Thursday, December 30, 2021

Updates to Parish Schedule Under the Latest Pandemic Regulations

Dear Parishioners and Friends of Saint Thomas More,

Following the new pandemic regulations announced yesterday by the provincial government and health authorities, in-person Mass and parish faith formation activities are suspended until further notice.


For the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, on Friday afternoon at 4:00pm, we encourage you to attend Mass virtually to observe this Holy Day of Obligation. The parish of Saint Ignatius of Loyola is offering a livestream here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jYzkHuPlTis

Father Robert will be offering Communion on the steps at the following times this weekend, and **all are welcome**

- December 31st, 7:00pm at Saint Thomas More

- January 2nd, 9:30am at Saint Thomas More

- January 2nd, 11:15am at Saint Willibrord (on the Rectory steps)


Follow the links below to parishes in the Archdiocese who are providing online Masses:

- Saint Ignatius of Loyola https://stig.ca/live-stream/

- Saint Thomas à Becket https://www.becket.ca/

- Saint Joseph’s Oratory https://www.saint-joseph.org/en/keep-in-touch-with-the-oratory/


On TV, the Salt & Light channel is also a great option for attending Mass virtually.


In the Kingdom, all is well. The apostles and most centuries since faced worse, and we’re still here to tell about it. Together, we are united and strengthened in prayer.

Father Robert is praying daily for the parishes of Saint Thomas More and Saint Willibrord, and all who call these parishes home, and encourages all parishioners to pray for one another as well during these times.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of Compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)

In the Incarnate Word,

Father Robert+

and the Staff of Saint Thomas More


Wednesday, December 22, 2021

Important Information for Christmas Eve Mass

Dear Parishioners,

We are looking forward to seeing you at Christmas Mass!

- Saint Willibrord: December 24th - Carols at 5:15pm; Mass at 5:30pm

- Saint Thomas More: December 24th - Carols at 7:45pm, Mass at 8:00pm

- Saint Thomas More: December 25th – 9:30am (Joint Mass for both parishes)

The complete Holiday Mass schedules for both parishes are included at the bottom of this email

--------------------------


Everyone is welcome to attend Mass and receive Communion. We ask that everyone attending Christmas Eve Mass is aware of the following pandemic protocols:

- Vaccine passports are required for all attendees over the age of 14

- We will have volunteers at the door to check vaccine passports, sanitize everyone’s hands upon entry, and provide masks to anyone who needs one

- Wear your masks at all times while inside the church

- Follow social distancing rules while inside the church, including sitting only in the designated pews


We understand that for various reasons, some parishioners might not be double-vaccinated. If this is your situation and you would still like to come for Christmas, this may be possible by contacting Fr Robert either by phoning the parish offices or by email.

- Phone: 514-768-4741

- Email: vicarofverdun@gmail.com


If you’re unable to attend Christmas Eve Mass in person and will instead watch a Mass online or on TV, you are welcome to receive Communion on the church steps:

- Saint Willibrord: 6:45pm to 7:00pm

- Saint Thomas More: 9:15pm to 9:30pm

Fr Robert is also available by appointment for home visits to bring Communion and hear Confessions at your front doors.


If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact the parish offices by phone or by emailing the Pastoral Associate, Angela (pa.englishparishes.verdun@gmail.com).

Stay safe and blessings to all in the name of Jesus, the King who is very soon to come,

Fr Robert Assaly +

and the Staff Members of the English Roman Catholic Parishes of Verdun




Thursday, December 16, 2021

Soul Health LX (60)

**Television Special Tonight at 8:00pm!**

Witnesses of Hope: The Greatest of All Gifts


Highlighting the lives and works of Christians in the Middle East, this TV special airs Thursday, Dec 16th 2021 on Salt & Light TV. You can also stream it on a special Facebook live event through CNEWA Canada’s Facebook page by clicking here.

