Friday, September 30, 2022

Soul Health XCVIII

 

Soul Health XCVIII
 


Dear Parishioners and Friends,

Doubt is part of the human experience, but we would be mistaken to assume that people of great faith never have any doubts at all.  Some of the greatest Saints were also great doubters – yet doubt did not overpower their faith. 

Our First and Second Readings this week address doubt and faith.  Indeed, the overarching theme of the Book of Habakkuk, from which the First Reading is taken, is that faith takes us from being doubtful of God and elevates us to the height of absolute trust in Him.  The Lord’s reassurance to the prophet is also part of our spiritual inheritance from the Old Testament. We believe that God the Son already came – that he lived, died, and rose again to save us, and ascended into Heaven.  Now it is our turn to live in faith, and trust that Jesus Christ will return again, as he promised.  

Saint Paul, as always, has his own advice for us as well.  In the Second Reading, the Apostle reminds us that the Spirit of God is within us, and it is one of power, love, and self-discipline. The Holy Spirit helps us to not only keep our faith, but also to withstand the challenges we face as we live out our faith as disciples who bring faith to others. 

We know in our parish that change is before us and with it come challenges both already known and still to be discovered. Let’s not allow doubt of the unknown to turn into doubt of God’s promises. Instead, let’s call upon the Holy Spirit earnestly and constantly so that we may unleash God’s power and love as we transform our parish into a spiritual home for every heart that hears His voice, and live in trust and hope together. 

Regular Liturgy Schedule & Intentions, October 1-7

Saturday, October 1:  Bill & Lillian Fitzgerald by Their Family
Sunday, October 2:  For All Parishioners
Tuesday, October 3 (St Francis of Assisi):  Dora Pickrell by Kathie & Tony Farnogli 
Thursday, October 6 (St Bruno & Blessed Marie-Rose Durocher):  Tim Crawfurd by Elena Miroglio

The Sanctuary Lamp
This week the Sanctuary Lamp is lit for the third anniversary of Diane Roy by her husband, Rene. 

Beginning this weekend our Sanctuary Lamp (Candle above the Tabernacle) will be in memory of someone or for their intention.  As our Mass intentions are booked far in advance this is a way you can remember someone.  The candle is lit for the week for a suggested offering of $20.00.  For more information and to book a specific week please contact the office
 

50/50 Returns to St Thomas More!
Our newly established Fundraising Committee has decided to have a 50/50 Draw in October, November & December! 

  • Ticket Prices:  $2.00 each, 3 for $5.00 and 7 for $10.00. 
  • October Tickets:  On sale next weekend October 1st-2nd at all the Masses
  • October Draw:  Saturday, October 29th after the 4:30pm Mass

We can't do this without you!
Last week, our team of Wardens was confronted with a new difficult financial situation for our parish.  Regular Collections are $10,000 below what was budgeted and our expenses, primarily Heating are already over the budget for the entire year.  Please consider substantially increasing your giving to the parish as we consider how to overcome the looming deficit.

Alpha:  There's still time!
If you missed the first Alpha gathering on September 27 at St Willibrord's, don't worry!  First-time walk-ins are welcome on October 4th, so if you hesitated last week but still want to give Alpha a try there's still time and we'd love to see you there! 

Have you talked to your Heavenly Mother lately?
October is dedicated to the Rosary and Mother Mary.  Join a community Rosary at 1:00pm Saturday, October 15 to "call your mama" and pray with fellow parishioners.  The church will open at 12:00pm for private prayer time as well. 

Coffee Break Catechesis

  • What to do about feeling far from God
    https://youtu.be/wV2CYZSnxq4
    Take a few minutes this week to sit with Fr Gregory Pine, OP, and unpack St Francis de Sales’ take on desolation and consolation, and the important purposes they both serve in our spiritual life and our relationship with God. 
Beyond Verdun
  • Pillars Trust:  Ask Us Anything!
    The Pillars Trust Fund is hosting an online "Ask Us Anything" event later this month to help you learn more about various Catholic organizations serving the faithful of Montreal.  For more information and to submit your questions for this event, visit https://bit.ly/3rBni2F 
     
  • New Month, New Intention!
    The Papal Intention for October 2022:  A Church Open to Everyone

Put Your Faith, Hope, and Love into Action!

