SOUL HEALTH CXXIV

 

SOUL HEALTH CXXIV
Enter the City Gates!
 

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Father Robert's Funeral Services
**All services below are at Saint Thomas More**

Friday, March 31st - 7:00pm-9:00pm
Visitation and Evening Prayer Wake Service 
Presider:  Father Mike Leclerc
Cantor:  Subdeacon Dr Brian Butcher 

Saturday, April 1st - 10:30am - Visitation & Prayer
11:3am - Funeral Mass
Celebrated by Father Raymond Lafontaine, Episcopal Vicar,
with Father Peter Sabbath, Deacon Bernie Glover,
and their brother priests & deacons

Following the Funeral Mass, the Assaly Family invites all guests down to the Oakes Hall for a Mercy Meal, to share in fellowship over a light lunch and refreshments.  
 

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Saturday, April 1st:  Palm Sunday - 4:30pm
Celebrated by Fr Jerome Devassy
Offered for Alexis Lanteigne by Linda and Family 

Sanctuary Lamp
This week, our sanctuary lamp is lit for the candidates for Easter Sacraments:
Serge, Kimberley, Kenzie, Korey, Beatriz, Aleah, Stella, and Herve

Thursday, April 6th:  Holy Thursday - Mass of the Lord's Supper - 7:30pm
Saint Willibrord

Friday, April 7th:  Good Friday - Passion of the Lord - 3:00pm
Saint Thomas More
**Day of Fasting and Abstinence**

Saturday, April 8th:  Easter Vigil - 7:30pm
Saint Thomas More

Sunday, April 9th:  Easter Sunday - 10:30am
Saint Willibrord
 

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Coffee Break Catechesis:  Holy Week Edition
Pull up a chair and sip a cuppa with Father Mike Schmitz, who will guide you through a way of Praying Through Holy Week, as practiced by the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist.

In Loving Memory of Father Robert Assaly

 

FATHER ROBERT ASSALY October 27th 1959 - March 26th 2023   Dear Parishioners and Friends, It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our pastor Fr. Robert Assaly, who died on March 26, 2023 after a short battle with cancer.   We wish to extend our deepest sympathies to his wife Nancy, their six children Kristi, Ben, Justin, Bishara, Janan, and Fedi, his grandchildren Matthew, Henry and Anna, and his beloved mother Gloria. Please unite with us to lift them up in prayer, as well as all parishioners of his two parishes, St Thomas More and St Willibrord.   Fr. Robert will forever be remembered for his passion for mission, his desire to lead his parishioners towards encounters with Jesus Christ and to opportunities to live out discipleship, and his unquestionable zeal to spread the Good News to the city of Verdun.  He will truly be missed as we carry on with the same passion and zeal for the renewal of our Church, in Verdun and beyond.   The visitation and the funeral mass will both take place at St Thomas More. Visitation Friday, March 31, 2023 2-5pm and 7–9pm An evening prayer service that will be presided by Fr Mike Leclerc will be held on Friday at 8pm. Funeral Mass Saturday, April 1, 2023 11:30AM Fr Raymond Lafontaine, Episcopal Vicar, will be the celebrant, and Fr Peter Sabbath will be the homilist. To view Fr. Robert’s obituary, send a message of condolence to the family, or to learn how to make a donation to Canadian Friends of Sabeel in lieu of flowers, please click here.

Soul Health: Holy Week Schedule

 

As we enter the final stretch of Lent, take time to walk with the Lord from the gates of Jerusalem to the empty tomb.
 

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Thursday, March 30th - 7:30pm at St Willibrord
In the midst of your busyness, let God speak to you in the silence of your heart during this evening of adoration, music, and reconciliation.  

Prepare for Confession with an Examination of Conscience.
Here are a few options:
For general use - based on the Ten Commandments
For the whole family - based on the Lord's Prayer

From the USCCB:
Let the Children Come:  For Kids
What Must I Do? For Older Teens & Young Adults
The Two Shall Become One:  For Married Persons
Cast Your Cares Upon the Lord:  For Single People
 

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Palm Sunday 
Saturday, April 1st - 4:30pm at St Thomas More
Sunday, April 2nd - 10:30am at St Willibrord

Holy Thursday - Mass of the Lord's Supper
April 6th - 7:30pm at St Willibrord

Good Friday - The Passion of the Lord 
April 7th - 3:00pm at St Thomas More

Easter Vigil 
April 8th - 7:30pm at St Thomas More 
**Please note, the usual 4:30pm Mass is cancelled**

Easter Sunday 
April 9th - 10:30am at St Willibrord

Rest in peace

 Dear Parishioners and Friends,


It is with heavy hearts that we write to you today to share the sad news that Father Robert Assaly passed away this morning.

