08/

In his message for World Day of the Poor, Pope Leo XIV calls on Christians to see the poor not merely as recipients of charity, but as protagonists of hope. Drawing on the Psalms and lived experiences of poverty, he emphasizes the need for “new initiatives to support and assist the poorest of the poor” during the jubilee year. He highlights that “Labour, education, housing and health are the foundations of a security that will never be attained by the use of arms.” Coordinate a “blessing bag” outreach with essentials (toiletries, snacks, socks) to give to people in need. Partner with a local soup kitchen or shelter for a volunteer day. Hold a clothing or food drive, especially for winter items.

Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe (Christ the King)

Celebrate those who generously give their time and talents and encourage members to discover a new opportunity to serve.

The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe (December 12) honours the Virgin Mary’s apparitions to Juan Diego, an Indigenous convert. The Basilica in Mexico City, where his cloak with her image is preserved, is a major pilgrimage site. Pope John Paul II’s visit 25 years ago led to his apostolic exhortation Ecclesia in America, calling for a new evangelization under the patronage of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas. Members are invited to pray the attached prayer in joyful anticipation of Christ’s birth.