  • Pastoral Home Care
    • Be a living bridge to Christ for the sick, elderly, and isolated in our city!  The Pastoral Home Care ministry of the Archdiocese will provide formation in October for newcomers to this important ministry.  For more information:  https://bit.ly/3CixW4q
  • CAPP has landed in Canada
    • CAPP was founded by Pope St. John Paul II to advance the principles of the social doctrine of the Church: the dignity of the human person, solidarity and subsidiarity.  Learn more at: https://bit.ly/3wewD2Y
  • Catholic Action Montreal



Yours in Christ,
Father Robert Assaly+

Posted by No comments:

Friday, September 23, 2022

Soul Health XCVII

 

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

What is true wealth?  This weekend, the Prophet Amos warns that material wealth, consisting of creature comforts, does not last, while Paul’s letter to Timothy is a reminder that our lives on Earth should lead us to eternal life with God if we live our earthly lives in pursuit of “righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, gentleness” and “fight the good fight of the faith.” 

True wealth, then, is to be found in a life that reflects God in whose image and likeness we were made, and leads us to eternal life in Heaven.  This is our inheritance as daughters and sons of God. 

In telling the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, Jesus teaches us that, as with an inheritance of material wealth, we can squander or misuse our holy inheritance of salvation and spiritual wealth if we are careless with the gifts we have been given.  In this parable we also have two important life lessons to ponder.  First, humanity was separated from God – but even then, we are still able to hear the Word of God and be saved by Jesus, the Word made flesh. Second, we are called to share all our wealth with others, and that our rejection of those in need puts us in conflict with God. 

The mission-focused parish puts these lessons into action.  Those who have heard the Word and chosen to follow Jesus Christ are also called to the mission of investing our spiritual wealth in making disciples and building up the kingdom.  As we continue working towards a mission-focused vision for St Thomas More, let’s all reflect on the gifts and treasures God has given to us.  Let’s invite the Holy Spirit to guide each one of us towards a clear vision of the role these gifts and treasures would allow us to play in our community, and take the leaps of faith across the chasms that separate us from discipleship.   
 

Liturgy Schedule & Intentions, September 17-23
 
Saturday, September 24:  Rosemary Speer by her Family
Sunday, September 25:  For All Parishioners 
Tuesday, September 27 (St Vincent de Paul):  Gary Wilson by Eileen Ford  
Thursday, September 29 (The Archangels – St Michael, St Gabriel, and St Raphael):   Bob & Lucille Lipscombe & Deceased Family Members by Ann Foran  
 

50/50 Returns to St Thomas More!
Our newly established Fundraising Committee has decided to have a 50/50 Draw in October, November & December! 

  • Ticket Prices:  $2.00 each, 3 for $5.00 and 7 for $10.00. 
  • October Tickets:  On sale next weekend October 1st-2nd at all the Masses
  • October Draw:  Saturday, October 29th after the 4:30pm Mass

We can't do this without you!
Last week, our team of Wardens was confronted with a new difficult financial situation for our parish.  Regular Collections are $10,000 below what was budgeted and our expenses, primarily Heating are already over the budget for the entire year.  Please consider substantially increasing your giving to the parish as we consider how to overcome the looming deficit.

Family Faith Formation
Our First Communion and Confirmation program looks a bit different now than previous years!  If you or somebody you know is interested in preparing children for Sacraments, please contact Angela (pa.englishparishes.verdun@gmail.com) to learn more about Family Faith Formation, a two-year program that serves families of both St Thomas More and St Willibrord. 

