Soul Health LXXI

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

We passed the halfway mark for Lent this week! Have you encountered the Lord on your journey to Easter yet, or do you still feel like you are wandering?

In the last half of the Lenten Season, we encourage you all to continue your Lenten Disciplines and to explore the opportunities below to continue cultivating your holy ground so that at Easter you may harvest the fruits of Lent, and truly taste and see that the Lord is good!


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Regular Mass Schedule & Intentions for the week of March 26 – April 1, 2022:

Saturday, March 26th – 4:00pm: For all Parishioners

Sunday, March 27th – 9:30am: Andy Thompson, Sr., by His Wife & Family

Tuesday, March 29th – 11:00am: Tom Hendricks by Eileen Ford

Thursday, March 31st – 11:00am: Beatrice & Reg Gilhuly by Ann Foran


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For the People and the Planet: Upcoming Special Collection

The annual Development & Peace collection for Share Lent will be taken up as a Second Collection next weekend (April 2nd-3rd) using the blue Maintenance envelopes in the boxed sets. If you don’t use boxed sets, extra envelopes are available at the back of the church for you to make a contribution.

The Share Lent theme this year is “People & Planet First” and for more information, visit the Share Lent 2022 Campaign page.


Support the parish with your time, talent, and treasure!

Time: If you’re already attending Mass, why not take a small leap of faith into volunteering? Make a gift of your time by volunteering for Coffee Hour, taking up the collection, or greeting at the door.

Talent: Combine the gift of time with something you love doing, and contribute your talent to our parish! These could be: reading at Mass, assisting with various technological needs, or baking something delicious to share at Coffee Hour!

Sharing your time and talent contributes to the needs of God’s people so contact the Parish Office to let us know how you can help, and let your light shine!

Treasure: 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.

For parishioners who prefer to be paperless, 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.


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Spiritual Support & Solidarity: Ways to Unite in Prayer with the Church Worldwide

From the Vatican: Act of Consecration of Russia & Ukraine to Our Lady

Click here for Pope Francis' Act of Consecration of Russia & Ukraine to Our Lady, shared to unite the world in prayer today on the Solemnity of the Annunciation.


A Conversation with Sr Marie-Laure Simon, CND

In-person event at the Newman Centre – March 26th 2022, 2:30pm-4:00pm

Come to the Newman Centre at McGill (3484 Peel) and learn from 94-year-old Mohawk CND Sister Marie-Laure Simon, who founded and ran the Wampum Centre for over 25 years to provide a space for discussion and learning between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. Register by emailing francois.lepine-cossette@mail.mcgill.ca


Indigenous Delegation to the Holy See

In solidarity with the Indigenous Delegation to the Holy See, Our Lady of Guadalupe Circle has developed two resources to help Canadian Catholics unite in prayer for reconciliation and for the members of the Delegation meeting with Pope Francis from March 28th – April 1st.

Download the prayer card for the intercessions of Our Lady of Guadalupe here, and read more about the Sacred Fire prayer initiative here.


Click here for more information on the Delegation to the Holy See.

Our Lady of Guadalupe Circle is a Catholic coalition of Indigenous people, bishops, clergy, lay movements and institutes of consecrated life, engaged in renewing and fostering relationships between the Catholic Church and Indigenous Peoples in Canada.


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Our Lord did retreats too – consider doing one this Lent!

Lenten Encounters: A Day Retreat at Mission Marie Auxilatrice, March 26th 2022 from 10:30am-4:30pm ($20 registration)

8555 boul Maurice Duplessis, Rivière des Prairies H1E 4C3

Led by Jesuit priest Father Kevin Kelly SJ and Spiritual Director Dina Amicone, this day retreat on March 26th 2022 at Mission Marie Auxiliatrice will provide you an opportunity to explore how God meets us in our isolation to lead us into renewal and hope. Register at https://bit.ly/3wAV6ka and bring your Bible, notepad, pen, and a packed lunch!


