Praise the Lord for His gift of great Faith! Archbishop Lépine's inspiring initiative 3 weeks ago to hold outdoor masses has borne much fruit. Due to the growing numbers in the Cathedral parking lot, he has added another Sunday mass. And he has inspired us to do the same -- an estimated 4 dozen braved the chill last Sunday in Verdun!
Thanks to Christina Parsons for this photo from the Rectory at Saint Willibrord!
One parishioner said she was uplifted by the words from the Book of Daniel recited in Sunday Morning Prayer: “Ice and snow, bless the Lord!" Another observed, the participants' sacrifice joined to Christ's for the life of the world is all the greater and more powerful in enduring such weather.
Anticipating even deeper cold this Sunday, bundle up and joyfully join us:
- St. Thomas More: Mass at 10:00am on the church steps; Communion at 10:25am
- St. Willibrord: Communion at 11:40am in front of the Rectory; Mass at 11:15am
Masks and 1m physical distancing required. Communion will be brought to you in place.
Yours in Christ,
Father Robert Assaly +
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Keep your faith alive while churches are closed!
All are welcome to the open-air Masses, even those who are not parishioners of St Thomas More or St Willibrord! And, if you choose to attend Mass online or on television, consider completing your Sunday with Communion at either church.
Attend Mass online with:
- 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.
Sacraments can also be brought to your front steps! If you are unable to get to the church to receive Communion or to go to Confession, please contact the parish office to request a visit from Father Robert.
Collection Envelopes and Making Online Contributions
Parishioners who use envelopes for their Sunday offerings can drop off their envelopes at the parish office while the church is closed. Regular or one-time donations can also be made at https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/50630. Canada Helps is a secure online platform that’s a good alternative to envelopes for parishioners who cannot easily get to the parish to drop off their donations, or even for those who wish to go paperless. The weekly collection is an incredibly important resource for the parish, and your contributions to it support our various programs and efforts to serve our parish and our community.
New **Online** Course: The Bible and the Virgin Mary (January 13th – April 7th)
Parishioners and friends of the parish who are seeking to gain more knowledge of Catholicism and deepen their faith are invited to join Father Robert on a new online course!
Developed by the Saint Paul Center and based on Dr Scott Hahn’s book Hail, Holy Queen, participants will rediscover Mother Mary through Sacred Scripture during this course. From the newly confirmed to the fully engaged, this study has something for all Catholics!
The Bible and the Virgin Mary begins on Thursday January 13th at 7:00pm and is accessible through the following Zoom link: https://concordia-ca.zoom.us/j/91966291246. More information on this program can be found on the Saint Paul Center website here.
Each gathering for this study begins with 30 minutes of prayer with the Rosary, followed by a video, discussions, and teaching with Father Robert.
For more information, including a list of session topics, please contact Angela or Father Robert.
From the Desk of Pope Francis
Click here to read Pope Francis’ letter to married couples -- His words in this brief letter can be a source of encouragement, hope, and renewed faith for all who have discerned the vocations of marriage and parenthood, from grandparents to parents in different seasons of family life to couples preparing to be married.
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