Monday, November 28, 2022

Soul Health, Special Edition

 

Soul Health, Special Edition
 


Dear Parishioners and Friends,
 

In this past Sunday's reading from Romans 13:11-14 to begin the Church New Year, St. Paul urges us: "Cast away the works of darkness and to put on the armor of light." There's no better way to kick-off this New Year to achieve that, a resolution to go to Confession in order to have your darkness annihilated by the light of Christ.

Here are two Examinations of Conscience to help you prepare for Confession. Lots of others can be found online.

There are plenty of opportunities to make your confession!

I'm available every Saturday before Mass, from 4:00-4:30pm in the Confessional at St Thomas More. 

You can always, anytime make an appointment with me - especially if it has been a while since your last confession and you'd like some guidance beforehand!

And there's lots of opportunities at the Oratory or other parishes - including December 17th, when there's going to be an evening of reconciliation including confessions at Saint Ignatius (more details to come).

Now is the moment to resolve to cast away the works of darkness and put upon you the armor of light!

 

Yours in Christ,
Father Robert Assaly+

Friday, November 25, 2022

Soul Health CVI

 

Soul Health CVI
 


Dear Parishioners and Friends,

This weekend, we begin the new Liturgical Year and enter the season of Advent.  This season of preparation has us looking forward to the coming of the Lord, and looking inward at our own hearts to make sure we are ready to receive him.  As the candles of the Advent wreath remind us, it’s a time for us to renew (or perhaps even rediscover) our hope, faith, joy, and peace by reorienting our hearts towards Jesus.  

St Paul tells us this weekend to “lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light…put on the Lord Jesus Christ.”  Before we’re tempted to say we don’t participate in works of darkness, that phrasing doesn’t necessarily mean just evil deeds.  It can also be applied to whatever pulls us away from God – in other words, any sin, great or small.

Furthermore, the Gospel this weekend underscores the importance of being prepared and ready to receive the Lord.  We have no idea when he will come again, but we do know that he will.  Thus, the preparations we make during Advent not only help us commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ:  they also serve as a reminder for us to use our whole lives to prepare for his coming at the end of time. 

This Advent, let’s make a conscious and valiant effort as a community to raise each other up in prayer, and to support those around us in need.  Let’s cast aside our works of darkness by opening up to the Lord about our shortcomings and weaknesses in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and nourishing our souls through the Eucharist and through prayer.  And let’s allow hope, faith, joy, and peace light the path that brings us closer to God as we prepare not just for this Christmas, but for His eternal kingdom.
 



Deacon Bernie remains in recovery at the hospital, and wants to let you know says that your prayers mean a lot to him and are helping.  He is growing in faith, perhaps more than in strength.
 


Regular Liturgy Schedule & Intentions,
November 26 - December 2
Saturday, November 26:  Anniversary of Yvette Boutet by Her Family 
Sunday, November 27: For All Parishioners
Tuesday, November 29:  Anniversary of Fr. George Oakes
Thursday, December 1:  Patrick Speer by His Family

St. Willibrord Parish has a morning Mass on Wednesday at 9am with availability for intentions.  St Thomas More Parishioners wishing to book this particular Mass may call the St. Willibrord Office at 514-769-9678. 

The Sanctuary Lamp
Deceased Members of the Moran & Gregory Families by Wally & Rose

As our Mass intentions are booked far in advance, the Sanctuary Lamp can be lit in memory of your loved ones or for intentions.  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.

The Book of Remembrance 
Our Book of Remembrance has been on display this month and will remain on the ambo on the organ side of the church until Tuesday's memorial Mass for Father George.

Support one of our parish's oldest traditions: The St Thomas More Christmas Baskets
For over 50 years, our parish has supported families in need in our community through Christmas Baskets.  This year, Trish (who has been leading the project for 30 years!) projects that over 40 families will benefit from our efforts. 

The Annual Canned Goods Collection used to fill the Christmas Baskets is now underway, and continues until the weekend of December 17-18!

We invite you to make contributions of canned goods and non-perishable food items, and we especially need the appropriate foods associated with meals during the Christmas Season (example: canned fruits and puddings, cookies and treats for children). 

Parishioners wishing to make a monetary donation towards the meat and perishable items are asked to place their offering in the St. Vincent de Paul Boxes on the walls at the back of the church.

50/50 Fun Continues!

