|
|
|
Friday, March 24, 2023
Soul Health CXXIII
Friday, March 17, 2023
Soul Health CXXII
Update on Father Robert
Father Robert is still in hospital, and his medical team is currently working on getting him stable enough to return home. He is hopeful that next week, his most recent tests will show that his initial round of treatment has been effective enough for him to continue with the next.
He remains in good spirits, and has been able to celebrate Masses privately while in hospital. Please continue to keep him, his family, and his intentions in your prayers!
Praying for Father Robert
Your continuous prayers for Fr Robert and compassionate support during this difficult time is so graciously appreciated and we are beyond words to describe our gratitude. Fr Robert would also like to express his personal and sincerest thanks for everyone's prayers.
In addition to praying for him and his family, Fr Robert has asked that we also include the following intentions during this time:
- For those who suffer alone
- For those who suffer without access to adequate medical care
- For those who have yet to receive the gift of faith
We'd also like to thank everyone who has joined us for the prayer vigils at Saint Willibrord's or united with us in prayer from home.
Next week's vigil at St Will's is Wednesday, March 22; doors open at 7:00pm and we begin at 7:30pm.
A weekly online prayer group also meets on Wednesdays at 7:30pm on Zoomto pray for Father Robert's health, his family, and his medical team.
Lenten Mass Schedule
Weekend Mass: Saturday, 4:30pm
This week, we welcome and thank Father Francis McKee for coming to our parish and celebrating Mass with us!
The 8:30am Sunday Mass and all weekday Masses are suspended.
Weekday Masses already booked for your intentions will be said privately, but we will resume sharing the intentions for those who wish to include them in their personal prayers.
Weekend Masses with the intention "For All Parishioners" will be said privately by Father Robert at this time.
Regular Liturgy Schedule & Intentions
Private Mass - Tuesday, March 21: Anniversary of Hugh McGlynn by His Family
Private Mass - Thursday, March 23: Catherine Mazerolle by Caroline & Peter
This week the Sanctuary Lamp is lit for Peter Jeffrey by Nancy Assaly
Holy Mass for the Grace of a Blessed and Happy Death
Saturday, March 18 - 10:00am
On the eve of the feast of St. Joseph, known as the ‘’Patron of a happy death,’ a Vigil Mass for the grace of a happy death will be celebrated at Mary Queen of the World Cathedral by Archbishop Christian Lépine. This mass will be livestreamed on the diocesan YouTube channel.
Archbishop Christian Lépine invites us to pray, as the question of death surrounds us today. How do people die? What is a “happy death”? Why eliminate suffering and settle for euthanasia? Why go through palliative care? How do we look at death from a faith perspective?
Get me to the church on time!
Parishioners who cannot make it to the Saturday Mass or who are looking for a weekday Mass are invited to St Willibrord's on Sundays at 10:30am and St Gabriel's (2111 Rue Centre) on Tuesdays at 7:00pm.
Catholic Action Montreal's Late Sunday Mass begins at 8:00pm, every Sunday night at St Willibrord's.
#TryAlpha this Spring!
Alpha begins this coming Tuesday, March 21st at St Willibrord's -- so come dive into life's big questions in a friendly, welcoming environment, and make new friends over a free meal and lively conversation! Visit https://www.stwill.ca/alpha for more information and to register.
Coffee Break Catechesis for the Fourth Sunday of Lent
This weekend's Psalm is possibly the best-known one - Psalm 23, titled "The Divine Shepherd - A Psalm of David." Beginning with that familiar phrase, "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want," this Psalm compels each of us to contemplate the Lord as the Good Shepherd, and what it could mean on a personal level to walk with him.
This week we have two options for Coffee Break Catechesis! Take a lunch break with Fr Mike Schmitz for Day 157 of the Bible In A Year podcast, where Psalm 23 is paired with the Gospel of Mark 7-8, or stick to your java jive with Dr Brant Pitre and the Parable of the Good Shepherd from the Gospel of John to unpack what this central teaching means for us and our relationship with Jesus.
Friday, March 10, 2023
Soul Health CXXI
Soul Health CXXI
Update on Father Robert
The latest news on Fr Robert is in the Special Edition from March 7th 2023.
Praying for Father Robert
Your continuous prayers for Fr Robert and compassionate support during this difficult time is so graciously appreciated and we are beyond words to describe our gratitude. Fr Robert would also like to express his personal and sincerest thanks for everyone's prayers.
