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.
***
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!
***
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.
***
Yours in Christ,
Father Robert Assaly +
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