The hour-long program will be hosted by Deacon Pedro Guevara-Mann and Mary Rose Bacani and will include a panel discussion on the reality and challenges that these Christians are facing, musical performances in Arabic, Aramaic and English from a children’s choir from Good Shepherd Chaldean Cathedral in Toronto, and reports and updates from Holy Land Christian communities.


***




The Third Commandment:

"Remember to keep holy (to set apart) the Sabbath Day"


As Catholics, we are called to observe all Sundays and specific feast days as Holy Days of Obligation. These are days in the Church calendar when we are meant to set apart time for God by attending Mass and spending more time in prayerful, contemplative rest than we would on any other normal day. In addition to Sundays, Canada’s only two Holy Days of Obligation are Christmas (either Christmas Eve or Christmas Day) and the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God on New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day.

Our human nature has a tendency towards making our daily work the focus of our lives, sometimes to the point where our jobs and other activities take precedence over our relationship with God and the spiritual work that we need to do to prepare for eternal life with Him. Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation are the days we set apart from all other days to keep God at the center of our lives and to develop our faith.


***

Father Robert's Installation as Pastor of Saint Thomas More

Last Saturday the Episcopal Vicar, Father Raymond Lafontaine, came to celebrate Mass and install Father Robert as our pastor. Thank you to all parishioners who came to support Father Robert's vocation and mission amongst us, and to all who showed their support from home through their prayers!
 

Special thanks to John Davidson for the photograph!

***

To our parishioners who have not yet returned due to the pandemic:

We miss you!


Many thanks to our volunteers for our recent Advent Call-Around, which has helped us stay in touch with our parishioners who haven't been able to rejoin us yet at the parish for Mass and other activities.

If you a parishioner who has not yet returned due to the pandemic and did not receive a call, please email Angela at pa.englishparishes.verdun@gmail.com or call the parish office.

As he did last year, Fr Robert is happy to bring Communion to any parishioners who are unable to rejoin us at the church, and to hear Confessions at your front doors. Call the parish office if you would like a home visit!


***

Magnificat Subscriptions

Parishioners who are subscribed to Magnificat can now pick up their January editions at the back of the church. If you are renewing your subscription for 2022, please contact the parish office.

If you’re looking for a faith-centered Christmas gift that keeps on giving, consider buying your loved ones (and yourself!) a yearly subscription to Magnificat for $64.00!

Magnificat is a monthly spiritual guide designed for daily use at home or at church, and is a useful tool in becoming more engaged in your faith life. It features daily readings, prayers, reflections, and short essays on our rich Catholic heritage in one pocket-sized publication to help you enliven and enrich your life in Christ.

Copies of the January 2022 edition of Magnificat are available for you to put under the tree to start your loved ones off the incredible year-long journey of growing in faith, hope, and love with Magnificat. Contact the parish office to get yours today!


***

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 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.

 
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.


***

Open Now: Pray More Advent Retreat - Online, self-paced, and flexible registration fees! 
 
Featuring 19 presentations and reflection guides, the Pray More Advent Retreat is an online retreat that allows you to dive into Advent at your own pace. Following the guidance of 6 speakers including theologian, author, and speaker Dr Edward Sri, participants in the retreat can grow closer to Christ during this season of preparation. Registration fees are flexible – you can choose what you’d like to pay, and even if you can’t pay, you can still register for free and gain access to all 19 presentations!

For more information and to register, visit https://praymoreretreat.org/


***

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.




***

Annual Canned Goods Collection

The Annual Canned Goods Collection for our Christmas Baskets is underway, but ends this weekend (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.


Coffee Hour

Coffee Hour will resume in January 2022. Volunteers are needed each week to help make Coffee Hour a success. 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.


Family Faith Formation

If you are not yet enrolled in FFF and have been waiting for our return to in-person gatherings to register, please contact Angela.

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.