  • November Draw:  Saturday, November 26th after the 4:30pm Mass 
  • There will be no draw in December!
A Special Invitation to Young Families
Family Faith Formation invites you to its first Activity Day of the new Liturgical Year at Saint Willibrord's Parish on Sunday, November 27th.  Join us at the 10:30am Mass followed by coffee and snacks, and then in the Bistro for our annual wreath-making Gathering and other fun, festive activities! Let us know you're coming by emailing Angela at pa.englishparishes.verdun@gmail.com.  

Envelopes for 2023
The 2023 sets of Church Offering Envelopes will be available beginning next weekend.  Envelopes are in alphabetical order.

Parishioners who had a number between 102-110 have been assigned a new number.  

Parishioners wishing to use envelopes for the first time may pick up a set this weekend on the table marked M-Z.  Please leave your name, address and phone number on the sheet of paper next to the number you take.

Sunday Missals for Year A now available
 We have some copies of the Living with Christ Sunday Missals which are available on the shelves at the back of the church.  The cost is $7.00.
 
December Magnificat is in!
Parishioners who subscribe to the Magnificat may pick up their December Issue on the shelves at the back of the church.
 
St Willibrord:  The Christmas Baskets Project
The Christmas Baskets Project at St. Willibrord’s Parish is a 100% volunteer-powered mobilization that helps provide food and Christmas cheer to 200 families in Verdun.  

Financial contributions to the Christmas Baskets Project can be made online.  You can also contact thechristmasbaskets@gmail.com to receive a needs list of non-perishable food items and toys, and also to learn more about how you can get involved as a volunteer on drop-in weekends, packing day, and delivery day! 
 


Coffee Break Catechesis
God is inviting you on pilgrimage this Advent - Father John Toups has the scoop on the Advent journey through the readings of Year A! 
 


Beyond Verdun
 
  • "The Heart Needs Light!" - Mini-retreat for separated or divorced persons
    How do we find our bearings when the hope for our marriage is broken? What is the meaning of our vocation? 

    Once again, we are privileged to offer those who were wounded in their sacrament of marriage a time of recollection.  On December 3, Archbishop Christian Lépine will lead a mini-retreat for separated or divorced persons, in the afternoon for anglophones.

    Saturday, December 3, 2022, from 2pm to 5pm
    Free - Limited number of places!
    Mary, Queen of the World Cathedral (Bonaventure metro station)
    For details and registration (before November 30), please click here.

Put Your Faith, Hope, and Love into Action!
  • The Indigenous Reconciliation Fund
    • The Indigenous Reconciliation Fund was established to accept donations from 73 Catholic entities across the country, and to advance healing and reconciliation initiatives.  It seeks to support projects that are determined locally, in collaboration with First Nations, Métis and Inuit partners.  Learn more and support this Catholic commitment to healing and reconciliation at https://www.irfund.ca/
  • CAPP-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://www.cappcanada.ca/ and watch the replay of September's virtual launch of CAPP-Canada at https://www.cappcanada.ca/launch
  • Catholic Action Montreal
    • Motivated by our faith, Catholic Action Montreal empowers its community through a network of gifted individuals, partners, and organizations, enabling them to respond to an expressed need, resulting in profound changes in the community.  Learn more and get involved at https://catholicaction.ca/



Yours in Christ,
Father Robert Assaly+

Friday, November 18, 2022

Soul Health CV

 

Soul Health CV
 


Dear Parishioners and Friends,

This weekend's Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe - often referred to more simply as the Feast of Christ the King - marks the end of the Liturgical Year.  

As with the secular calendar year, the end of the Liturgical Year is a great time to take a step or two back and examine our lives in the context of the Bigger Picture.  How are we doing in our relationship with God?  What have we done since last Advent to grow in faith, hope, and love?  Are there any spiritual goals we want to set for ourselves as we continue on our faith journeys?  How'd we do on keeping the 5 Precepts of the Church, our most fundamental obligations as Catholics?

These questions may seem basic, but as we move ahead as a community along the path of becoming a mission-oriented parish, it's important for us to be honest with ourselves about where we stand with the basics.  The basics become the foundations of our faith, on which we are meant to build up our part of the Church. 