In addition to praying for him and his family, Fr Robert has asked that we also include the following intentions during this time:
- For those who suffer alone
- For those who suffer without access to adequate medical care
- For those who have yet to receive the gift of faith
We'd also like to thank everyone who has joined us for the prayer vigils at Saint Willibrord's or united with us in prayer from home.
Next week's vigil at St Will's is Wednesday, March 15; doors open at 7:00pm and we begin at 7:30pm.
A weekly online prayer group also meets on Wednesdays at 7:30pm on Zoomto pray for Father Robert's health, his family, and his medical team.
Lenten Mass Schedule
Weekend Mass: Saturday, 4:30pm
This week, we welcome and thank Father Francis McKee for coming to our parish and celebrating Mass with us!
The 8:30am Sunday Mass and all weekday Masses are suspended.
Weekday Masses already booked for your intentions will be said privately, but we will resume sharing the intentions for those who wish to include them in their personal prayers.
Weekend Masses with the intention "For All Parishioners" will be said privately by Father Robert at this time.
Regular Liturgy Schedule & Intentions
Private Mass - Tuesday, March 14: Anniversary of Rita Warren by Bill & Denise
Private Mass - Thursday, March 16: Debbie Hughes by Her Mother
This week the Sanctuary Lamp is lit for Cecilia & Clement Langevin by John & Irene Langevin
Get me to the church on time!
Parishioners who cannot make it to the Saturday Mass or who are looking for a weekday Mass are invited to St Willibrord's on Sundays at 10:30am and St Gabriel's (2111 Rue Centre) on Tuesdays at 7:00pm.
Catholic Action Montreal's Late Sunday Mass begins at 8:00pm, every Sunday night at St Willibrord's.
#TryAlpha - it's coming back!
Alpha returns to Verdun on Tuesday, March 21st at St Willibrord's -- so come dive into life's big questions in a friendly, welcoming environment, and make new friends over a free meal and lively conversation! Visit https://www.stwill.ca/alpha for more information and to register.
Coffee Break Catechesis for the Third Sunday of Lent
This Sunday, our Gospel reading introduces us to the Samaritan woman at the well who has a life-changing encounter with Jesus when she comes to draw water. As part of the Prayer Vigil for Fr Robert this past Thursday, we prayed the Chaplet of the Divine Mercy, a powerful devotion based on the writings of Saint Faustina that helps us to ask for God's mercy, to remember that we too must be merciful, and to completely trust in Jesus.
In this video, Bishop Barron links this passage to the Divine Mercy through four distinct principles: from Jesus' encounter at the well with the Samaritan woman, we learn that God's mercy is relentless, divinizing, demanding, and mission-oriented. Enter this passage of Scripture with Bishop Barron and explore what this experience at the well means not just for the Samaritan woman, but for all who are called to discipleship.
Tuesday, March 7, 2023
Soul Health: Special Edition An Update on Father Robert
Soul Health: Special Edition
An Update on Father Robert
Dear Parishioners and all friends of Fr. Robert,
It is with much sadness that we wish to share with you the latest update on Fr. Robert’s prognosis.
His recent biopsy revealed two forms of cancer in his pancreas, one of which is very aggressive. Yesterday he began the first of six rounds of chemotherapy, which he will continue to undergo over the next few months. What further complicates Fr. Robert’s prognosis are the tumours that have spread to his liver, which eventually will stop functioning. Given these troubling results, Fr. Robert’s outlook is likely to be one of months versus years.
Since he fell ill, Fr. Robert has remained committed to the parish and focused on accompanying St Thomas More through the parish’s discernment for the future. Coming out of our last parishioners’ meeting, he will continue to accompany the parish through its next steps as much as possible. He is deeply grateful for all of the parishioners of St. Willibrord, St. Thomas More and St. Ignatius for their prayers and support, and has expressed his utmost confidence in all the parishioners who have and continue to come forward to transform Verdun through missionary discipleship.