The details of his Funeral Mass will be shared once they have been finalized.  In the meantime, please direct all your questions and concerns to the office emails, sttm1944@gmail.com or office@stwill.ca. 

Please keep Nancy and their six children, his mother Gloria, and all the rest of their family in your prayers.

Eternal rest grant unto your servant, O Lord, and may your perpetual light shine upon him.  May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the Mercy of God, rest in peace.  Amen.

Soul Health: Special Edition

 

Soul Health:  Special Edition
An Important Message to All Parishioners
 

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Dear Parishioners and Friends,


After numerous meetings with parishioners over the last few months, on March 18, 2023, the Fabrique of St Thomas More Parish passed a resolution to recommend to our Archbishop Christian Lepine that the parish be closed, and if possible, that this should take place within the calendar year 2023.

The date has not yet been determined, as the Fabrique and parishioners cannot definitively decide to close a parish.  This will be done in cooperation with the Archdiocese, and there are still many steps that need to be taken, including a formal vote taken at a general parish meeting, and the Archbishop and his council of priests agreeing to the closure.

This is why the task of navigating the next steps is incumbent on all of us, as a community.  This requires the members of the Fabrique to be in constant dialogue with our parishioners, our neighbouring parishes in Verdun, and the diocesan authorities, with as much transparency as possible.  

The Fabrique took this decision to recommend the closure of St. Thomas More to the Archdiocese after hearing significant input from the last few parishioners’ meetings,  The impact of declining attendance, rising expenses, the maintenance of our buildings, changes to the demographics of Verdun, among many other factors, were all discussed openly and frankly. The fruit of our discernment led us to recognize that the mission of the Church in Verdun would be best supported by one strong English parish, rather than two struggling ones.

This recommendation was not an easy one to make.  So many of us here today, as well as so many of our loved ones who have gone before us, celebrated the sacraments in this beautiful church that we have called our spiritual home since 1944.

Many of you have spoken with the Wardens on various occasions, such as at our parishioners’ meetings and after Sunday Mass.  To those who have been enthusiastic about helping out, and willing to invest your time, treasure, and talent in building up the Church in Verdun, we give thanks.

The parish or church buildings in which we do these things may be different than what we have been accustomed to, but we are still called to carry out the mission of the Church, in which we were formed and grown in discipleship here at St Thomas More.  We will still have the chance to do all those things, in new and fresh ways.  Together, we can make this transition a positive and wonderful experience.  We can bring our faith, our love, and our hope into a new parish, and have better opportunities to turn the dreams we had for our community here into reality. 


Thank you,
The Fabrique of the Parish of St Thomas More

Soul Health CXXIII

 

Soul Health CXXIII    Update on Father Robert Fr Robert has informed the staff of both St Thomas More and St Willibrord that late this week, he was transferred from the oncology ward into palliative care. He is spiritually at peace, and is grateful for all the prayer support he and his family have been receiving from his friends and parishioners.   Please continue to keep him in your prayer as he enters this last stage of his earthly journey, in union with the Paschal Mystery of Christ’s life, death and Resurrection. In this time of transition, administration has been transferred at both parishes.  We wish to welcome as Parochial Administrators, Fr Raymond Lafontaine for St Thomas More and Fr Mike Leclerc for St Willibrord.

Recently, Fr Robert caught up with Terrel Joseph on Zoom to share a profound personal experience at the Alpha Summit last fall. Watch it by clicking the play button above, or follow this link to the video.

