Friday, May 27, 2022

Soul Health LXXX

 

Dear Parishioners and Friends,
 

Joint Mass with St Willibrord for
the Feast of the Ascension 
with the Rite of Confirmation

**Archbishop Christian Lépine, presiding**

St Thomas More Parish 
Saturday, May 28 - 4:00pm
Followed by a wine and cheese reception in the Hall until 6:00pm


Parishioners and friends of both St Thomas More and St Willibrord are invited to come together for this unique and wonderful occasion. Let’s support our Confirmation candidates and welcome the Archbishop to the English Roman Catholic Parishes of Verdun!

***

Pray for the children from our Family Faith Formation program:
Zoe, David, Noah, Emma, Bethany, Ryan, Alessia, Alex, Adrielle, and Adrienne

Pray for the two adults from our Adult Faith Formation program:
Gaël and Sergio

 



Regular Liturgy Schedule & Intentions, May 28 - June 3

Saturday, May 28:  For All Parishioners
Sunday, May 29:  No Mass 
Tuesday, May 31 :  Jeanne Lessard by Maureen Dearden
Thursday, June 2:  Wedding Anniversary of Agnes and Victor Olaguera by Their Children

Looking Ahead
- Saturday, June 4:  No Mass - see you on Sunday, June 5 at 9:30am!
- For the next three weeks, the weekday Masses will take place in the church instead of the sacristy.  **Please sit only in the front section**

 



What kind of parish do you want to build? 
Tell us at Pentecost during our first Parish Brunch!

On Sunday, June 5th we will have a Parish Meeting  following the 9:30am Mass to bring us  together to discern and make key decisions as a community not only as to what kind of parish we are now,  but also what kind of parish we want to be in the future and how we can get there.  This will include fellowship over brunch, and will end by 1pm.  
 
Helping hands are needed to make sure we all get fed – please contact Angela (pa.englishparishes.verdun@gmail.com)  to sign up for the Pentecost Pancake Platoon!
 

**There will be no 4:00pm Mass on Saturday, June 4th**


Let all the nations praise him in their own languages!
If you speak another language apart from English and French, we'd love to have you read a small part of the Pentecost Readings in that language!  Don't be shy - speak to Fr Robert or call the parish office!
 



Your life CAN make a difference – Discover how with CCO!
The CCO Mission Team is arriving in the English Roman Catholic Parishes of Verdun this week and staying in both Rectories for most of June!

While they're here, you are invited to share your experiences of life and faith with the next generation of Verdun Catholics through Discovery - three weeks of small group discussions run by student leaders from across the country.   They’re excited to meet you and these conversations will bring you even closer to Jesus and help you bring others to him! 

To get personally connected to the CCO Mission Team running Discovery, visit https://bit.ly/3wZwWhR and fill out the e-form!

 



Update on Masking
As the province is no longer requiring masking indoors, it now becomes a personal choice to mask indoors.  We encourage all of you to continue acting with charity and compassion in order to protect our vulnerable parishioners, as you have done so far during the pandemic.

Individuals experiencing symptoms are strongly called upon to isolate themselves, to take a rapid test, and follow the instructions that apply in such cases.  
 


 

Yours in Christ,
Father Robert Assaly+

Friday, May 20, 2022

Soul Health LXXIX

 

Dear Parishioners and Friends,
 

The First Communions of the children of the English Roman Catholic Parishes of Verdun this weekend provides us all with an opportunity to unite in prayer with them, as well as to reflect on our own journeys since making our own First Communions.  How has the Eucharist already changed our lives?  Might we even dare to consider surrendering ourselves entirely to Jesus through the gift of his Body and Blood, so that he may well and truly dwell in us, and wholeheartedly live as his disciples?



Regular Liturgy Schedule & Intentions, May 14 to May 20

Saturday, May 21:  Colleen Gelinas by Maureen Dearden
Sunday, May 22:  For All Parishioners
Tuesday, May 24:  Fr James Morro by Trish
Thursday, May 26:   Msgr Gerald & Fr Peter McGlynn by Their Family

Sunday, May 29:  No Masses at St Thomas More and St Willibrord 
Saturday, June 4:  No Mass at St Thomas More 



Upcoming Special Weekend Masses!