In terms of support, Fr. Robert has requested that we continue to pray for him, his wife Nancy, their six children, and his mother. If you’re able, please join one or all of these events this week:
- Fr. Robert’s Wednesday Online Rosary Group
Wednesday March 9th @ 7:30 pm - St. Thomas à Becket Parish
Wednesday March 9th @ 7:00 pm - Prayer Service
4320 Saint-Anne St, Pierrefonds-Roxboro, QC - St. Willibrord Parish
Thursday March 10th @ 7:30 pm - Prayer & Worship
351 Willibrord St, Verdun, QC
As thankful as Fr. Robert is for your prayers, he has also asked that we offer our prayers for those who suffer alone, those who suffer without access to medical care, and those who have yet to receive the gift of faith.
Our Saturday 4:30pm Mass will continue each week and we look forward to seeing you and being together as a community and as a family. If you have any questions, please contact the office by telephone (514-768-4741) or email during the regular office hours.
Friday, March 3, 2023
Soul Health CXX
Soul Health CXX
Update on Father Robert
Fr Robert is doing well and remains in good spirits at the hospital while awaiting test results. He hopes to return home by the middle of next week, and will give a new update at that time.
Remaining united to us in spirit and through prayer, Fr Robert would like everyone to know that he is updating his prayer list. Please contact the office to provide a list of up to six first names for him to include in his daily prayers.
Praying for Father Robert
Your continuous prayers for Fr Robert and compassionate support during this difficult time is so graciously appreciated and we are beyond words to describe our gratitude. Fr Robert would also like to express his personal and sincerest thanks for everyone's prayers.
Thanks to everyone who came to last Monday's prayer vigil at Saint Willibrord's or united with us in prayer from home! Another prayer vigil will take place next week at St Will's, 7:30pm on Thursday, March 9th.
A weekly online prayer group has started on Wednesdays at 7:30pm on Zoomto pray for Father Robert's health, his family, and his medical team.
Scripture is an incredibly profound source of grace, and engaging with the Word of God more often can do wonders for our faith and spiritual health. With this in mind, we also invite you all to unite in prayer through Psalm 41.
Lenten Mass Schedule
Weekend Mass: Saturday, 4:30pm
The 8:30am Sunday Mass and all weekday Masses are suspended during Lent. Weekday Masses already booked for your intentions will be said privately, but we will resume sharing the intentions for those who wish to keep them in their prayers.
Weekend Masses with the intention "For All Parishioners" will be said privately by Father Robert at this time.
Regular Liturgy Schedule & Intentions
Private Mass - Tuesday, March 7 (St Perpetua & St Felicity): Carmela Nudo by Her Family
Private Mass - Thursday, March 9 (St Frances of Rome): Anniversary of Evelyn Warren by Bill and Denise
This week the Sanctuary Lamp is lit for Alexis Lanteigne by His Family
Get me to the church on time!
Parishioners who cannot make it to the Saturday Mass or who are looking for a weekday Mass are invited to St Willibrord's on Sundays at 10:30am and St Gabriel's (2111 Rue Centre) on Tuesdays at 7:00pm.
Catholic Action Montreal's Late Sunday Mass begins at 8:00pm, every Sunday night at St Willibrord's.
#TryAlpha - it's coming back!
Alpha returns to Verdun on Tuesday, March 21st at St Willibrord's -- so come dive into life's big questions in a friendly, welcoming environment, and make new friends over a free meal and lively conversation! Visit https://www.stwill.ca/alpha for more information and to register.
Reflection on the Second Sunday of Lent
This Sunday's Gospel is Matthew's account of the Transfiguration - a moment in the New Testament where Peter, James, and John encounter Moses and Elijah with Jesus, and experience Jesus in a state of divine radiance and glory.
The account of the Transfiguration shows us a life-changing, profound, and intimate moment for these three Apostles with Our Lord, and opens us up to contemplate the wonder and awe of such an encounter with Jesus. In the context of today, this passage of Scripture invites us to consider something truly incredible: that personal encounter with Jesus is possible even today! So many who have discovered or rediscovered their faith can testify to this reality, and there are so many opportunities for us to encounter Jesus in daily life!
This moment in the public life of Jesus is so important that it was added to the Mysteries of the Rosary by Pope Saint John Paul II in 2002 as one of the Luminous Mysteries - five moments in the New Testament that reveal the light of the Kingdom through the presence of Jesus Christ. As this article states, "For St. John Paul II, the Transfiguration is the 'mystery of light par excellence' since 'the glory of the Godhead shines forth from the face of Christ as the Father commands the astonished Apostles to ‘listen to him.'"