As we bid farewell to this Liturgical Year and enter the season of Advent, let's take some time to review how we did on the basics of our faith.  Let's invite the Holy Spirit into this self-examination too, both for guidance to the true state of our spiritual affairs and for the grace to ask God's help in anything we might need to straighten out.  And through it all, let us call upon that powerful name of Jesus Christ, our King, in praise and thanksgiving for this past Liturgical Year. 
 



Deacon Bernie remains in recovery at the hospital,
and says that your prayers mean a lot and are helping. 
He is growing in faith if not in strength.

 


Regular Liturgy Schedule & Intentions, November 19-25
Saturday, November 19 (Christ the King):  Anniversary of Gaetan Berube by His Wife, Lucille
Sunday, November 20 (Christ the King): For All Parishioners 
Tuesday, November 22 (St Cecilia):  In thanksgiving for a favour received by Darlene Fitzgerald
Thursday, November 24 (St Andrew Dung Lac & Companions):  Debbie Hughes by Maureen Dearden


The Sanctuary Lamp
Deceased Members of the Moran & Gregory Families by Wally & Rose

As our Mass intentions are booked far in advance, the Sanctuary Lamp can be lit in memory of your loved ones or for intentions.  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.

The Book of Remembrance 
During the Month of November, our Book of Remembrance is on display on the Ambo on the organ side of the church.
 

With Deepest Gratitude
Thank you to the Women’s Club and longtime President Rose Gregory.  The Women’s Club had their Final Dinner recently after 7 decades of service running the Parish Bazaar and many other fund raising events.    Their final donation is going to our Christmas Baskets this year.  We express as a Parish a deep gratitude to the Women’s Club Members living & deceased.


Support one of our parish's oldest traditions: The St Thomas More Christmas Baskets
For over 50 years, our parish has supported families in need in our community through Christmas Baskets.  This year, Trish (who has been leading the project for 30 years!) projects that over 40 families will benefit from our efforts. 

The Annual Canned Goods Collection used to fill the Christmas Baskets is now underway, and continues until the weekend of December 17-18!

We invite you to make contributions of canned goods and non-perishable food items, and we especially need the appropriate foods associated with meals during the Christmas Season (example: canned fruits and puddings, cookies and treats for children). 

Parishioners wishing to make a monetary donation towards the meat and perishable items are asked to place their offering in the St. Vincent de Paul Boxes on the walls at the back of the church.

50/50 Fun Continues!
There's still time to put your luck to the test for November's 50/50 Draw!

  • November Draw:  Saturday, November 26th after the 4:30pm Mass 
  • Ticket Prices:  $2.00 each, 3 for $5.00 and 7 for $10.00. 
  • Ticket Sales:  After all weekend Masses
A Special Invitation to Young Families
Family Faith Formation invites you to its first Activity Day of the new Liturgical Year at Saint Willibrord's Parish on Sunday, November 27th.  Join us at the 10:30am Mass followed by coffee and snacks, and then in the Bistro for our annual wreath-making Gathering and other fun, festive activities! Let us know you're coming by emailing Angela at pa.englishparishes.verdun@gmail.com.  

Envelopes for 2023
The 2023 sets of Church Offering Envelopes will be available beginning next weekend.  Envelopes are in alphabetical order.

Parishioners who had a number between 102-110 have been assigned a new number.  Parishioners wishing to use envelopes for the first time may pick up a set next weekend.
 
Sunday Missals for Year A now available
 We have some copies of the Living with Christ Sunday Missals which are available on the shelves at the back of the church.  The cost is $7.00.
 
This month's Magnificat is in!
Parishioners who subscribe to the Magnificat may pick up their December Issue on the shelves at the back of the church.
 
Advent begins next weekend...be prepared!
 The Magnificat  Advent Companion is available on the shelves at the back of the church.  The cost is $2.00 per copy.   This is a good resource for preparing for Christmas.
 
St Willibrord:  The Christmas Baskets Project
The Christmas Baskets Project at St. Willibrord’s Parish is a 100% volunteer-powered mobilization that helps provide food and Christmas cheer to 200 families in Verdun.  

Financial contributions to the Christmas Baskets Project can be made online.  You can also contact thechristmasbaskets@gmail.com to receive a needs list of non-perishable food items and toys, and also to learn more about how you can get involved as a volunteer on drop-in weekends, packing day, and delivery day! 
 

