Friday, August 26, 2022

Soul Health XCIII

 

Soul Health XCIII
 


Dear Parishioners and Friends,

Mass is the great banquet of God’s people, and in this week’s Sunday Gospel we can draw at least one important parallel between Jesus’ instructions to his Pharisee host and the Great Commission. 

Jesus tells his host that, instead of inviting family and friends who are in a position to return the favour, he should “invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind.”  In his Great Commission his directions to the Apostles and disciples are, “Go forth and make disciples of all nations.” 

We see in these two passages of Scripture Jesus’ acknowledgement of outsiders and his desire for them to share in what he has to offer, as well as the duty of his supporters and followers to take an active role in bringing them in. 

Looking at our world today alongside this weekend’s Gospel and the Great Commission, what more can we do to acknowledge and answer the needs in our communities?  Who can we invite to the celebration of the Eucharist?  What are we called to change in our parish in order to carry out this mission?

Regular Liturgy Schedule & Intentions, August 20-26

Saturday, August 27:  Gaetan Berube by Isabelle
Sunday, August 28:  For All Parishioners
Tuesday, August 30:  Celia Hanley by Trish
Thursday, September 1 (Ferial)
 

Alpha:  Jonas & Natasha's Story
Jonas & Natasha are parishioners of St Ignatius of Loyola in NDG.  Alpha has deeply impacted their relationship with God as individuals, as a married couple, and as a family.  Listen to their story:  https://youtu.be/7PJ7Nhc26Lg

Alpha is an 11-week series hosted at St Willibrord Parish starting in September.  It is a safe and welcoming evening where we can explore a different theme each week through a Christian lens and meet you wherever you are in your faith journey.

Registration is a just a click away: stig.ca/alpha -- and learn more at:https://youtu.be/RRh-cPUxNWU

 

 

Coffee Break Catechesis

  • Bishop Barron Presents:  Shia LaBeouf – Padre Pio and the Friars
    https://youtu.be/hjxKG4mR3U4
    At almost an hour and a half, this week’s video might be more suited to a movie night!  Our good friend Bishop Barron sits down with Shia LaBeouf for an incredible discussion on how playing the role of Padre Pio for a movie saved the actor’s life.  Shia’s story is a testament to how all things are possible with God and that God’s love redeems us all!
Beyond Verdun
  • Welcome, Bishop-Elect Frank Leo!  
    https://bit.ly/3CbC0Up
    On Monday, September 12, join the celebration and welcome Bishop-Elect Frank Leo to his new role in the Archdiocese as Auxiliary Bishop!  The Episcopal Ordination will take place at Mary Queen of the World Cathedral and will also be livestreamed by Salt & Light Media.
  • Be a tourist in your home city: Musée des Hospitalières
    https://museedeshospitalieres.qc.ca/en/discover-a-green-oasis/
    Reconnect with nature and learn about Montreal’s rich Catholic history by signing up for a guided tours (available in English!) of the “Secret Garden” of the Hospitallers of St Joseph’s Monastery!

Put Your Faith, Hope, and Love into Action!

  • Listening to Indigenous Voices: An Ignatian Centre Retreat
  • Catholic Action Montreal
    • Assist our Ukrainian brothers and sisters, effectively support Montrealers in need, and participate in making profound changes in our great city!  Find out how at https://catholicaction.ca/
  • How to become the salt of the earth:  CAPP is coming to Canada
    • https://bit.ly/3wewD2Y
    • https://www.cappcanada.ca/launch
      Centesiumus Annus Pro Pontiface (CAPP) is starting its Canadian chapter, and all who felt called to action following the Papal Visit are invited to attend the virtual launch on September 17 to learn how they can effectively participate in Catholic social action.  For more information and to RSVP to the event, follow the links above!
      • “The primary mission of CAPP is to transform society by cultivating, especially among lay Catholic leaders, a deeper understanding, integration, and holistic application of Catholic Social Doctrine. Our secondary mission is to support Papal charities, responding to urgent needs as they arise. In advancing our two-fold mission, we also welcome the support and collaboration of non-Catholics.” 
 



Yours in Christ,
Father Robert Assaly+

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Friday, August 19, 2022

Soul Health XCII

 

Soul Health XCII
 


Dear Parishioners and Friends,

The Second Reading this weekend mentions the word “discipline” in nearly every paragraph and reminds us that we shouldn’t expect our lives as followers of Christ to be easy. Discipleship takes discipline: we cannot commit to Christ without also committing to the Cross. Indeed, last week we read in Hebrews 12:2, “Let us keep our eyes fixed upon Jesus, who inspires and perfects our faith. For the sake of the joy which lay before him he endured the Cross.” 

The last paragraph of the Second Reading tell us, “lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint, but rather be healed.”  Committing to our trials in order to become disciples requires us to prepare for what lies ahead, and just as we were never meant to journey alone neither we were ever meant to prepare alone.

Our best opportunities to prepare to become missionary disciples are found in the celebration of Mass as a community, in the fellowship we share after Mass, and in the prayers we offer for one another during the week. 