Assigned to Thursday recitations of the Rosary, the Luminous Mysteries allow us to explore the public life and ministry of Jesus through our prayer and invite us to open our lives to him through discipleship. As we progress through this next week of Lent, perhaps our Lenten practice of prayer this Thursday could be to follow the public works of Jesus through the Luminous Mysteries, with these words of Saint Josemaria Escriva to guide our hearts through the Mystery of the Transfiguration:
"Jesus, we want to see you, to speak to you! We want to contemplate you, immersed in the immensity of your beauty, in a contemplation that will never cease! It must be wonderful to see you, Jesus!...Lord, I long to see your face. I like to close my eyes and think that, when God wills, the moment will come when I will be able to see him, not as 'in a mirror dimly, but...face to face.'"
Saturday, February 25, 2023
Soul Health CXIX
Soul Health CXIX
Praying for Father Robert
Your continuous prayers for Fr Robert and compassionate support during this difficult time is so graciously appreciated and we are beyond words to describe our gratitude.
Fr Robert has returned home from hospital and expects to receive his test results in a couple of weeks' time.
All are invited to Saint Willibrord's on Monday, February 27th at 7:30pm for an evening vigil of scripture, worship and prayer in support of Fr Robert, his wife and family, and everyone providing him care.
Scripture is an incredibly profound source of grace, and engaging with the Word of God more often can do wonders for our faith and spiritual health. With this in mind, we also invite you all to unite in prayer through Psalm 41.
Lenten Mass Schedule
Weekend Mass: Saturday, 4:30pm
The 8:30am Sunday Mass and all weekday Masses are suspended during Lent. Weekday Masses already booked for your intentions will be said privately.
Parishioners' Meeting: Saturday, February 25th - 2:30pm
Coming out of our February 11th Parishioners' Meeting, our gathering and discussion on February 25th will determine our next step as a parish. We look forward to seeing you then in the Mary Room, followed by the 4:30pm Mass!
Regular Liturgy Schedule & Intentions
This week the Sanctuary Lamp is lit for Frank & Gertrude McIlwaine by John & Irene Langevin
Get me to the church on time!
Parishioners who cannot make it to the Saturday Mass or who are looking for a weekday Mass are invited to St Willibrord's on Sundays at 10:30am and St Gabriel's (2111 Rue Centre) on Tuesdays at 7:00pm.
Catholic Action Montreal's Late Sunday Mass begins at 8:00pm, every Sunday night at St Willibrord's.
Reflection on the First Sunday of Lent
With the arrival of Ash Wednesday this past week, we have reached the season of the liturgical year when scripture, tradition, and teaching point us towards two great tasks. First, we must come face-to-face with our sinfulness and brokenness, and acknowledge we are in this state of imperfection. Then, we must look beyond our sinful, broken state towards God and commit ourselves to drawing closer to Him through prayer, fasting and almsgiving.
This week, we encounter Jesus in the desert after the revelation of his identity through his baptism in the River Jordan. Led by the Spirit into the desert, Jesus fasts for forty days and nights, then finds himself in a very human situation with which we are all familiar: completely vulnerable and confronted by the temptation of taking the easy way out.
Read More
Friday, February 10, 2023
Soul Health CXVII
Soul Health CXVII
Parishioners' Meeting: Saturday, February 11th - 2:30pm
Following a week of reflection and discernment after our Joint Mass on February 5th at St Willibrord, your participation in this meeting and the insights you share will help determine the future of St Thomas More.
See you at 2:30pm this coming Saturday in the Mary Room followed by our regular 4:30pm Mass!
Sunday, February 12th: Betty & George McAuliffe by Henry & Doreen Zdyb
Tuesday, February 14th (St Cyril): For The Intentions of Gina Olaguera by Her Nieces & Nephews
Thursday, February 16th: Hazel Boyce by St. Thomas More Women’s Club
The Sanctuary Lamp
This week the Sanctuary Lamp is lit for Marc Richard by Wally & Rose Gregory
Requiescat In Pace
There will be a funeral on Saturday, February 18th at 1:00pm for Donald Prince, with visitation beginning at 12:00pm.
Start your Lenten Journey with Ash Wednesday Mass
Lent begins this year on Wednesday, February 22nd Ashes will be distributed at a special Ash Wednesday morning Mass at 11am.