Coffee Break Catechesis
Ever wondered why it's so hard to forgive yourself?  If this is a struggle that weighs heavily on you, Father Mike from Ascension Presents has some words of comfort, advice, and hope for you.  
 


Beyond Verdun
  • .Discover what life is like on the other side of cloister walls
    While making a documentary called L’iconographe (The Icon-Maker), Brazilian-Canadian film director Lessandro Sócrates met the iconographer nuns of the Abbey of Sainte-Marie des Deux-Montagnes.  Twelve years later, the fruits of their resulting friendship are revealed in Lessandro's new documentary, De l’autre côté (The Other Side).  The cloistered nuns appear to lead a life of austerity, but Lessandro's film introduces us to these endearing women endowed with an extraordinary joie de vivre

    Screenings for this film in Montreal will take place as part of the Montreal International Documentary Festival at Cineplex Odeon in Montreal’s Quartier Latin on November 22, 2022, (9:00pm, Cinema 10), and on November 25, 2022 (6:00pm, Cinema 12).

    Watch the trailer here, and read more about the film here.


Put Your Faith, Hope, and Love into Action!

  • The Indigenous Reconciliation Fund
    • The Indigenous Reconciliation Fund was established to accept donations from 73 Catholic entities across the country, and to advance healing and reconciliation initiatives.  It seeks to support projects that are determined locally, in collaboration with First Nations, Métis and Inuit partners.  Learn more and support this Catholic commitment to healing and reconciliation at https://www.irfund.ca/
  • CAPP-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://www.cappcanada.ca/ and watch the replay of September's virtual launch of CAPP-Canada at https://www.cappcanada.ca/launch
  • Catholic Action Montreal
    • Motivated by our faith, Catholic Action Montreal empowers its community through a network of gifted individuals, partners, and organizations, enabling them to respond to an expressed need, resulting in profound changes in the community.  Learn more and get involved at https://catholicaction.ca/



Yours in Christ,
Father Robert Assaly+

Friday, November 11, 2022

Soul Health CIV

 

Soul Health CIV
 


Dear Parishioners and Friends,

There are at least 58 passages of Scripture that indicate to us in one way or another that the name of the Lord is a pretty big deal.  It's a recurring theme throughout both the Old and New Testaments, and comes around in this weekend's readings.

If we take a close look at this Sunday's Gospel, Jesus demonstrates no less than three times the impact his name can have on those who stand against us.  We're told that not only will others try to lead us astray by claiming to be him, we'll also be put to the test as he was - that is, persecuted and brought to trial before leaders of society.  He minces no words:  "You will be hated by all because of my name."  

Those who stand against us would seek to use the Holy Name of Jesus against us because even they know how powerful it is, and see it as a weapon they can use to challenge God and break apart His people. 

But we who have encountered Jesus Christ and developed a personal relationship with the Lord know that the power of His Holly Name does not lie in destruction and division.  The power of the name of Jesus lies in God's infinite love for us, made known to us by the Incarnation and the Resurrection.  The saving power of the name of Jesus has been promised to us since the Old Testament, as we see in this weekend's First Reading when the prophet Micah relays the message:  "But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings."

For this reason, if asked if all the hatred and persecution is worth it, we can readily say, "Yes!"   And if there is any doubt in our fickle human hearts that causes us to hesitate or say we are not sure, we ought not forget that we can still call upon that Holy Name to increase our faith, hope, and love. 
 



Deacon Bernie now out of the ICU and recovering in hospital, though he remains greatly fatigued.  He appreciates your continued prayers.
 


Regular Liturgy Schedule & Intentions, November 12-18
Saturday, November 12:  Anniversary of Mrs Carmela Nudo by Her Family 
Sunday, November 13: For All Parishioners 
Tuesday, November 15 (St Albert the Great):  In thanksgiving for a favour received by Darlene Fitzgerald
Thursday, November 17 (St Elizabeth of Hungary):  Debbie Hughes by Bill & Denise


The Sanctuary Lamp
This week the Sanctuary Lamp is lit for Mr & Mrs Russell Biffin by Priscilla & Ken McGuire 

As our Mass intentions are booked far in advance, the Sanctuary Lamp can be lit in memory of your loved ones or for intentions.  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.

The Book of Remembrance 
During the Month of November, our Book of Remembrance is on display on the Ambo on the organ side of the church.
 

