Friday, November 26, 2021

Soul Health LVI (56)

Memorial Mass and Dedication of the Church Hall to Father George

**This is the last weekend to purchase dinner tickets.**

Dinner tickets will not be available at the door the night of the event.


Join us on Friday, December 3rd to commemorate Father George S. Oakes, who served our parish from 1989 until his passing in 2018, with a Memorial Mass followed by dinner, dedication of the parish hall, and an auction.

Mass: 6:00pm

Dinner and Auction: 7:00pm

Tickets: $15.00 each (includes a chicken meal and dessert)

Dinner tickets are available for purchase after the weekend Masses,

or by contacting the parish office at sttm1944@gmail.com.

 

 ***



Enhance Your Advent Experience!

The Archdiocese of Montreal now has a page dedicated to the Season of Advent where you can find content specifically curated to enhance your Advent experience this year.

Click here to explore it with your families, and grow in faith together!


***


A little closer to home, our Family Faith Formation group extends an invitation to all parishioners with children to join us on this year’s Advent Field Trips! If you are interested in attending, please contact Angela at pa.englishparishes.verdun@gmail.com by Thursday, December 2nd 2021.

Sunday, December 5th: Saint Joseph's Oratory (3800 Queen Mary)

9:45am-1:15pm

This excursion includes a visit to the Creche Museum and a chance to explore the Oratory, as well as Mass in the Crypt Church at 11:15am. The vaccination passport is mandatory for all visitors aged 13 and over. Parking is available at the Oratory, all the way up to the hill to the Basilica.

Sunday, December 19th: Notre Dame des Sept Douleurs (4155 Wellington)

10:30am -2:00pm

This excursion includes Mass at St Willibrord at 11:15am with coffee and refreshments afterwards, before heading to Notre Dame des Sept Douleurs to view the Christmas display there.

Street parking is available around St Willibrord.

Notre Dame is within walking distance so we will go there on foot.


***


This evocative 16th century prayer is offered daily at every mass during Advent in the Catholic Ordinariate Rite:

Almighty God, give us grace that we may cast away the works of darkness, and put upon us the armour of light, now in the time of this mortal life, in which thy Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious Majesty, to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who lives and reigns with thee and the Holy Spirit, now and ever. 
 
Amen.


***


Coffee Hour after the 9:30am Mass!

Coffee Hour begins this Sunday after Mass, downstairs in the Mary Room! Also, volunteers are needed each week for Coffee Hour. Please call the parish office if you’re interested in contributing to this opportunity for fellowship and community building.


Altar Servers

If you have children aged 10 or over who would like to help at Sunday Mass, we invite you to encourage them to become Altar Servers! Please speak with Fr Robert after Mass or contact the Parish Office.


Visioning Team

Parishioners who are interested in attending a Visioning Team meeting on Wednesday evening next week, please speak to Fr Robert either after Mass or by email at vicarofverdun@gmail.com.


Christmas Masses

Christmas Eve Mass will be at 8pm and Christmas Morning Mass will be at 9:30am. More info to come, so keep an eye on your inbox!


Family Faith Formation

We are very excited to announce that Family Faith Formation is returning to in-person gatherings on Sunday, November 28th 2021!

Our November 28th Gathering is mandatory for all current participants. Please arrive at Saint Thomas More (980 Moffat Ave) in time for the 9:30am Mass.


If you are not yet enrolled in FFF and have been waiting for our return to in-person gatherings to register, please contact Angela at pa.englishparishes.verdun@gmail.com by 4:30pm on Tuesday, November 23rd.

We’re also looking for one more Catechist! If you are searching for more joy and fulfilment in your life, please consider joining our team of volunteer Catechists! No experience teaching (Catechism or otherwise) necessary – all we require from you is a love for Christ and for families, and a commitment to the future of the English Catholic Parishes of Verdun! Please contact Angela or Father Robert if you would like more information.


Magnificat – December 2021 issue now available

Parishioners who subscribe to the Magnificat may pick up their December issue on the shelves at the back of the church. There are a couple of extra copies at a cost of $5.00 each.


Annual Canned Goods Collection begins!

The Annual Canned Goods Collection for our Christmas Baskets is underway and continues until the weekend of December 18th – 19th.

We are accepting donations of non-expired canned or boxed goods and non-perishable food items. We especially need the appropriate foods associated with meals during the Christmas Season (example: canned fruits and puddings, cookies and treats for children).

Parishioners wishing to make a donation towards meat and other perishables are asked to place their offering in the St. Vincent de Paul Boxes on the walls at the back of the church.


***

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!


November 27th, 2021

**Free** Mini Retreat for People who are Separated or Divorced - Saint Angèle Parish, 1:30pm-3:30pm


On behalf of the Archdiocese, the parish of Saint Angèle is hosting a free mini retreat for people who are separated or divorced. Doors open at 1:00pm; parking available on site. For more information please visit https://bit.ly/3cGjQfH.