Mother Teresa: No Greater Love
There's still time to see the English version of this inspiring film at Cinéma Guzzo Méga-Plex Sphèretech 14 (3500 Boulevard Cote Vertu Ouest, Saint-Laurent). The showtimes for this weekend up to February 16th are now available and we encourage you all to encounter Jesus through the work of Mother Teresa as shown on the big screen!
It's time to prepare for one of the few certainties of life: taxes!
Parishioners who have requested Income Tax Receipts may pick them up at the table at the back of the church. Receipts are in alphabetical order.
Yours in Christ,
Father Robert Assaly+
Wednesday, February 8, 2023
Soul Health: Special Edition
Soul Health: Special Edition
Parishioners' Meeting: Saturday, February 11th - 2:30pm
Following a week of reflection and discernment after our Joint Mass on February 5th at St Willibrord, your participation in this meeting and the insights you share will help determine the future of St Thomas More.
See you at 2:30pm this coming Saturday in the Mary Room followed by our regular 4:30pm Mass!
Listen again to Fr Robert's homily:
The Healing of the World
Pray for justice and peace |
As Father Robert suggested in his homily of February 5th: this week, selecting perhaps a different country each day experiencing |
Friday, February 3, 2023
Soul Health CXVI
Soul Health CXVI
Sunday, February 5th 2023
Mass at 10:30am followed by Coffee
**No Masses at St Thomas More
Saturday February 4th & Sunday February 5th**
What happens on a typical Sunday at a missional parish?
Since the launch of its Missionary Partnership, St. Willibrord's has already started to see fruits of its recommitment to the Mission. The community has seen growth, not only in numbers, but in meaningful Christian fellowship and increased engagement in the life and mission of the church.
With our parish at a crossroads and the future uncertain, this Sunday's Joint Mass is so important for us that a mini-bus has been arranged to help us all get to St Willibrord's!
We will leave from the front stairs of the church at 10am, and return together after Coffee Hour. To reserve a seat on the bus please call the parish office by 3:30pm on Friday afternoon (February 3rd).
On Saturday, February 11th at 2:30pm we will meet again as a community in the Mary Room to discern together the future of our parish.
Sunday, February 5 - 10:30am at St Willibrord: For All Parishioners of Saint Thomas More & St Willibrord
Tuesday, February 7th: Joanne Brodrick Poile by Kathie & Tony Fargnoli
Thursday, February 9th: Evelyn Gilchrist by Maureen Dearden
The Sanctuary Lamp
This week the Sanctuary Lamp is lit for Mr & Mrs Patrick McIver by Their Children
Mother Teresa: No Greater Love
The English version of this inspiring film enters its second week on the big screens at Cinéma Guzzo Méga-Plex Sphèretech 14 (3500 Boulevard Cote Vertu Ouest, Saint-Laurent). A detailed list of showtimes from this weekend up to February 9th is available on CinemasGuzzo.com and we encourage you all to encounter Jesus through the work of Mother Teresa!
A true saint of the 20th Century, Mother Teresa's work with the poorest and most vulnerable members of society was well-covered in mainstream media. She was beatified in 2003 by Pope Saint John Paul II only 6 years after her death, and canonized in 2016 by Pope Francis.
Featuring unprecedented access to institutional archives and the apostolates of the Missionaries of Charity, this documentary reveals how Mother Teresa's vision to serve Christ in the poor continues to be realized through the Missionaries of Charity today.
Yours in Christ,
Father Robert Assaly+
Friday, January 27, 2023
Soul Health CXV
Soul Health CXV
Dear Parishioners and Friends,
As St Paul writes in his letter to the Church this week, "Consider your own call...not many of you were wise by human standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth." Yet we have all been called to discipleship by God, who knows all of our weaknesses shortcomings and still calls us to do His Work anyway because it is through our flaws that His Perfect Love can be shown in the world.
To underscore this point, the Gospel this Sunday gives us the Beatitudes - a set of eight powerful statements focused on love, humility, and compassion taught by Jesus during the Sermon on the Mount.
Picking up on the Old Testament's teachings on what constitutes a righteous and godly individual, the Beatitudes give us the New Testament's description of a disciple transformed by a personal relationship with God. Such a transformation begins deep in the heart, with the acknowledgement of the disciple's own brokenness, sinfulness, and need for God; it then spreads outward as the disciple learns to recognize the needs of the world and the importance of meeting those needs with actions that imitate Jesus' mercy, peace, and gentleness.