Enhance & enliven your golden years with the Pillars Trust Fund!

Last summer and fall, the Pillars Trust Fund and the English-Speaking Catholic Council hosted a series of in-person information and social sessions for older Catholics throughout the Archdiocese. Facilitated by knowledgeable and engaging experts, these workshops provided a safe and supportive space for seniors to learn more about topics such as Mental Health & Aging, Navigating the Health & Social Service System, and Re-location.

Pillars and the ESCC would now like to expand the number of parishes where workshops are offered and plan for events to be hosted in the spring 2022.

To gauge the level of interest and to ensure that the topics are of interest to our community, please take few minutes to complete this questionnaire.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Anna Farrow at escc@bellnet.ca or 514-937-2301 ex. 256


Do any of these photos ring a bell for you?

Montreal has seemingly countless churches, and we invite you to explore La Ville au Cent Clochers (the City of 100 Belltowers) on Facebook to make their virtual acquaintance: https://www.facebook.com/LaVilleAuxCentClochers/

Perhaps, you might even consider visiting a new church in person as part of a Lenten pilgrimage within the city!


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Yours in Christ,

Father Robert Assaly +

Soul Health LXXI

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

During the season of Lent, Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving help us cultivate holy ground within our hearts - the spiritual ground in which the seeds of Faith, Hope, and Charity are planted, so that we may bear much fruit for God.

Although giving during the Lenten season is often talked about in terms of donating money, remember that we are all called to give not just of our treasure, but of our time and talent as well. Consider making a gift of your time and talent by contributing to Coffee Hour either by setting up or by bringing goodies to share with your fellow parishioners!


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Regular Mass Schedule & Intentions for the week of March 19-25, 2022

Saturday, March 19th – 4:00pm: For all Parishioners

Sunday, March 20th – 9:30am: Adolf Schweighart by Mr & Mrs Denis Hebert

Tuesday, March 22nd – 11:00am: Anniversary of William Warren by Bill & Denise

Thursday, March 24th – 11:00am: Anniversary of Hugh McGlynn by His Family


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Help Wanted

The parish is in need of a part-time skilled handyman to help with maintenance and small repairs. This position will provide occasional work with compensation based on skills. For more information, please contact Father Robert by calling the parish office or emailing him at vicarofverdun@gmail.com


Ways to Give: The Weekly Collection!

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.

For parishioners who prefer to be paperless, 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.


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Celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Archbishop Christian Lépine!

Sunday March 20th, 2:00pm at Mary Queen of the World Cathedral

On this milestone anniversary of Most Rev. Christian Lépine’s appointment as Archbishop, the Archdiocese of Montreal extends an invitation to all to a Mass of Thanksgiving at Mary Queen of the World Cathedral (downtown, at the intersection of Mansfield and René-Lévesque).


Unite in Prayer! Supporting the Indigenous Delegation to the Holy See

Our Lady of Guadalupe Circle is a Catholic coalition of Indigenous people, bishops, clergy, lay movements and institutes of consecrated life, engaged in renewing and fostering relationships between the Catholic Church and Indigenous Peoples in Canada.

In solidarity with the Indigenous Delegation to the Holy See, Our Lady of Guadalupe Circle has developed two resources to help Canadian Catholics unite in prayer for reconciliation and for the members of the Delegation meeting with Pope Francis between March 28th and April 1st, 2022.

Download the prayer card for the intercessions of Our Lady of Guadalupe here, and read more about the Sacred Fire prayer initiative here.

Click here for more information on the Delegation to the Holy See.


Just how many church belltowers does Montreal have, anyway?

Certainly more than 100 - but we invite you to explore La Ville au Cent Clochers (the City of 100 Belltowers) all the same! Consider visiting a new church as part of a Lenten pilgrimage, and with all the churches in Montreal you don’t have to go far, either! Check out La Ville au Cent Clochers on Facebook to make their virtual acquaintance: https://www.facebook.com/LaVilleAuxCentClochers/


Called to be peacemakers: Messages from the Pope & the Archbishop

Click here for Pope Francis' latest address and prayer for peace in Ukraine, from his General Audience this Wednesday.