You can also contact the organizers by phone at 514-925-4300, ext. 206 and by email at centreDMVF@diocesemontreal.org


**Free Weekend Concerts** in Old Montreal throughout December!

Notre Dame des Bon Secours (400 Saint-Paul Street East)

Saturdays and Sundays from December 4th-19th 1:30pm *or* 3:00pm


Les Choralies returns this year offering free concerts for the holiday season at Notre Dame des Bon Secours, Montreal’s oldest chapel. Featuring a diverse selection of traditional holiday carols performed by guest choirs, these free concerts will be offered on Saturdays and Sundays throughout December, with show times at 1:30pm and 3:00pm. 
 
For more details, visit: https://margueritebourgeoys.org/les-choralies


December 7th, 2021

Couch Talks for Couples: Rekindle Your Love! – Tuesday, Dec 7th from 8:00pm-9:30pm


The Archdiocese of Montreal’s Couch Talk series continues with a session focusing on “The Hidden Lives of Men & Women – Communication.” Facilitated by Bridget Bagshaw and Karl Sataguida, the Couch Talk Series invites couples to come together in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere to share ideas on happiness, communication, parenting, intimacy, work life balance and holiness in marriage. All the events in the series are free, but registration is required. Click here for more information and to register for this and future Couch Talk sessions.
 
 
***
 
Blessings in Christ the King,

Father Robert+


Thursday, November 18, 2021

Soul Health LVI (56)

Annual Parishioners Meeting

Thank you to everyone who attended the meeting last Sunday. Your thoughts and input are always a greatly appreciated contribution, and we look forward to incorporating them into the future of our parish.


As requested by you, Fr Robert discussed the issue of parish boundaries and Wardens with the Episcopal Vicar. A potential solution was presented, which Fr Robert will look into with our Wardens.

Speaking of Wardens, a warm welcome to Paul Lafontaine, Raymond LaRouche, and Rosario Tapia, who were all elected as new Wardens at the meeting! Their work officially begins on January 1st 2022, and we thank them for coming forward to serve our parish.

There was enthusiasm regarding a Visioning Team. Anyone interested in contributing their time and ideas to the first meeting of a Visioning Team is invited to speak to Fr Robert after the weekend Masses. This meeting will take place in the next couple of weeks.

You expressed your thoughts on our music. We invite all who are interested in sharing their thoughts about music for the Advent and Christmas seasons to a meeting with Fr Robert after the 11am Mass on Tuesday, November 23rd.


Family Faith Formation

We are very excited to announce that Family Faith Formation is returning to in-person gatherings on Sunday, November 28th 2021!

Our November 28th Gathering is mandatory for all current participants. Please arrive at Saint Thomas More (980 Moffat Ave) in time for the 9:30am Mass.


If you are not yet enrolled in FFF and have been waiting for our return to in-person gatherings to register, please contact Angela at pa.englishparishes.verdun@gmail.com by 4:30pm on Tuesday, November 23rd.

We’re also looking for one more Catechist! If you are searching for more joy and fulfilment in your life, please consider joining our team of volunteer Catechists! No experience teaching (Catechism or otherwise) necessary – all we require from you is a love for Christ and for families, and a commitment to the future of the English Catholic Parishes of Verdun! Please contact Angela or Father Robert if you would like more information.


Magnificat – December 2021 issue now available

Parishioners who subscribe to the Magnificat may pick up their December issue on the shelves at the back of the church. There are a couple of extra copies at a cost of $5.00 each.


Annual Canned Goods Collection begins!

The Annual Canned Goods Collection for our Christmas Baskets is underway and continues until the weekend of December 18th – 19th.

We are accepting donations of non-expired canned or boxed goods and non-perishable food items. We especially need the appropriate foods associated with meals during the Christmas Season (example: canned fruits and puddings, cookies and treats for children).

Parishioners wishing to make a donation towards meat and other perishables are asked to place their offering in the St. Vincent de Paul Boxes on the walls at the back of the church.

***

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!


November 20th, 2021

Teen Fest with Montreal Youth Mission/Mission Jeunesse Montréal, 12:00pm-5:00pm


Join the Montreal Youth Mission in person or virtually in a lively and joyful experience for teens, aged 13-17, on November 20th from 12:00pm-5:00pm at Sacred Heart School. Connect with other teens who have a desire to grow in faith, and come together in fellowship to experience this abridged celebration that fully embodies World Youth Day Montréal through a half-day of engaging talks, authentic testimonies, creative presentations, and dynamic activities. For more information visit their website.