Have you allowed this transformation to take place in your own heart and to continue growing outwards by following Jesus in wholehearted discipleship? Or has complacency kept you standing still at the side of the road while Christ is passing by?
Sunday, February 5th 2023
Mass at 10:30am followed by Coffee
**No Masses at St Thomas More
Saturday February 4th & Sunday February 5th**
What does a parish on mission look like?
What happens on a normal Sunday in a parish that's committed to discipleship?
What difference can it make in your life to celebrate, worship, and pray in a community that's engaged in meaningful Christian fellowship?
Come and see at St Willibrord's on February 5th!
This is important enough for the future of our parish that a mini-bus has been arranged to help us all get there! We will leave from the front stairs of the church at 10am, and return together after Coffee Hour. To reserve a seat on the bus please call the parish office.
On Saturday, February 11th at 2:30pm we will meet again as a community in the Mary Room to then discern a future for our parish.
Sunday, January 29: For All Parishioners
Tuesday, January 31 (St John Bosco): Jimmy Whelton by Caroline & Peter
Thursday, February 2 (The Presentaton of the Lord): Hazel Boyce by Wally & Rose Gregory
Sunday, February 5 - 10:30am at St Willibrord: For All Parishioners of Saint Thomas More & St Willibrord
The Sanctuary Lamp
This week the Sanctuary Lamp is lit for Andy Thompson Sr by His Wife & Family
Mother Teresa: No Greater Love
This film is currently showing in English at Cinéma Guzzo Méga-Plex Sphèretech 14 (3500 Boulevard Cote Vertu Ouest, Saint-Laurent). A detailed list of showtimes from this weekend up to February 2nd is available on CinemasGuzzo.com and we encourage you all to encounter Jesus through the work of Mother Teresa on the big screen!
A true saint of the 20th Century, Mother Teresa's work with the poorest and most vulnerable members of society was well-covered in mainstream media. She was beatified in 2003 by Pope Saint John Paul II only 6 years after her death, and canonized in 2016 by Pope Francis.
Featuring unprecedented access to institutional archives and the apostolates of the Missionaries of Charity, this documentary reveals how Mother Teresa's vision to serve Christ in the poor continues to be realized through the Missionaries of Charity today.
Coffee Break Catechesis
In honour of the Feast of the Conversion of St Paul, which was this past Wednesday, enjoy a cuppa with Scott Hahn in this video about the Saint's journey from Persecutor to Apostle.
Spiritual Support for Separated or Divorced Persons
If you have been wounded in your experience of marriage, heal yourself and rebuild yourself in Christ through the welcoming and supportive community for separated and divorced persons led by Deacon Francis Joannette and his wife Jackie.
Yours in Christ,
Father Robert Assaly+
Friday, January 20, 2023
Soul Health CXIV
Soul Health CXIV
Dear Parishioners and Friends,
"The people of darkness have seen a great light," proclaims the prophet Isaiah in this Sunday's First Reading. He's followed by the Psalmist who identifies that light as the Lord, and by St Paul who is swift to remind us that we should be united in the divine sacrifice of the Cross instead of taking sides in the human hierarchy the Church.
Light and unity are woven into these readings as common threads, and we too are woven in with them. All of humanity is brought out of the darkness of sin by the light of Jesus Christ, the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and the infinite love of the Father. Heaven isn't only a select few who decide to follow one leader instead of another.
Finally, we're also reminded is weekend that Kingdom is built up not only through our works alone, but rather our works offered up to the transformative power of God's love for all of us. The longer version of the Gospel reading this weekend includes Matthew's account of Simon Peter, Andrew, James, and John meeting Jesus and immediately deciding to follow him.
By their example, we are reminded that is our response to His call that allows God to work in us and through us for the greater glory of the Kingdom. Most of us may not be called to quit our jobs and leave our families to do God's work, but that only means our mission field is the familiar territory of our daily lives. That's half the battle won -- winning the other half requires that we commit to building up our faith from something we do for an hour once a week into something we truly live as we go about our daily business.
February 5th 2023
Mass at 10:30am followed by Coffee
**No Masses at St Thomas More
Saturday February 4th & Sunday February 5th**
A Mini-bus will leave from the front stairs of the church at 10am to take us to St Willibrord and will return us back to St Thomas More. To reserve a seat on the bus please call the parish office.