Click here to read the Archbishop’s letter to the Catholics of Montreal, in which he invites each one of us to “fast and pray for peace in Ukraine, for victims of the attacks, the soldiers, the civilians, and the bereaved families.”


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Yours in Christ,

Father Robert Assaly +

Soul Health LXX

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

**Don't forget - clocks are going forward this Sunday, March 13th 2022!**

Good news! As of tomorrow, the vaccine passport in Quebec is no more (except in federally regulated matters such as borders). As such, just as we are "neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for [we] are all one in Christ Jesus" (Gal. 3:28) we are neither vaccinated nor unvaccinated.

The matter of vaccinations has caused much division, not least in the Church in Quebec. In our parish we overcame this by offering masses which all could attend, even if outdoors in deep chill, bringing everyone together.

Going forward, each person's vaccine information like any other medical information is a personal matter; in our parish do not ask anyone about their status. If you are asked, please do not indicate, so as not play into these potential divisions.


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As we journey through Lent together, let us unite in our Lenten prayers for peace.

Click here to read the Archbishop’s letter to the Catholics of Montreal, in which he invites each one of us to “fast and pray for peace in Ukraine, for victims of the attacks, the soldiers, the civilians, and the bereaved families.”

Click here to read Pope Francis’ Angelus Address on Sunday, March 6, and here for his appeal to Catholics worldwide to offer prayers and fasting for peace in Ukraine.

For a fruitful Lent, consider the following as Lenten Disciplines:

- Attending a weekday Mass – after all, it is the highest form of prayer! 

- Joining Adult Faith Formation at Saint Thomas More every Sunday morning at 8:00am to take a deeper dive into the Creed with Bishop Barron. 

- Attending Coffee Hour to build community and fellowship in our parish – and if you’re already attending, consider volunteering as a member of the Coffee Crew!


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Mass Schedule & Intentions for the week of March 12 – March 18

Saturday, March 12th – 4:00pm: Charles Boutet by His Family

Sunday, March 13th – 9:30am: For all Parishioners

Tuesday, March 15th – 11:00am: Anniversary of Rita Warren by Bill & Denise

Thursday, March 17th – 11:00am: Feast of Saint Patrick


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Adult Faith Formation: Sundays at 8:00am in the Hall

We extend a warm invitation to all parishioners to join Adult Faith Formation for this year's Lent program. From now until Holy Week, we're meeting in the Hall every Sunday at 8:00am to grow in faith and fellowship, and we'd love to have you with us! Alongside Candidates for Easter Sacraments, their Sponsors, and fellow parishioners, you'll learn more about the faith through Bishop Barron's study program on the Creed, and more about what we're called to do as Catholics and followers of Christ through catechesis on the Sacraments of Initiation. Please email Angela at pa.englishparishes.verdun@gmail.com or speak to her at Coffee Hour!


Help Wanted

The parish is in need of a part-time handyman to help with maintenance and small repairs. This position will provide occasional work with compensation based on skills. For more information, please contact Father Robert by calling the parish office or emailing him at vicarofverdun@gmail.com


Making Online Contributions

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.


For parishioners who prefer to be paperless, 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.


