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+

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