Regular Liturgy Schedule & Intentions, January 21-27
Sunday, January 22: Anniversary of Andrew Thompson Sr by His Wife & Family
Tuesday, January 24 (St Francis de Sales): Hazel Boyce by Eileen Ford
Thursday, January 26 (St Timothy & St Titus): Anniversary of Peter McGlynn by His Family
The Sanctuary Lamp
This week the Sanctuary Lamp is lit for Deceased Members of the Gomez & Olaguera Families by Agnes Olaguera
Requiescat In Pace
The funeral Mass for Julie Boulet will be held on Saturday, January 28th at 11:00am.
2023 Wardens
At last weekend’s Annual Meeting of Parishioners, Debbie Warren & Derek Mott were elected as Wardens. Claudette Asselin & Raymond LaRouche were re-elected for a second term. Along with Louise Dorais & Paul Lafontaine, they will be our Wardens for 2023.
We thank all of these individuals for standing for election and agreeing to fill this vital role in our parish.
Coffee Break Catechesis
Bishop Barron faces the challenge of growing the Church head-on and invites all Catholics to do the same through four realistic, accessible, and practical ways.
Add a bit of brightness to tax season
Parishioners wishing a receipt for income tax purposes are asked to fill out the card in their envelope sets or email the parish office with their name, address, postal code, and envelope number. Receipts will be ready in a few weeks.
Yours in Christ,
Father Robert Assaly+
Friday, January 13, 2023
Soul Health CXIII
Soul Health CXIII
Saturday, January 14th, 2023 at 3pm in the Mary Room
If you are a frequent, regular mass attender, your participation is anticipated, as it is your commitment and input that will shape this critical discussion.
With the parish at a crossroads, the outcome of your participation may well determine the future of the parish.
Dear Parishioners and Friends,
Particularly keen readers using personal copies of the Sunday missals will notice that this weekend's Second Reading is, in fact, simply the opening of St Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians. This is not a part of the epistle that contains direction, advice, or insight -- at least, not at first glance.
As part of his greetings, St Paul addresses the Church in Corinth as "those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints." In these words, the Apostle reminds us of both our Christian identity and our Christian vocation: we are set apart for God and for holiness. We are saved and made new by the sacrifice of Jesus, and our salvation and renewal are meant to be shared with others in daily, ordinary life.
Reflecting on this, then, do our present lives align to this? Does our practice of faith currently include sharing our faith, as well as our hope and love, with others as part of our regular day-to-day routine, or is it limited to our presence at Mass or any other time we may happen to be inside a church? How might our lives and the lives of countless unknown others be changed if we truly embraced our call to the mission of building up the kingdom and making disciples not just of ourselves, but of all others?
Sunday, January 15: Fr Ken Martin by the Estate
Tuesday, January 17: Carmel Goguen by Anne Foran
Thursday, January 19: Theresa Zizzi by Rose & Wally Gregory
The Sanctuary Lamp
This week the Sanctuary Lamp is lit for Mr & Mrs Russell Biffin by Priscilla & Ken McGuire
New Office Hours
Starting this week, the Parish Office will be closed on Wednesdays. Regular office hours will be Monday-Tuesday and Thursday-Friday, 9:00am-3:30pm.
Magnificat Subscriptions for 2023
Parishioners who subscribe to the Magnificat are reminded that it is time to renew their subscription for $70.00, please contact the parish office. We encourage our parishioners to take out a subscription which would begin in February of this wonderful publication which includes readings, reflections and prayers.
Add a bit of brightness to tax season
Parishioners wishing a receipt for income tax purposes are asked to fill out the card in their envelope sets or email the parish office with their name, address, postal code, and envelope number. Receipts will be ready in a few weeks.
Increase your spiritual strength in 2023 with a daily dose of the Catechism
Following the huge success of "The Bible in a Year," Father Mike Schmitz is launching "The Catechism in a Year" in 2023. With a new episode set to be released every day in 2023, this podcast is a deep dive into the the Catechism of the Catholic Church that complements the content of its predecessor.
As Father Mike told Aleteia in a recent interview, "The Bible in a Year was all about learning to see our lives through the lens of Scripture. With The Catechism in a Year, I hope that we will allow the truths of the Catholic faith to shape our lives. God’s story in our lives doesn’t end with the Bible, but God’s story continues with the Church, and the life of the Church."
Yours in Christ,
Father Robert Assaly+