Alpha:  It all begins next week!
Alpha is an 11-week series hosted at St Willibrord Parish that provides safe and welcoming space where participants share a meal, watch a video, and discuss life's big questions in small groups to journey and grow together in faith.

Alpha starts on Tuesday, September 27th at St Willibrord's Parish, 7pm-9pm.  St Thomas More parishioners are encouraged to attend and are most welcome to join Alpha this fall.  Walk-ins are welcome on September 27th!  ***You can also click here to register*** and learn more at https://youtu.be/RRh-cPUxNWU
 

Coffee Break Catechesis

  • What does it cost to trust God?  
    https://youtu.be/BtWBsaQ_FYk 
    “At some point we have to stop renting our parents’ faith and purchase our own.”  Discerning your role in a mission-focused parish requires reliance on the Holy Spirit and total trust in God.  Giving God all we have might feel like an uncomfortable challenge at best and a terrifying prospect at worst but – as Stacey Sumereau reminds us in this video – God never leaves us empty-handed. 
Beyond Verdun
  • Single Moms in Montreal
    Catholic single mothers in Montreal can find support and fellowship in Momentum, a vibrant faith community with a bold vision to transform the culture surrounding single mothers in the Catholic Church through in-person and online activities.
     
  • Reflection Time:  The Papal Intention for September 2022
    As the end of the month approaches, take some time this week to offer up some prayers for the Papal Intention for September 2022 – the abolition of the death penalty.

Put Your Faith, Hope, and Love into Action

  • 108th World Day of Migrants & Refugees - Sunday, September 25th 2022 
    • https://migrants-refugees.va/
    • On the World Day of Migrants & Refugees, Catholics worldwide are called upon to remember those displaced by conflict and persecution.  This year, Pope Francis has chosen the theme "“Building the Future with Migrants and Refugees," saying, "we must accept Christ’s salvation, his Gospel of love, so that the many forms of inequality and discrimination in the present world may be eliminated."  Read his full statement here: https://bit.ly/3BCeEW9
  • CAPP is coming to Canada
    • We would love to see at least one parishioner become fully engaged in this initiative on behalf of the parish!
    • CAPP was founded by Pope St. John Paul II to advance the principles of the social doctrine of the Church: the dignity of the human person, solidarity and subsidiarity.  Learn more at: https://bit.ly/3wewD2Y
  • Catholic Action Montreal



Yours in Christ,
Father Robert Assaly+

Posted by No comments:

Friday, September 16, 2022

Soul Health XCVI

 

Soul Health XCVI  


Due to road work being done on Sunday, September 18th, parking around the church will be limited for the 8:30am Mass.
 


Dear Parishioners and Friends,

Life pulls us in many directions, and we find ourselves scattered and distracted.  Unable to focus on what is truly a priority, everything seems to be of equal importance and we cannot find the time to do more than just make it through the same day over and over again. 

This is not unique to modern life!  Jesus speaks on this very subject in today’s Gospel, and while his First Century in-person audience could not even dream of many of the same lifestyles and activities we experience today, they were nonetheless busy enough and their attention was divided enough for Jesus to give them a solution.

And what is the solution?  Make God the priority, and everything will fall into place behind Him.  The extracurricular activities of our families, the school schedules of our children and youth, the daily tasks of our jobs, the never-ending list of our household chores…if these things are put ahead of God, then our lives are needlessly chaotic.  It can even get to a point where the most fundamental tenets of our faith and our duties as members of His Church become burdensome.
 
A personal relationship with God, and all that can be done to build one, is the holy priority of every follower of Christ. Instead of including it somewhere on a to-do list or schedule, try prioritizing your relationship with God.  By giving Him the best of our time – instead of whatever might remain of it  –  what feels burdensome about discipleship is revealed as a natural part of daily life and an occasion for us to bring others into peace and joy. 
 

