Liturgy
Christmas is fast approaching! During this time of year visitors and locals like to celebrate these special seasonal liturgies at Saint Mary’s Cathedral Basilica or Saint Ambrose Co-Cathedral. Below is a schedule of the Masses at our cathedrals.
Live Nativity
Each year St. Francis and Saint Clare Parish host a live nativity – with animals and all! Join them on Saturday, December 20 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. The location is St. Stephen Church Park (across the street from the church), 6032 Normandy Dr. Hot chocolate and sweets will be served. All are welcome!
In the event of bad weather the event will happen on Saturday, January 3, 2026.
On December 8 we will celebrate our diocesan feast day. This special day for our diocese fall on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Archbishop Dunn will celebrate a special Mass at 7:00pm at Saint Mary’s Cathedral Basilica and he invites all the faithful to join him.
Archdiocese of Halifax-Yarmouth Liturgical Norms
- Guidelines Funeral MAiD - July 2024
- Funeral Booklet-English - Sept 2014 - under review
- Funeral Booklet- French - Sept 2014 - under review
- Practice of Simbang Gabi Masses - Nov 15 2024
- Letter dated April 30 2025 - norms
- Letter dated Feb 2 2023 – changes after Covid
- Pastoral Guidelines on the Healing Ministry of the Church - April 30 2025
- Policy for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion to the Homebound - April 30 2025
Holy Thursday - Holy Oil prayers
- RCIA Statutes Halifax - June 2022
- Guidelines for Confirmation - March 2023
- Baptismal Information (Valid, Invalid, and Doubtful Baptism)
Prayer for Peace

Liturgy Contacts
Fr. Henry Smolenaars
Pastor, Director of Liturgy
Deacon Bernie Young
Liturgy MC
Fr. James Richards
Retired, Consultant for Liturgical Ministry