***

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

**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/



Benefit Concert: The En Route Foundation & Conversations Cultural Centre presents the Communion & Liberation Choir

Saturday, December 18th 2021 - 7:00-8:30pm; $25 for adults and $10 for students


La Chapelle du Grand Séminaire de Montréal

2065 rue Sherbrooke Ouest | West

Montréal, QC, H3H 1G6


All proceeds of this benefit concert will go to Le Pont, a charitable organization of the Catholic Church of Montreal whose mission is to support, without regard to their religion, families who are seeking asylum and whose circumstances are often extremely precarious. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit https://conta.cc/3m8MxqC.


***

Blessings in Christ, the King who is to come,

Father Robert+


Friday, December 10, 2021

Soul Health LIX (59)

Father Robert's Induction as Pastor of Saint Thomas More

Saturday, December 11th at the 4:00pm Mass

Fr Raymond Lafontaine, the Episcopal Vicar, is presiding at this Mass to install Fr Robert as our pastor.


Saint Thomas More parishioners who usually come to the 9:30am Mass on Sundays encouraged to attend on Saturday at 4:00pm to support Father Robert's vocation and mission amongst us.


***


***

To our parishioners who have not yet returned due to the pandemic: We miss you!

Many thanks to our volunteers for our Advent Call-Around, which has helped us stay in touch with our parishioners who haven't been able to rejoin us yet at the parish for Mass and other activities.

If you a parishioner who has not yet returned due to the pandemic and did not receive a call, please email Angela at pa.englishparishes.verdun@gmail.com or call the parish office.

As he did last year, Fr Robert is happy to bring Communion to any parishioners who are unable to rejoin us at the church, and to hear Confessions at your front doors. Call the parish office if you would like a home visit!


***


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 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.


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.


***

**Free** online retreat: Walking and bearing witness together… in HOPE and in JOY

Saturday December 11th, 9:30am-11:00am


Both Fr Robert and Angela are unable to participate in this mini online retreat, but if you decide to join it please let us know how you found it!


As this pandemic persists, it feels like we will have to wait yet longer to celebrate Christmas in the manner to which we are accustomed. Yet, our challenge during Advent is to walk together: in hope, in solidarity, in joy at the greatest Gift we have received: Jesus, Emmanuel, God with us.


On the weekend of the third Sunday of Advent, “Gaudete” (Rejoice) Sunday, the Office for English Pastoral Services (OEPS) invites you to a guided morning retreat.

This retreat will incorporate two elements:

1) On Friday evening (or at a time convenient for you), the viewing of “The Shepherd”, the pilot episode of the award-winning multi-season miniseries on the life of Jesus and his disciples, "The Chosen," followed by some questions to guide your prayer and personal reflection; 
 
2) On Saturday morning, time together online (via Zoom) to share our response to this unique perspective on the Christmas story, and to explore its impact on our personal mission, and on our shared mission as we “walk together” (synodos!) as Church.


Click here for more information and to register.


***


Open Now: Pray More Advent Retreat - Online, self-paced, and flexible registration fees!

Featuring 19 presentations and reflection guides, the Pray More Advent Retreat is an online retreat that allows you to dive into Advent at your own pace. Following the guidance of 6 speakers including theologian, author, and speaker Dr Edward Sri, participants in the retreat can grow closer to Christ during this season of preparation. Registration fees are flexible – you can choose what you’d like to pay, and even if you can’t pay, you can still register for free and gain access to all 19 presentations!


For more information and to register, visit https://praymoreretreat.org/


***


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.


***


Magnificat Subscriptions

Parishioners who are subscribed to Magnificat can now pick up their January editions at the back of the church. If you are renewing your subscription for 2022, please contact the parish office.

If you’re looking for a faith-centered Christmas gift that keeps on giving, consider buying your loved ones (and yourself!) a yearly subscription to Magnificat for $64.00!