First Communions **This Sunday** May 22 - 9:30am

For this year's First Communion class, the journey towards making this Sacrament began in the midst of the pandemic - but the faith and support of their families, our Catechist Team, and the parishes of St Thomas More and St Willibrord have helped these children grow in Christ and prepare to receive the Eucharist. 
 
Pray for: Santo, Rocco, Luca, Isla, Liam, Lucas, Matteo, Cristian 

 
Consider making this special Mass your Sunday Mass this weekend – families from both St Thomas More and St Willibrord have children in this program, and your continued support of their journey in Christ is most welcome and greatly appreciated! 
 
***

Our Chief Pastor is coming! 
On Saturday, May 28th at 4:00pm Archbishop Christian Lépine will celebrate Mass at St Thomas More and the Sacrament of Confirmation, followed by a wine and cheese reception in the Hall until 6:00pm.  Let’s join together for this wonderful and unique occasion!
 
Please keep our Confirmation candidates, who come from both St Thomas More and St Willibrod, in your prayers this week! 

Pray for the children from our Family Faith Formation program:  Zoe, David, Noah, Emma, Bethany, Ryan, Alessia, Alex, Adrielle, and Adrienne

Pray for the two adults from our Adult Faith Formation program:  Gaël and Sergio.


Helping hands are needed for the Reception - please speak to Debbie Warren or call the parish office to offer your services!

**There will be no 9:30am Mass at St Thomas More and no 11:15am Mass at St Willibrord on Sunday, May 29**

***

What kind of parish do you want to build?  Tell us at Pentecost during our first Parish Brunch!
On Sunday, June 5th we will have a Parish Meeting  following the 9:30am Mass to bring us  together to discern and make key decisions as a community not only as to what kind of parish we are now,  but also what kind of parish we want to be in the future.  This will include fellowship over brunch, and will end by 1pm.  
 
Helping hands are needed to make sure we all get fed – please contact Angela (pa.englishparishes.verdun@gmail.com)  to sign up for the Pentecost Pancake Platoon!
 
**There will be no 4:00PM Mass on Saturday, June 4th**

Your life CAN make a difference – Discover how with CCO!
This June, share your experiences of life and faith with the next generation of Verdun Catholics through Discovery - three weeks of small group discussions run by student leaders from across the country.   They’re excited to meet you and these conversations will bring you even closer to Jesus and help you bring others to him! 

To get personally connected to the CCO Mission Team running Discovery, visit https://bit.ly/3wZwWhR and fill out the e-form!



Let all the nations praise him in their own languages!
If you speak another language apart from English and French, we'd love to have you read a small part of the Pentecost Readings in that language!  Don't be shy - speak to Fr Robert or call the parish office!

Jump back into The Chosen!
Information, including how to register:  https://bit.ly/3yB0ogy
Fr Raymond Lafontaine, known for his unique insights into film and television, returns on May 18th with the next instalment of his exploration of The Chosen. Journey with Catholics all over the Archdiocese to discover how the First Disciples can inspire change and reignite your faith!


Joyful noise for a good cause:  L’Air du Temps, a Cathedral Concert featuring Gregory Charles OC
Saturday, May 28th at 7:30pm ($50) – Mary Queen of the World Cathedral
Known for his stage presence, energy, creativity, and dedication to Canada’s performing arts and culture, musician Gregory Charles lends his talents to the Permanent Diaconite of Montreal with this benefit concert.  For more information visit https://bit.ly/37u939q


Update on Masking
As the province is no longer requiring masking indoors, it now becomes a personal choice to mask indoors.  We encourage all of you to continue acting with charity and compassion in order to protect our vulnerable parishioners, as you have done so far during the pandemic.

Individuals experiencing symptoms are strongly called upon to isolate themselves, to take a rapid test, and follow the instructions that apply in such cases.  