And so, as we continue moving forward towards becoming a mission-focused parish, reflect on the ways that you might grow in how you’re celebrating and participating at Mass, in getting to know your fellow parishioners both old and new, and in having an intention-driven prayer life. 

Regular Liturgy Schedule & Intentions, August 20-26
Saturday, August 20:  Ronald Moss by His Family 
Sunday, August 21:  For All Parishioners
Tuesday, August 23 (St Rose de Lima):  Deceased Members of the McGlynn Family by The Family 
Thursday, August 25 (St Louis & St Joseph Calasanz):  M. Georgette Grise by Her Children 
 

What exactly is Alpha?
Alpha is an 11-week series where we come to St. Willibrord’s, share a meal, watch a talk and discuss life, faith and God. It is a safe and welcoming evening where we can explore a different theme each week through a Christian lens and meet you wherever you are in your faith journey.

Registration is a just a click away: stig.ca/alpha

Learn more: https://youtu.be/RRh-cPUxNWU

Coffee Break Catechesis

  • What is the Value of a Human Life?
    https://youtu.be/AeshlJd0R2U
    This week, reconsider the value and uniqueness of your life with Mari Pablo from Ascension Presents, and learn how to expand that mindset to valuing the life and dignity of others!
Beyond Verdun 
  • Complete your day with "a beautiful encounter with the sacred" on August 19th
    The Montreal Compline Choir extends an invitation to all to join them for Compline at the Church of Saint Barnabas (95 Lorne Avenue, St-Lambert) on August 19th at 9:00pm. 
    • The Office of Compline is the last office of the Liturgy of the Hours, and this particular Compline repertoire includes Gregorian chant, plainsong in English, and music from the Renaissance.
    • A collection will be taken up to support the parish and help the choir cover its expenses.
  • Welcome, Bishop-Elect Frank Leo!  
    https://bit.ly/3CbC0Up
    On Monday, September 12, join the celebration and welcome Bishop-Elect Frank Leo to his new role in the Archdiocese as Auxiliary Bishop!  The Episcopal Ordination will take place at Mary Queen of the World Cathedral and will also be livestreamed by Salt & Light Media.
  • How to become the salt of the earth:  CAPP is coming to Canada
    https://bit.ly/3wewD2Y
    https://www.cappcanada.ca/launch
    Centesiumus Annus Pro Pontiface (CAPP) is starting its Canadian chapter, and all who felt called to action following the Papal Visit are invited to attend the virtual launch on September 17 to learn how they can effectively participate in Catholic social action.  For more information and to RSVP to the event, follow the links above!
    • “The primary mission of CAPP is to transform society by cultivating, especially among lay Catholic leaders, a deeper understanding, integration, and holistic application of Catholic Social Doctrine. Our secondary mission is to support Papal charities, responding to urgent needs as they arise. In advancing our two-fold mission, we also welcome the support and collaboration of non-Catholics.” 
  • State Power and Evangelization
    The Church no longer imposes the Gospel by state power, but proposes it in freedom.  Yet that does not erase the Church’s presence during painful moments of history, as the Papal Visit made clear:  https://bit.ly/3JQU9sA

Put Your Faith, Hope, and Love into Action!

 



Yours in Christ,
Father Robert Assaly+

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Friday, August 12, 2022

Soul Health XCI

 

Soul Health XCI
 


Dear Parishioners and Friends,

In this weekend’s readings we are told that as followers of Jesus Christ, our paths are not easy – yet because of Jesus’ sacrifice on the Cross, carried out for love of us, we have every reason to persevere in our journey of faith! 

Jesus' life and ministry remind us that there is nothing that we have to do that God Himself has not shown us how to do. His journey to Calvary and his death on the Cross shows us that there is nothing that we have to endure that God Himself has not experienced - not even suffering and death.  His resurrection proves to us that there is nothing to fear at the end of our lives because God Himself conquered death for us.

If we truly believe this, then how can we be anything but joyful and eager to walk with Our Lord regardless of the road?

Regular Liturgy Schedule & Intentions, August 13-19
Saturday, August 13:  For All Parishioners
Sunday, August 14:  Adolf Schweighart by Mrs Winnifred Tyrell & The Girls
Tuesday, August 16 (St Stephen of Hungary):  For the intentions of Maria Olaguera & Danny Forlini on the Occasion of their 5th Wedding Anniversary by Their Family
Thursday, August 18 (Ferial):  John & Joan Purcell by Their Estate 

Intentions offered at private Masses this week: 
- For Father Ken Martin by the Estate

Funeral Announcement:  Bryan Deegan, Wednesday August 17th 2022 
- Visitation at 10:30am
- Mass at 11:30am
 

Alpha is coming to Verdun!
Starting Tuesday, September 27 at St Willibrord's Parish

Alpha is a series of interactive sessions exploring life’s big questions: is there more to life than this? What is my purpose?

