Soul Health CVII
***There will be a meeting of ALL parishioners at
3pm on Saturday, December 17***
Your participation is expected as the outcome of the meeting may well determine the future of the parish and even whether we continue.
Further details in this weekend's in the homily.
Dear Parishioners and Friends,
This weekend, the Second reading and the Gospel remind us of the importance of understanding and using our spiritual inheritance – more specifically, of understanding that Scripture is an integral part of our lives as Christians, and using our faith and hope to fuel our missionary work of spreading the message of Christ.
St Paul tells us: “Whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, so that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” Our spiritual health and strength are reliant upon God's Word, as well as our understanding that the promises of the Old Testament were fulfilled by what is written in the New Testament. The Gospel of Matthew this weekend even demonstrates this when we are introduced to John the Baptist: “This is the one of whom the Prophet Isaiah spoke when he said, ‘The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.’”
Today, part of preparing the way of the Lord is our mission to make new disciples. “As it is written,” St Paul reminds us, “‘Therefore I will confess your name among the Gentiles, and sing praises to your name.’” While it was John the Baptist of whom Isaiah spoke, Paul knew that the mission to prepare the way of the Lord was not the sole responsibility of John the Baptist. It is the responsibility of everyone who inherits salvation through the waters of Baptism and through the sacrifice of the Cross.
With that in mind, what can we do this Advent to prepare ourselves? How can we invest our spiritual inheritance of the Word of God along with our time, talent, and treasure so that our parish fulfils its purpose and mission at this critical juncture?
Deacon Bernie is recovering well at a rehab centre in NDG.
He asks for our prayers that he be well enough to be here at the altar Christmas Eve.
Sunday, December 4: For All Parishioners
Tuesday, December 6 (St Nicholas): For the Intentions of Dominic Michael, Victoria, George, and Jasper by Their Aunts & Uncles
Thursday, December 8 (The Immaculate Conception): Anniversary of Fr. Joe Cameron by Paul Moreau
Booking Mass Intentions
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
This week the Sanctuary Lamp is lit for Albert Landry by Caroline & Peter
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.
Include Confession in your Advent plans!
Father Robert is available for confessions before the Saturday Mass starting at 4:00pm. You can also call the parish office to book an appointment.
Parishioners are also invited to St Ignatius of Loyola Parish in NDG on December 14 from 7:00-9:00 p.m. for In the Quiet, a beautiful evening of live music, time with Jesus, and the option to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Several priests, including Father Robert, will be available to hear confessions, and the evening will wrap up with some festive snacks and refreshments.
50/50: A Message of Thanks
The winning ticket of the November Draw was bought by a parishioner from Notre Dame de La Garde Parish, who donated the winnings to St. Thomas More Parish. We thank this person for their generosity! Also thank you to everyone who bought tickets in support of the parish.
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.
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.
New Sunday Missals for 2023 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.
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
You might be convinced you're not a missionary because you weren't called on mission like our young friends in CCO -- but part of the beauty of the Church is that no two missionary disciples are the same or called to mission in the same way. Fr Mike explains this using the examples of St Francis Xavier and St Therese of Lisieux in this week's video.
Beyond Verdun
- Bishop Barron defends the sacredness and integrity of marriage and calls upon all Catholics to do the same - read more 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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