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Montreal – la Ville aux Cent Clochers (the City of 100 Belltowers)

Consider visiting a new church as part of a Lenten pilgrimage - you don’t have to go far, either! Our city is full of beautiful churches just waiting to be discovered! Check out La Ville au Cent Clochers on Facebook to make their virtual acquaintance: https://www.facebook.com/LaVilleAuxCentClochers/

Get the luck of Irish on St Patrick’s Day with the Pillars Trust Fund! **50/50 Draw for Easter Food Bags** 

Spring is in the air, and the Pillars Trust is excited to be organizing their first ever Easter Food Bags project. They will be helping 96 families in need in multiple parishes across the diocese with food this spring. To help pay for this food, Pillars Trust invites you to please consider making a tax-deductible donation to the Pillars Trust fund today. Or if you are feeling lucky, you can buy tickets for their Easter 50/50 draw, all the proceeds of which will be going towards the Easter Food Bags. You can buy your tickets on the Pillars Trust website: https://www.pillarstrust.org/2022/03/easter-50-50-draw/


Women’s Retreat: Finding God in the Thin Places

**Offered Online** Wednesday March 16th 2022, 9:30am-12:00pm

Led by Sr. Pat O’Neill, SNJM, and Vita Lewis, this half-day virtual retreat provides an opportunity for women all throughout the Archdiocese to make time to nourish mind, heart, and spirit. These retreats from the Ignatian Spirituality Centre and Villa Saint-Martin happen every month – if you haven’t attended before, consider attending this one as part of your Lenten discipline this year!

For more information, contact co-host Vita Lewis at vitaclewis@gmail.com or call 514-694-1118.


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Yours in Christ,

Father Robert Assaly +

Soul Health LXVIII

Dear Parishioners and Friends,


Lent has started, and with it has come the blessing of not only being able to celebrate Mass together once again but also opportunities to build up our parish community!

You'll find more information about these opportunities down below, along with ways to nourish your soul on your Lenten journey this year!


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Access to the Church

The main entrance to the church will be open this week!

Weekday Mass: A Great Addition to your Lenten Prayers and Sacrifices

The Mass is the highest form of prayer and the greatest opportunity we have to offer ourselves in sacrifice and thanksgiving to God. Consider adding a weekday Mass to your Lenten journey this year to increase your prayer life and to offer up your time, and join Fr Robert in the Sacristy on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11:00am.


For all Masses, please observe the following:


- Masks, social distancing, and sanitization are required


- Communion will be brought to you in place


Mass intentions for the week of February 12-19:


- Saturday, March 5: 4:00pm – For all parishioners


- Sunday, March 6: 9:30am – Mrs Carmella Nudo by her Family


- Tuesday, March 8: 11:00am – Anniversary of Evelyn Warren, by Bill & Denise


- Thursday, March 10: 11:00am – Miriam, Paddy Wiseman, Bob Wiseman by Ann Foran


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Adult Faith Formation: Lent 2022 – The Creed

In-person gatherings for Adult Faith Formation will take place at Saint Thomas More on Sunday mornings at 8:00am followed by Mass at 9:30am. Adult Faith Formation is open to all adults seeking to learn more about the Catholic faith, not just Candidates for Sacraments or their Sponsors!

If you are able to commit to weekly participation as part of your Lenten disciplines of prayer and sacrifice, we encourage you to join us on this Lenten journey of faith, formation, and fellowship! For more information, visit the Adult Faith Formation landing page.

If you have further questions or wish to register, please speak with Angela after the Sunday 9:30am Mass, or fill out the “More Information & Registration” form available through the link above.


Coffee Hour is coming back! Sundays, after the 9:30am Mass

Coffee occupies an interesting niche in Christian history, initially causing such a stir when it was first introduced to Western Europe in the 9th Century that it was dubbed a "hellish drink" and Christians were discouraged from drinking it.

Fast forward a few centuries, and sharing a cup of coffee with fellow parishioners after church has become a hallmark of parish life - one that we've greatly missed due to pandemic restrictions. Join us downstairs in the Hall starting on Sunday, March 6th after Mass - and keep coming back each week to help build our parish community!


We need volunteers!

There are so many ways to contribute to the needs of God's people and to let your light shine! Please contact the parish office if you are interested in volunteering. Possible ways to contribute as a Mass volunteer include: reading, taking the collection, greeting parishioners at the door, sanitizing inside, and setting up for Coffee Hour after Mass!