Each session looks at a different question and is designed to create conversations. There is no pressure, no homework and no charge - it is just an open, informal and honest space to explore life’s big questions together!  

Don't know if this is something you want to try alone?  Bring a friend - all are welcome!

Contact the St Willibrord office to register by calling 514-769-9678 or emailing willibrord1913@gmail.com!

Coffee Break Catechesis

  • The one reason you are not yet a Saint  
    https://youtu.be/md1tmljK6O8
    Have a cuppa with Fr Mike Schmitz and seize this week’s Coffee Break Catechesis as an opportunity to bring God to the centre of your life!
Beyond Verdun 
  • Complete your day with "a beautiful encounter with the sacred" on August 19th
    The Montreal Compline Choir extends an invitation to all to join them for Compline at the Church of Saint Barnabas (95 Lorne Avenue, St-Lambert) on August 19th at 9:00pm. 
    • The Office of Compline is the last office of the Liturgy of the Hours, and this particular Compline repertoire includes Gregorian chant, plainsong in English, and music from the Renaissance.
    • A collection will be taken up to support the parish and help the choir cover its expenses.
  • Catch the replay from Winona-Rochester!
    https://www.wordonfire.org/bishop-installation/
    Bishop Barron was installed as the 9th Bishop of Winona-Rochester on July 29th 2022.  His homilies from Solemn Vespers and the Installation Mass – in which he speaks on the topics of evangelization and discipleship! – are available through the link above.
  • What about “medically necessary” abortions?
    Doctors weigh in:  https://bit.ly/3Ae9D6r
  • State Power and Evangelization
    The Church no longer imposes the Gospel by state power, but proposes it in freedom.  Yet that does not erase the Church’s presence during painful moments of history, as the Papal Visit made clear:  https://bit.ly/3JQU9sA
 

Put Your Faith, Hope, and Love into Action!

 



Yours in Christ,
Father Robert Assaly+

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Friday, August 5, 2022

Soul Health XC (90)

 

Soul Health XC (90)
 


Dear Parishioners and Friends,

This weekend, the English Roman Catholic Parishes of Verdun welcome three infants into the Church through the Sacrament of Baptism.  Please join us in welcoming Avery, Zoe, and Dominic to our spiritual family and to the Body of Christ, and in praying for them and their families as they embark upon their incredible journey towards Heaven!
 
Through Baptism, these children - and, indeed, all of us! - are given the gift of faith.  Described by Pope Francis as the greatest gift parents can pass on to the next generation, faith permeates all the readings this weekend.  We see that faith is our inheritance from our spiritual ancestors,and that even when given to innumerable descendants it is an inheritance that never diminishes.  
 
How have you used your gift of faith so far? Do you need to perhaps excavate it from a closet, or pull it down from a long-forgotten shelf and dust it off?  Is it possible that you might have never fully unwrapped it?  Whatever the case may be, your gift of faith can help move our parish forward in our mission-focused efforts - so don't hesitate to use it! 
 

Regular Liturgy Schedule & Intentions, July 30 - August 5
Saturday, August 6:  Tony Legault O’Neill by the Rowe Family
Sunday, August 7:  For All Parishioners
Tuesday, August 9:  For the Intentions of Angela Olaguera by Her Mother
Thursday, August 11:  Patricia McSharry by Her Family
 

DRUSA 2022:  What did we get up to?
In mid-July, the English Roman Catholic Parishes of Verdun and St Ignatius of Loyola sent Angela, Shawna, Terrel, and Mark to St Ann’s Parish in Dallas, Texas, for three days of learning, networking, fellowship, and prayer at the Divine Renovation Conference alongside 600 other attendees (including 150 priests)! 

Get a taste of what they experienced at this immersive conference and be inspired for our own mission-focused journey ahead at  https://youtu.be/eUA3AwrsVOM

Divine Renovation: Read all about it!
If you're interested in how our parish can transition from maintenance to mission and what that exciting journey might look like, copies of the Divine Renovation handbook are available as loans from the parish. Please contact Angela for more information!

Alpha is coming to Verdun!
Starts Tuesday, September 27 at St Willibrord's Parish

Alpha is a series of interactive sessions exploring life’s big questions: is there more to life than this? What is my purpose?

Each session looks at a different question and is designed to create conversations. There is no pressure, no homework and no charge - it is just an open, informal and honest space to explore life’s big questions together!

Contact the St Willibrord office to register by calling 514-769-9678 or emailing willibrord1913@gmail.com!
 

Coffee Break Catechesis

  • Why self-care is important for loving others
    https://youtu.be/avSSuQJ5rHs
    Self-care really blew up during the pandemic, and on social media this trend often comes across as a selfish vehicle for consumerism to run rampant.  But did you know that self-care can help us sanctify our lives and our relationships?  In this video from Ascension Presents, Father Mike Schmitz explores how this is not only possible, but also necessary for us to love others more fully.
 

Truth, Reconciliation, and Solidarity

 



Yours in Christ,
Father Robert Assaly+

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