Magnificat is a monthly spiritual guide designed for daily use at home or at church, and is a useful tool in becoming more engaged in your faith life. It features daily readings, prayers, reflections, and short essays on our rich Catholic heritage in one pocket-sized publication to help you enliven and enrich your life in Christ.

Copies of the January 2022 edition of Magnificat are available for you to put under the tree to start your loved ones off the incredible year-long journey of growing in faith, hope, and love with Magnificat. Contact the parish office to get yours today!


Annual Canned Goods Collection

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.


Coffee Hour

Coffee Hour will resume in January 2022. Volunteers are needed each week to help make Coffee Hour a success. 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.


Family Faith Formation

If you are not yet enrolled in FFF and have been waiting for our return to in-person gatherings to register, please contact Angela.

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.


***


MARK YOUR CALENDARS!


**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/


***

Blessings in Christ, the King who is to come,

Father Robert+



Thursday, December 2, 2021

Soul Health LVIII (58)

Memorial Mass & Dedication of the Church Hall to Father George S. Oakes

Mass 6:00pm

Thank you to everyone who purchased dinner tickets! We look forward to welcoming you on Friday evening! Dinner and Auction: 7:00pm


Please observe all the usual public health and safety measures!

- Wear your facemasks (we have extras at the door)

- Sanitize your hands (when entering the church upstairs, and again before entering the hall downstairs)

- Respect social distancing measures (sit in the designated pews, and do not rearrange tables in the hall)

- Remain in your pews with your masks on at Communion (the Eucharist will be brought to you, and given to those who are standing)


***

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 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 Friday, December 3rd 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.

If you'd like to come to the Oratory and require a ride, please contact Angela at pa.englishparishes.verdun@gmail.com.


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.


***

Open Now: Pray More Advent Retreat - Online, self-paced, and flexible registration fees!

Featuring 19 presentations and reflection guides, the Pray More Advent Retreat is an online retreat that allows you to dive into Advent at your own pace. Following the guidance of 6 speakers including theologian, author, and speaker Dr Edward Sri, participants in the retreat can grow closer to Christ during this season of preparation. Registration fees are flexible – you can choose what you’d like to pay, and even if you can’t pay, you can still register for free and gain access to all 19 presentations! For more information and to register, visit https://praymoreretreat.org/


***

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.


***


Magnificat Subscriptions

Parishioners who are subscribed to Magnificat can now pick up their January editions at the back of the church.

If you’re looking for a faith-centered Christmas gift that keeps on giving, consider buying your loved ones (and yourself!) a yearly subscription to Magnificat for $64.00!

Magnificat is a monthly spiritual guide designed for daily use at home or at church, and is a useful tool in becoming more engaged in your faith life. It features daily readings, prayers, reflections, and short essays on our rich Catholic heritage in one pocket-sized publication to help you enliven and enrich your life in Christ.

Copies of the January 2022 edition of Magnificat are available for you to put under the tree to start your loved ones off the incredible year-long journey of growing in faith, hope, and love with Magnificat. Contact the parish office to get yours today!


Coffee Hour after the 9:30am Mass!

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.


Family Faith Formation

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.

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.


Celebrate and pray with Fr Robert this month!

Milestone: 30 Years of Celebrating Mass

The Feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 8th marks the 30th Anniversary of the first Mass Fr Robert celebrated! A special invitation is extended to all parishioners to join him at the 7:00pm weekday evening Mass at the Saint Willibrord’s Rectory to celebrate this special day. If you would like to sponsor the Mass for Fr Robert's intentions and for his future works as our pastor, please contact the parish office.


Fr Robert’s Induction as Pastor of Saint Thomas More

Saturday, December 11th at the 4:00pm Mass


Saint Thomas More parishioners who usually come to the 9:30am Mass on Sundays encouraged to attend on Saturday at 4:00pm to support Father Robert during his Induction as the pastor of our parish.


Annual Canned Goods Collection

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!


**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 who is to come,

Father Robert+