Liturgy Schedule & Intentions, September 17-23
 
Funeral Service for Deborah Hughes, daughter of Gloria Hughes:
Saturday, September 17th at 10:30am
Visitation in the church at 10:00am

Saturday, September 17:  Anniversary of Gilles Valiquette by Christine  
Sunday, September 18:  For All Parishioners 
Tuesday, September 20 (The Korean Martyrs):  For the intentions of Father Robert on the occasion of the 3rd anniversary of his ordination by A Parishioner
Thursday, September 22:  Deceased Members of The McGlynn & McIver
 

Family Faith Formation
Information Gathering for Parents
Sunday, September 18 following the 11:15am Outdoor Mass at St Willibrord's Parish (325 Willibrord Avenue)

Our First Communion and Confirmation program will look a little different this year. Any parent wishing to begin preparing their child or children for these Sacraments are welcome to join us for our Information Gathering on Sunday, September 18. 

Please RSVP to Angela at pa.englishparishes.verdun@gmail.com!

Family Faith Formation is a 2-year sacrament preparation experience that serves both St Thomas More and St Willibrord. It focuses on the whole family’s journey through faith, giving parents their own opportunity to explore faith and receive formation alongside their children.  Families are accompanied by catechists through programs that bring faith into the home and God to the center of family life.  


Alpha starts soon!
Alpha is an 11-week series hosted at St Willibrord Parish that provides safe and welcoming space where participants share a meal, watch a video, and discuss life's big questions in small groups to journey and grow together in faith.

Alpha starts on Tuesday, September 27th at St Willibrord's Parish, 7pm-9pm.  St Thomas More parishioners are encouraged to attend and are most welcome to join Alpha this fall.  ***Click here to register*** and learn more at:https://youtu.be/RRh-cPUxNWU
 

Coffee Break Catechesis

  • Why Surrender Is Actually So Difficult 
     https://youtu.be/0FgABq1NTBQ  
    There may not be a concrete “how-to guide” to show us how to give ourselves to God, especially when we face hard times – but Mari Pablo from Ascension Presents has a couple of tips to help you learn to surrender to Him!
Beyond Verdun
  • Single Moms in Montreal
    Catholic single mothers in Montreal can find support and fellowship in Momentum, a vibrant faith community with a bold vision to transform the culture surrounding single mothers in the Catholic Church through in-person and online activities.
     
  • You're invited to Loyola High School (September 17)
    • Loyola High School has a faith-based educational program rooted in the Jesuit, Catholic tradition. Loyola is inviting all interested families with Grade 5 and 6 students to register for a one-hour tour of Loyola High School to see the facilities and meet with Faculty & Staff on September 17, 2022. This is a great opportunity to see and hear about how the school will be rolling out their co-educational programming starting for the 2023-24 school year and other exciting changes ahead.
      • Visit loyola.ca to register
      • An English Eligibility Certificate is required to attend Loyola
         
  • Be a tourist in your home city!
    English Guided Tours at Musée des Hospitalières (September 24) 
    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 tour of the “Secret Garden” of the Hospitallers of St Joseph’s Monastery.
     
  • Catch the replay!  
    If you missed this Monday's Mass for the Episcopal Ordination of Auxiliary Bishop Frank Leo, you can catch the replay here on YouTube.  A Participation Booklet that you can view on your computer or mobile devices is available here.
    • This was the Church at her finest, as conveyed in even the first 8 minutes of the video: Over 40 bishops -- the direct successors of the Apostles -- including Eastern rite bishops, many nuns, and mostly, over 1000 of you inside, all offering our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to the Lord of all.
       
  • Requiescat In Pace 
    Read the Statement of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops on the passing of Elizabeth II.
 