50/50 Returns to St Thomas More!
Congratulations and thanks to Denise Poirier, who won the October Draw and donated her winnings to the church!

We thank everyone who participated in the draw as well! 

The 50/50 fun continues this month, and tickets for the November Draw are now on sale for another chance to win: 

  • Ticket Prices:  $2.00 each, 3 for $5.00 and 7 for $10.00. 
  • Ticket Sales:  After all weekend Masses

Contribute Canned Goods for Christmas Baskets!
The Annual Canned Goods Collection to be used in the Christmas Baskets will begin the weekend of November 12-13 and continue until December 17-18.  We invite you to make contributions of canned goods and non-perishable food items, and we especially need the appropriate foods associated with meals during the Christmas Season (example: canned fruits and puddings, cookies and treats for children). 

Parishioners wishing to make a monetary donation towards the meat and perishable items are asked to place their offering in the St. Vincent de Paul Boxes on the walls at the back of the church.

St Willibrord:  The Christmas Baskets Project
The Christmas Baskets Project at St. Willibrord’s Parish is a 100% volunteer-powered mobilization that helps provide food and Christmas cheer to 200 families in Verdun.  

Financial contributions to the Christmas Baskets Project can be made online.  You can also contact thechristmasbaskets@gmail.com to receive a needs list of non-perishable food items and toys, and also to learn more about how you can get involved as a volunteer on drop-in weekends, packing day, and delivery day! 
 

Coffee Break Catechesis

Start your day on the right foot with the Morning Offering!
Have you heard of the prayer known as the Morning Offering? It's an ancient practice that has stood the test of time! Sister Maria Regina Immaculata, SV explains what it is, how you can do it, and why it's one of the most important prayers you can start in your life today.

 
Beyond Verdun
  • Aid to the Church in Need:  November 16 is Red Wednesday
    327 million Christians live in a country where they face discrimination and persecution daily.  Find out more at https://acn-canada.org/red-wednesday/.

    On Red Wedesday you can also join Auxiliary Bishop Alain Faubert in solidarity for our persecuted sisters and brothers, at a special Mass at Mary, Queen of the World for Mass at 7:30pm
     
  • .Discover what life is like on the other side of cloister walls
    While making a documentary called L’iconographe (The Icon-Maker), Brazilian-Canadian film director Lessandro Sócrates met the iconographer nuns of the Abbey of Sainte-Marie des Deux-Montagnes.  Twelve years later, the fruits of their resulting friendship are revealed in Lessandro's new documentary, De l’autre côté (The Other Side).  The cloistered nuns appear to lead a life of austerity, but Lessandro's film introduces us to these endearing women endowed with an extraordinary joie de vivre

    Screenings for this film in Montreal will take place as part of the Montreal International Documentary Festival at 
    Cineplex Odeon in Montreal’s Quartier Latin on November 22, 2022, (9:00pm, Cinema 10), and on November 25, 2022 (6:00pm, Cinema 12).

    Watch the trailer here, and read more about the film here.
     
  • The Journey with The Chosen continues!
    See Jesus in a new light, through The Chosen’s fresh look at the Gospel. Consider the challenges of living as a chosen disciple right here and now. How can we create a church which goes out to “the peripheries”, encountering Jesus in all our brothers and sisters, in all God’s creation?

    When: Friday November 4, 11,18, and 25th at 7:00pm, led by Fr. Raymond Lafontaine, Episcopal Vicar.  To register please email at parishvitality@diocesemontreal.org or click here.


Put Your Faith, Hope, and Love into Action!

  • The Indigenous Reconciliation Fund
    • The Indigenous Reconciliation Fund was established to accept donations from 73 Catholic entities across the country, and to advance healing and reconciliation initiatives.  It seeks to support projects that are determined locally, in collaboration with First Nations, Métis and Inuit partners.  Learn more and support this Catholic commitment to healing and reconciliation at https://www.irfund.ca/
  • CAPP-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://www.cappcanada.ca/ and watch the replay of September's virtual launch of CAPP-Canada at https://www.cappcanada.ca/launch
  • Catholic Action Montreal
    • Motivated by our faith, Catholic Action Montreal empowers its community through a network of gifted individuals, partners, and organizations, enabling them to respond to an expressed need, resulting in profound changes in the community.  Learn more and get involved at https://catholicaction.ca/



Yours in Christ,
Father Robert Assaly+