Help Wanted

The parish is in need of a part-time handyman to help with maintenance and small repairs. This position will provide occasional work with compensation based on skills. For more information, please contact Father Robert by calling the parish office or emailing him at vicarofverdun@gmail.com


Magnificat: March Edition

The March edition of Magnificat is now available at the back of the church for those who subscribe.


Collection Envelopes and Making Online Contributions

Envelopes are available at the back of the church. If you haven't signed up for a set before and would like a set for 2022, please contact the parish office.

For parishioners who prefer to be paperless, 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.


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May we be instruments of Peace: Letters from Archbishop Christian Lépine & Pope Francis

Click here to read the Archbishop’s letter to the Catholics of Montreal, in which he invites each one of us to “fast and pray for peace in Ukraine, for victims of the attacks, the soldiers, the civilians, and the bereaved families.”

Click here to read Pope Francis’ appeal on February 23 2022 to world leaders to “examine their consciences seriously before God” which he delivered only hours before the attack on Ukraine began last week. On February 27, Pope Francis renewed his appeal and urged us all to prayer and fasting for the intention of peace in Ukraine; you can read it here.

Couch Talks – March 8 2022, 8:30pm: Where has the spark gone?

Join hosts Bridget Bagshaw and Karl Santaguida along couples all throughout the Archdiocese for the March instalment of the Couch Talks series! This month, Couch Talks takes a deeper dive into intimacy while providing a relaxed, welcoming, and safe atmosphere for all participants to share their ideas and experiences.

For more information and register, visit the Couch Talks microsite.

Support after the loss of your spouse (Monthly Widow(er) Support Group) – March 7 2022, 9:30am

Meeting online (for now) on the first Monday of every month, this support group provides a space for those who have lost their spouse to share, listen, and support one another in the context of faith. Contact Anne Parsons at 514-457-2183 for more information and to register.

Women’s Retreat: Finding God in the Thin Places


**Offered Online** Wednesday March 16th 2022, 9:30am-12:00pm

Led by Sr. Pat O’Neill, SNJM, and Vita Lewis, this half-day virtual retreat provides an opportunity for women all throughout the Archdiocese to make time to nourish mind, heart, and spirit. These retreats from the Ignatian Spirituality Centre and Villa Saint-Martin happen every month – if you haven’t attended before, consider attending this one as part of your Lenten discipline this year!

For more information, contact co-host Vita Lewis at vitaclewis@gmail.com or call 514-694-1118.


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Yours in Christ,

Father Robert Assaly +

Soul Health Special Edition

The Lord has made known his salvation: Information for Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

Lent is upon us!

Today is Shrove Tuesday. With “shrove” being an Old English word meaning “confessed,” this day is a golden opportunity to prepare for your Lenten journey with the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession).

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Shrove Tuesday schedule:


St Thomas More


- Confessions: 10:00am – 10:50am at the back of the church


- Mass: 11:00am in the Sacristy


St Willibrord

Cancelled

- Confessions: 7:00pm – 8:00pm in the Rectory Chapel


Ash Wednesday schedule:


St Thomas More


- Confessions: 10:00am – 10:50am at the back of the church


- Mass: 11:00am


St Willibrord


- Confessions: 6:00pm-6:50pm by the organ


- Rosary for peace in the Ukraine: 6:15pm in the church


                led by Maureen Dearden and Christina Parsons


- Mass: 7:00pm


- Adult Faith Formation: 8:00pm downstairs


Remember that Ash Wednesday is a day of fasting and abstinence.

Fasting: One full meal during the day. Two smaller meals may also be taken, but their combined amount should not be equal to that of a full meal. The norms of fasting are obligatory for Catholics between the ages of 18 and 59, unless exempted due to medical circumstances.

Abstinence: Including every Friday in Lent, this means no meat may be consumed. Seafood, dairy, and eggs are permitted. The norms of abstinence are obligatory for Catholics above the age of 14.


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Yours in Christ,

Father Robert Assaly +