Put Your Faith, Hope, and Love into Action

  • Catholic Action Montreal
  • CAPP is coming to Canada
    • We would love to see at least one parishioner become fully engaged in this initiative on behalf of the parish!
    • CAPP was founded by Pope St. John Paul II to advance the principles of the social doctrine of the Church: the dignity of the human person, solidarity and subsidiarity.  Learn more at: https://bit.ly/3wewD2Y
    • Read more about the Canadian Launch happening tomorrow, September 17:  https://www.cappcanada.ca/launch
       



Yours in Christ,
Father Robert Assaly+

Posted by No comments:

Friday, September 9, 2022

Soul Health XCV

 

Soul Health XCV
 


Dear Parishioners and Friends,

This weekend, our readings overflow with examples of God’s infinite mercy, love, and forgiveness.  From Moses interceding for the Israelites regarding the Golden Calf to familiar parables of things woefully lost and then joyfully found, we have no shortage of reminders that God loves us and is good to us. 

In the Second Reading, taken from Paul’s first letter to Timothy, we hear Paul’s own testimony to this love and goodness, and hear his response of praise and gratitude for his salvation.  The Apostle states that his radical transformation from persecutor of Christians to leader of the Early Church was only possible because of Jesus Christ, and that he knows his conversion makes him “an example to those who would come to believe in [Jesus] for eternal life.”

So, let us ask ourselves:  as followers of Christ and as a parish that wants to carry out the mission of the Church, what examples of discipleship does Paul set for us in this passage, and are we ready to follow his lead? Check out the Coffee Break Catechesis section for further thoughts and questions to help guide you through this reading!
 

Regular Liturgy Schedule & Intentions, September 3-9

Saturday, September 10:  Bill & Lillian Fitzgerald by Their Family 
Sunday, September 11:  For All Parishioners 
Tuesday, September 13 (St John Chrysostom):  Anniversary of Rosemary Speer by Her Family
Thursday, September 15 (Our Lady of Sorrows):  Anniversary of Heather Dearden by Her Family 
 

Family Faith Formation
Information Gathering for Parents
Sunday, September 18 following the 11:15am Outdoor Mass at St Willibrord's Parish (351 Willibrord Avenue)

Our First Communion and Confirmation program will look a little different this year. Any parent wishing to begin preparing their child or children for these Sacraments are welcome to join us for our Information Gathering on Sunday, September 18. 

Please RSVP to Angela at pa.englishparishes.verdun@gmail.com by Wednesday, September 14! 

Family Faith Formation is a 2-year sacrament preparation experience that serves both St Thomas More and St Willibrord. It focuses on the whole family’s journey through faith, giving parents their own opportunity to explore faith and receive formation alongside their children.  Families are accompanied by catechists through programs that bring faith into the home and God to the center of family life.  


Alpha is coming to Verdun
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.

Alpha is coming to Verdun later this month and will be hosted at St Willibrord's.  St Thomas More parishioners are encouraged to attend and are most welcome to join Alpha this fall.  ***Click here to register*** and learn more at:https://youtu.be/RRh-cPUxNWU

Coffee Break Catechesis

  • Grow Closer to Our Mother Mary, the Reed of God 
    https://youtu.be/cRDDoToMAN0
    This week, we celebrated the Birth of Mary (September 8), and we’re prolonging the celebration with this week’s Coffee Break Catechesis!  Jackie and Bobby Angel of Ascension Presents share their insights and thoughts on the spiritual reading classic, “The Reed of God,” which focuses on Our Blessed Mother’s humanity and her role in God’s plan for us.  
  • Ponder the Readings:  Paul’s 1st Letter to Timothy, 1:12-17
    • Paul credits Jesus, not himself, with his radical transformation from persecutor of Christians to leader of the Early Church
      • Do we let Jesus come into the center of our lives and allow God to transform us?  Do we rely on him, or only on ourselves?
    • Paul proclaims the truth of the Incarnation and of Jesus’ mission
      • Do we truly believe that Jesus is God?  Do we truly believe that God became human to save us? If not, why?  If so, are we proclaiming the Gospel as we should?
    • Paul admits his shortcomings openly and honestly, speaking the hard truth of what he was like before he converted   
      • Do we acknowledge our own shortcomings and flaws?  Do we recognize our own weaknesses?  Do we allow our human imperfections to hold us back from leading holy lives?
    • Paul starts this passage giving thanks to God and ends it giving praise to God
      • Do we thank God and praise God outside of Mass?
 