 

Yours in Christ,
Father Robert Assaly+

Friday, May 13, 2022

Soul Health LXXVIII

Dear Parishioners and Friends,
 

Father Robert’s Sermon Series on Discipleship continues this week!  

As we continue praying and discerning our calls to discipleship, this week’s readings speak of the first Disciples building up the Kingdom, of God making all things new, and of Jesus’ commandment for us to love one another.  How might we, here in Verdun 2000 years after the first Disciples, carry on the God-given mission to love, to serve, and to proclaim the Gospel?
 


Regular Liturgy Schedule & Intentions, May 14 to May 20

Saturday, May 14:  Anniversary of Mary McIver by Her Family
Sunday, May 15:  For All Parishioners
Tuesday, May 17:  Fr. Murray McCrory the McIver Family
Thursday, May 19:  Mary Speer & Roger Lavigne by Their Family

 
Upcoming Special Masses!
Sunday, May 22 – 9:30am, St Thomas More Parish
This Mass includes the First Communions of the Children in our Family Faith Formation program.  Their   journey towards making this Sacrament began in the midst of the pandemic, but the faith and support of their families, our Catechist Team, and the parishes of St Thomas More and St Willibrord have helped these children grow in Christ and prepare to receive the Eucharist. 
 
Pray for: Santo, Rocco, Luca, Isla, Liam, Lucas, Matteo, Cristian, and Rosa

 
Consider making this special Mass your Sunday Mass next weekend – families from both St Thomas More and St Willibrord have children in this program, and your continued support of their journey in Christ is most welcome and greatly appreciated! 

 
Our Chief Pastor is coming! 
On Saturday, May 28 at 4:00pm Archbishop Christian Lépine will celebrate the 4:00pm Mass at St Thomas More and the Sacrament of Confirmation.  Let’s join together for this wonderful and unique occasion!
**There will be no 9:30am Mass at St Thomas More and no 11:15am Mass at St Willibrord on Sunday, May 29**
 



Update on Masking
As the province is no longer requiring masking indoors, it now becomes a personal choice to mask indoors.  We encourage all of you to continue acting with charity and compassion in order to protect our vulnerable parishioners, as you have done so far during the pandemic.

Individuals experiencing symptoms are strongly called upon to isolate themselves, to take a rapid test, and follow the instructions that apply in such cases.  
 



Look ahead to the parish’s future with the Visioning Committee!
If you have hopes, dreams, and expectations for the parish’s future, please speak to Fr Robert or send him an email to join the next meeting of the Parish Visioning Committee, which is happening on Thursday, May 19th at 7:00pm (location TBD).  


Jump back into The Chosen!
Information, including how to register:  https://bit.ly/3yB0ogy
Fr Raymond Lafontaine and his team at the Office of English Pastoral Services return on May 18th with the next instalment of Fr Raymond’s synodal exploration of The Chosen.  Journey with Catholics all over the Archdiocese to discover how the First Disciples can inspire change and reignite your faith!


Joyful noise for a good cause:  L’Air du Temps, a Cathedral Concert featuring Gregory Charles OC
Saturday, May 28th at 7:30pm ($50) – Mary Queen of the World Cathedral
Known for his stage presence, energy, creativity, and dedication to Canada’s performing arts and culture, musician Gregory Charles lends his talents to the Permanent Diaconite of Montreal with this benefit concert.  For more information visit https://bit.ly/37u939q



Yours in Christ,
Father Robert Assaly+

 

Wednesday, May 11, 2022

Soul Health: Special Edition

 Dear Parishioners and Friends,


 

Parishioners of St Thomas More are invited to this event to see what a parish can look like when it takes the mission of discipleship to heart, and to learn how this unique, first-in-Canada Missionary Partnership, between St Ignatius and St Willibrord, might impact life at St Thomas More as mentioned by Fr Robert in Sunday’s homily. 

This is an excellent opportunity to witness the gifts of the Holy Spirit bearing fruit in humble, mission-oriented disciples – we look forward to seeing you there!