November 27th, 2021

**Free** Mini Retreat for People who are Separated or Divorced - Saint Angèle Parish, 1:30pm-3:30pm


On behalf of the Archdiocese, the parish of Saint Angèle is hosting a free mini retreat for people who are separated or divorced. Doors open at 1:00pm; parking available on site. For more information please visit https://bit.ly/3cGjQfH.

You can also contact the organizers by phone at 514-925-4300, ext. 206 and by email at centreDMVF@diocesemontreal.org


December 3rd, 2021

Memorial Mass and Dedication of the Church Hall to Father George


Join us on Friday, December 3rd to commemorate Father George S. Oakes, who served our parish from 1989 until his passing in 2018, with a Memorial Mass followed by dinner, dedication of the parish hall, and an auction.

Tickets are available for purchase after the weekend Masses or by contacting the parish office at sttm1944@gmail.com

Mass: 6:00pm
Dinner and Auction: 7:00pm
Tickets: $15.00 each (includes a chicken meal and dessert)


***

“Sometimes all it takes to save a life is the willingness to talk, to listen, and to offer the kind of support that Jesus already enjoined upon us in the Gospel: to love others as He did, and share our own material and spiritual gifts with generosity."

In September this year, the Spanish Diocese of Alcalá de Henares celebrated the Baptisms of fourteen children saved from abortion through the work and love of the John Paul II Rescuers Association. Read the stories of some of their mothers at https://bit.ly/3x3pvFY


Wondering how to check in with yourself in a meaningful and productive way?

Father Robert recommends the Examen app, available on IOS and Android/Google Play. Based on Reimagining the Ignatian Examen by Fr Mark Thibodeaux, SJ, the Examen app invites you to discover God in daily life and develop the habit of daily prayer from where you are, wherever you are. For more information, click here https://jcapsj.org/blog/2016/04/25/new-app-inspired-examen/

 

If you are interested in purchasing a copy of Life is Messy by Matthew Kelly, click on the photo above.

***

Blessings in Christ the King,

Father Robert+


Friday, November 12, 2021

Soul Health LV (55)

The Annual Meeting of Parishioners – **This Weekend**

Sunday, November 14th after the 9:30am Mass


We would like most of you to come, as we have two main tasks to accomplish as a parish community:

- Discussing the future directions of or parish, which will be shaped by your input

- Electing 3 new Wardens, whose efforts in managing parish funds and maintaining facilities will help keep our parish going in the right direction

Snacks and beverages will be provided!

If you would like to contribute your time, knowledge, and skills to the parish, please consider standing for election.

For more information, please contact Father Robert by email or by calling the parish office at 514-768-4741.


Family Faith Formation

We are very excited to announce that Family Faith Formation will be returning to in-person gatherings on Sunday, November 28th 2021!



If you are not yet enrolled in FFF or if you were waiting for our return to in-person gatherings to register, please contact Angela at pa.englishparishes.verdun@gmail.com by 4:30pm on Tuesday, November 23rd.


Further details will be provided to all current participants at our next Gathering, and will be available by request via email.

We’re also looking for more Catechists! If you are searching for more joy and fulfilment in your life, please consider joining our team of volunteer Catechists! No experience teaching (Catechism or otherwise) necessary – all we require from you is a love for Christ and for families, and a commitment to the future of the English Catholic Parishes of Verdun! Please contact Angela or Father Robert if you would like more information.


Magnificat – December 2021 issue now available


Parishioners who subscribe to the Magnificat may pick up their December issue on the shelves at the back of the church. There are a couple of extra copies at a cost of $5.00 each.


Annual Canned Goods Collection begins!

The Annual Canned Goods Collection for our Christmas Baskets will begin on the weekend of November 13th – 14th, and continue until the weekend of December 18th – 19th.


We are accepting donations of non-expired canned or boxed goods and non-perishable food items. We especially need the appropriate foods associated with meals during the Christmas Season (example: canned fruits and puddings, cookies and treats for children).

Parishioners wishing to make a donation towards meat and other perishables are asked to place their offering in the St. Vincent de Paul Boxes on the walls at the back of the church.

***

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

November 14th, 2021

**Free** Concert with Montreal Polyphonic Choir: Requiem, 2:30pm

The Montreal Polyphonic Choir will be performing a free concert at Marie Reine du Monde/Mary Queen of the World on Sunday, November 14th at 2:30pm. They will be performing the Requiem of Gabriel Fauré, and the performance is dedicated to the memory of the victims of all conflicts and pandemics. For more information, check out their website here.


November 20th, 2021

Teen Fest with Montreal Youth Mission/Mission Jeunesse Montréal, 12:00pm-5:00pm

Join the Montreal Youth Mission in person or virtually in a lively and joyful experience for teens, aged 13-17, on November 20th from 12:00pm-5:00pm at Sacred Heart School. Connect with other teens who have a desire to grow in faith, and come together in fellowship to experience this abridged celebration that fully embodies World Youth Day Montréal through a half-day of engaging talks, authentic testimonies, creative presentations, and dynamic activities. For more information visit their website.