Beyond Verdun
  • You're invited to Loyola High School! 
    Loyola High School has a faith-based educational program rooted in the Jesuit, Catholic tradition. Loyola is inviting all interested families with Grade 5 and 6 students to register for a one-hour tour of Loyola High School to see the facilities and meet with Faculty & Staff on September 17, 2022. This is a great opportunity to see and hear about how the school will be rolling out their co-educational programming starting for the 2023-24 school year and other exciting changes ahead.
    • Visit loyola.ca to register
    • An English Eligibility Certificate is required to attend Loyola
       
  • Welcome, Bishop-Elect Frank Leo! 
    https://bit.ly/3CbC0Up
    On Monday, September 12 at 7:30pm 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 (no reservations required, but try and get there early!), and will also be livestreamed by Salt & Light Media, the Archdiocese Facebook page, and the Archdiocese YouTube channel.
     
  • Be a tourist in your home city
    English Guided Tours at Musée des Hospitalières (September 24) 
    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 tour of the “Secret Garden” of the Hospitallers of St Joseph’s Monastery.
     

Put Your Faith, Hope, and Love into Action



Yours in Christ,
Father Robert Assaly+

Posted by No comments:

Friday, September 2, 2022

Soul Health XCIV

 

Soul Health XCIV
 


Dear Parishioners and Friends,

Abandonment and detachment are recurring themes throughout Scripture; indeed, throughout the Gospels there are numerous times where Jesus tells us they are necessary for us to be true disciples. Additionally, Our Lord doesn’t sugar-coat the hard facts about discipleship:  it’s hard and can even be painful – sometimes to the point where we might question why we’re doing any of this at all. 

And yet, in the process of asking that question, deep in our hearts we already know the answer.  We are not asked to do these things blindly or for reasons unknown, because God’s promises have already been revealed to us and because Jesus has already made it possible for those promises to be fulfilled.

By doing what God asks of us, His people, we have the chance to not only reach our eternal dwelling place in His Kingdom but also the chance to show others the way there.  As we embark upon the process of moving from maintenance to mission, let go of doubt and fear so that your heart has the space to welcome new gifts from the Holy Spirit that will serve the mission.   

Regular Liturgy Schedule & Intentions, September 3-9

Saturday, September 3:  For All Parishioners
Sunday, September 4:  Irene Griffin LaFortune by Huguette Thompson
Tuesday, September 6:  Anniversary of Kenneth Cameron by Bill & Denise 
Thursday, September 8 (The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary):  George & Florence Kasper and Deceased Family Members by Ann Foran  
 

Alpha is coming to Verdun
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.

Alpha is coming to Verdun later this month and will be hosted at St Willibrord's.  St Thomas More parishioners are encouraged to attend and are most welcome to join Alpha this fall.  ***Click here to register*** and learn more at:https://youtu.be/RRh-cPUxNWU

Coffee Break Catechesis

  • This One Thing Makes Christianity Different from Every Other Religion
    https://youtu.be/x9Y6_W_sEH8
    Readers who are wondering what sets Christianity apart from other religion (or who might even be wrestling with their beliefs about Jesus) will be able to tackle these questions with Fr Mike Schmitz in this week’s video, while parishioners who took Discovery with CCO in June can revisit the Trilemma in this video and take a deeper dive into the radical foundations of our faith.
Beyond Verdun
  • New month, new papal intention!
    https://bit.ly/3AEhlpH
    Pope Francis' intention for the month of September 2022 is the abolition of the death penalty.
  • 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.

Put Your Faith, Hope, and Love into Action!



Yours in Christ,
Father Robert Assaly+

Posted by No comments:
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)