 


***

Yours in Christ,
Father Robert Assaly +

 

Friday, May 6, 2022

Soul Health LXXVII

Dear Parishioners and Friends,
 

Father Robert’s Sermon Series on Discipleship continues this week!  

Last week, we kept in mind that our is a Living Faith, and to imagine what our parish could look like if we took that to heart and brought it into all we do here. This week, as we continue to discern how we are called to be disciples and the ways we might fulfil that calling, let’s also remember to surrender ourselves to Christ in the knowledge and trust of what has been promised to us through his Resurrection. 

***


Regular Liturgy Schedule & Intentions, May 7 to May 13:
Saturday, May 7:  For All Parishioners
Sunday, May 8:  For All Mothers, living and deceased
Tuesday, May 10:  John & Joan Purcell by Their Estate 
Thursday, May 12:  Maureen DesRoche by Maureen Dearden


There’s nothing like a mother’s love…
…so honor yours on Sunday, May 8!  As is our tradition, we will remember all our mothers, living and deceased, at the 9:30am Mass.  Those who wish to make a special donation in honor of their mothers can use the white envelopes available at the back of the church – please write your envelope number or name on yours, and drop it in the regular collection on May 8. 

Saying Goodbye to one of the Greats 
Click here to read the Archbishop’s homily from the State Funeral of Guy Lafleur earlier this week:  https://bit.ly/37jnnRP

It includes this memory of Guy Lafleur as a joyful giver: "St. Paul tells us: “What do you have that you did not receive?” (1 Cor 4:7). Guy had received much, and his joy was to give in return and to share joy with fans and the general public. His humility made him a team player, always close to the people, accessible and attentive."  Doesn't this sound like the same kind of generosity we are called to extend to others as followers of Christ?

Christ in every mind that googles him:  Have you met Blessed Carlo Acutis?
Travelling Exhibition:  The Eucharistic Miracles of the World
April 25 – May 13 at Mary Queen of the World Cathedral
More info, including a schedule of the exhibit and guided tours, is available at  
https://bit.ly/3K0nEX7


If you’re a young person in the Church who's ever felt like the Saints are unrelatable individuals from the distant past, Carlo Acutis might just change your mind based on this small fact:  he’s on the path to sainthood and knew how to use the Internet!  In fact, if Blessed Carlo Acutis was still alive today he would be 31 years old – which makes him a saint not just for our times, but truly of our times!  His love for Christ and his desire for to bring Christ to others through the Eucharist formed the foundation of his life’s work:  an online catalog of Eucharistic Miracles compiled through his internet research, and a travelling exhibit of these miracles to bring the world face to face with the real presence of Christ, currently on display in Montreal at Mary, Queen of the World Cathedral.  

Still not sure if he’s really such an important Saint for the Church of today?  This article has some thought-provoking insights from Louise Normandeau, who is responsible for the exhibit in Quebec: https://bit.ly/3L1QPd7 

Unite in prayer with Youth on retreat!
The Montreal Catholic Challenge Movement is coming to Verdun this weekend.  From Friday May 6 to Sunday May 8, offer up your prayers for these young people to have encounters with Christ and with living faith! 

Learn more about the Challenge Movement and keep an eye out for future retreats and events at  https://www.montrealchallenge.ca/



Joyful noise for a good cause:  L’Air du Temps, a Cathedral Concert featuring Gregory Charles OC
Saturday, May 28th at 7:30pm ($50) – Mary Queen of the World Cathedral
Known for his stage presence, energy, creativity, and dedication to Canada’s performing arts and culture, musician Gregory Charles lends his talents to the Permanent Diaconite of Montreal with this benefit concert.  For more information visit https://bit.ly/37u939q


"Wash your sins, not just your face"…
…is the translation of a quirky Greek inscription on a holy water font outside the church of Hagia Sophia in Constantinople (see below)!  Blessing yourself with holy water upon entering and exiting a church is an old tradition in our faith, and it’s finally returned to our parish at all the church entrances!  If you’d like to have holy water at home, you can fill a small container from the metal holy water font by the doors heading down to the Hall. 


***

Yours in Christ,
Father Robert Assaly+