December 3rd, 2021

Memorial Mass and Dedication of the Church Hall to Father George


Join us on Friday, December 3rd to commemorate Father George S. Oakes, who served our parish from 1989 until his passing in 2018, with a Memorial Mass followed by dinner, dedication of the parish hall, and an auction.

Tickets are available for purchase after the weekend Masses or by contacting the parish office at
sttm1944@gmail.com

Mass: 6:00pm

Dinner and Auction: 7:00pm

Tickets: $15.00 each (includes a chicken meal and dessert)


***

Blessings in Christ,

Father Robert+


Friday, November 5, 2021

Soul Health LIV (54)

Daylight Savings - Clocks fall back 1 hour on Sunday, November 7th!


The Annual Meeting of Parishioners

Sunday, November 14th after the 9:30am Mass

We would like most of you to come, as we have two main tasks to accomplish as a parish community: 

- Discussing the future directions of our parish, which will be shaped by your input

- Electing 3 new Wardens, whose efforts in managing parish funds and maintaining facilities will help keep our parish going in the right direction

Snacks and beverages will be provided!


What does a Warden do?

The Parish Wardens meet every few weeks to discuss practical matters related to managing parish finances as well as the use and upkeep of parish buildings. Their role is vital in making sure our funds and facilities are used in ways that contribute to the growth and well-being of our parish.


How is a Warden chosen?

Wardens are elected to their position at the Annual Meeting of Parishioners. Nominations can be submitted to the parish office prior to the meeting, or from the floor during the meeting.

If you live in Verdun west of Desmarchais and would like to contribute your time, knowledge, and skills to the parish, please consider standing for election. For more information, please connect with Father Robert by email or by calling the parish office.


*** 

 

November 6th - 7th, 2021

A Second Collection will be taken up at all Masses this weekend for maintenance. Please use the blue envelopes if you would like to contribute.


November 11th, 2021

Remembrance Day Mass, 10:55am at Saint Willibrord (351 rue Willibrord)

A special joint Mass will be celebrated for Remembrance Day, and parishioners from both Saint Willibrord and Saint Thomas More are invited to attend. We will commemorate our faithful departed whose love for our country helped them make, undaunted, the greatest sacrifice of their lives for the freedom we live in today. Beverages and snacks will be served afterwards.

There will not be a weekday mass at Saint Thomas More on this day.


The White Poppy Campaign

The Office of Social Action for the Archdiocese of Montreal supports the White Poppy Campaign and its mission to commemorate all victims of war, including civilian casualties who are the most numerous. Wearing the White Poppy alongside the Red Poppy for military victims encourages us to broaden social discussions about war by including civilian victims of war and working towards peace in our conversations.

Further information can be found at: https://www.diocesemontreal.org/en/news-and-info/latest-news/disarmament-week-and-white-poppy-campaign


November 13th, 2021

Annual Canned Goods Collection begins!

The Annual Canned Goods Collection for our Christmas Baskets will begin on the weekend of November 13th – 14th, and continue until the weekend of December 18th – 19th . We are accepting donations of non-expired canned or boxed goods and non-perishable food items. We especially need the appropriate foods associated with meals during the Christmas Season (example: canned fruits and puddings, cookies and treats for children).

Parishioners wishing to make a donation towards meat and other perishables are asked to place their offering in the St. Vincent de Paul Boxes on the walls at the back of the church.


November 20th, 2021

Teen Fest with Montreal Youth Mission/Mission Jeunesse Montréal, 12:00pm-5:00pm
Join the Montreal Youth Mission in person or virtually in a lively and joyful experience for teens, aged 13-17, on November 20th from 12:00pm-5:00pm at Sacred Heart School. Connect with other teens who have a desire to grow in faith, and come together in fellowship to experience this abridged celebration that fully embodies World Youth Day Montréal through a half-day of engaging talks, authentic testimonies, creative presentations, and dynamic activities. For more information visit https://microsites.diocesemontreal.org/microsites/missionjeunesse-mtl/en/teens-festival/ 


***


Family Faith Formation

Our Family Faith Formation program has started! If you are seeking to prepare your child for First Communion or Confirmation and would like more information about Family Faith Formation, please contact our Pastoral Associate, Angela (pa.englishparishes.verdun@gmail.com) for more information.


Catechist Wanted – Could it be you?


If you are searching for joy and fulfilment, please consider joining our team of Catechists. No experience teaching Catechism required – all we need is for you to have love for Christ and for families! Contact Father Robert (vicarofverdun@gmail.com) or Angela (pa.englishparishes.verdun@gmail.com)


***  

Blessings in Christ,

Father Robert+