The trees are trimmed, the lights are lit, and St. Mike’s is preparing for the most festive season of the year.
Classic traditions are merging with a significant new event this year as we ready for the holiday season with the introduction of St. Mike’s own Christmas Market to our Advent and Christmas activities and events. The market, to be held on Thursday, Dec. 8 from 3-7 pm on Elmsley Lane, will feature both student and alumni vendors selling everything from jewelry to baked goods and crafts. Partial proceeds from the event will be donated to Romero House, a Toronto community of transitional housing and immigration and settlement support for newly arrived refugee claimants.
The market is open to all and will be a nice stopping-off spot for attendees at a seasonal classic beloved by alumni, our annual Christmas tea. The tea is also being held on December 8, from 1:30-3 pm in Fr. Madden Hall, on the ground floor of Carr Hall. Guests will be treated to high tea snacks and carols—and an open invitation to visit the market tables for a little festive window shopping.
The day, which marks the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, begins with Mass in St. Basil’s, with music by St. Basil’s Schola, at 12:10 pm in St. Basil’s Church.
Students have a host of social and spiritual offerings through the season, including a dinner hosted by the Commuter Dons and Campus Ministry for undergraduates on Dec. 1 and two dinners for students in residence, hosted by the Residence Council and Residence Life, on December 6 and 8.
The Student Life Committee in the Faculty of Theology will be offering an Advent Taizé prayer service in the Flahiff Centre chapel at 1:30 pm on Wednesday, November 30. All are welcome. The committee will hold its annual Advent retreat for theology students the following Friday, December 2. Campus Ministry is working with the Mary Ward Centre to host a four-week Advent “retreat in daily life,” with Scripture, prayer, and conversation. The sessions run Mondays, 7-8:30 p.m., from November 28 through to December 19.
Another highlight eagerly awaited is the annual luncheon for staff and faculty, hosted by President David Sylvester, a chance for all of us to come together as a community and enjoy each other’s company—in person!
Even if you can’t make our Christmas Market, there is an open invitation to come to campus and see our beautiful decorations, including a swath of lights—heavy on the blue, of course! – that light our way in these days when the sun sets so early. There’s a reason we are a four-season Oasis in the City, so stop by soon as the lights come down in January.