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.
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+
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