Praying for Father Robert Your continuous prayers for Fr Robert and compassionate support during this difficult time is so graciously appreciated and we are beyond words to describe our gratitude.  Fr Robert would also like to express his personal and sincerest thanks for everyone's prayers.   In addition to praying for him and his family, Fr Robert has asked that we also include the following intentions during this time:  - For those who suffer alone - For those who suffer without access to adequate medical care - For those who have yet to receive the gift of faith We'd also like to thank everyone who has joined us for the prayer vigils at Saint Willibrord's or united with us in prayer from home. Click here to join the Rosary Group on Wednesdays at 7:30pm to pray for Fr Robert and his intentions, his family, and his medical team.   Lenten Mass Schedule Weekend Mass:  Saturday, 4:30pm ***Details for Holy Week Masses & Liturgies will be sent in a SH Special Edition on Monday -- keep an eye on your inboxes!*** This Saturday, we welcome and thank Father Mike Leclerc coming to our parish and celebrating Mass with us! The 8:30am Sunday Mass and all weekday Masses are suspended. Weekday Masses already booked for your intentions will be said privately, but we will resume sharing the intentions for those who wish to include them in their personal prayers. Weekend Masses with the intention "For All Parishioners" will be said privately by Father Robert at this time.  Regular Liturgy Schedule & Intentions Saturday, March 24th (Fifth Sunday of Lent):  Alexis Lanteigne by Barbara & Family  Private Mass -  Tuesday, March 28:  Sue Paradis by Robert & Violet Campbell  Private Mass - Thursday, March 30:  Mr Vincenzo Nudo    The Sanctuary Lamp This week the Sanctuary Lamp is lit for Deceased Members of the Gomez & Olaguera Families by by The Olaguera Family   In the Quiet  Thursday, March 30th - 7:30pm at St Willibrord In the midst of your busyness, let God speak to you in the silence of your heart during this evening of adoration, music, and reconciliation.   There's still time to #TryAlpha this Spring! Alpha has launched again at St Willibrord's, and new walk-ins and registrations are accepted until Week 3.  Everyone is welcome to dive into life's big questions in Alpha's friendly, welcoming environment, and make new friends over a free meal and lively conversation!  Visit https://www.stwill.ca/alpha for more information and to register.   Coffee Break Catechesis for the Fifth Sunday of Lent With Holy Week quickly approaching, along with all its various opportunities to go to Confession,  it's a great time to revisit what the Sacrament of Reconciliation truly is - a Sacrament of Healing.   Have a cuppa this week with Fr Mike Schmitz who'll walk you through a refresher on Making a Good Confession and share his perspective on the Sacrament, particularly on how Confession is a Place of Victory.

Soul Health CXXII

 

Update on Father Robert
Father Robert is still in hospital, and his medical team is currently working on getting him stable enough to return home.  He is hopeful that next week, his most recent tests will show that his initial round of treatment has been effective enough for him to continue with the next.

He remains in good spirits, and has been able to celebrate Masses privately while in hospital.  Please continue to keep him, his family, and his intentions in your prayers!

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Praying for Father Robert
Your continuous prayers for Fr Robert and compassionate support during this difficult time is so graciously appreciated and we are beyond words to describe our gratitude.  Fr Robert would also like to express his personal and sincerest thanks for everyone's prayers.  

In addition to praying for him and his family, Fr Robert has asked that we also include the following intentions during this time: 
- For those who suffer alone
- For those who suffer without access to adequate medical care
- For those who have yet to receive the gift of faith

We'd also like to thank everyone who has joined us for the prayer vigils at Saint Willibrord's or united with us in prayer from home.
Next week's vigil at St Will's is Wednesday, March 22; doors open at 7:00pm and we begin at 7:30pm.

A weekly online prayer group also meets on Wednesdays at 7:30pm on Zoomto pray for Father Robert's health, his family, and his medical team.  
 

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Lenten Mass Schedule
Weekend Mass:  Saturday, 4:30pm

This week, we welcome and thank Father Francis McKee for coming to our parish and celebrating Mass with us!

The 8:30am Sunday Mass and all weekday Masses are suspended.
Weekday Masses already booked for your intentions will be said privately, but we will resume sharing the intentions for those who wish to include them in their personal prayers.

Weekend Masses with the intention "For All Parishioners" will be said privately by Father Robert at this time. 

Regular Liturgy Schedule & Intentions

Saturday, March 18th (Fourth Sunday of Lent):  Anniversary of William Warren by Bill & Denise

Private Mass -  Tuesday, March 21:  Anniversary of Hugh McGlynn by His Family 
Private Mass - Thursday, March 23:  Catherine Mazerolle by Caroline & Peter 
 

The Sanctuary Lamp
This week the Sanctuary Lamp is lit for Peter Jeffrey by Nancy Assaly 
 

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Holy Mass for the Grace of a Blessed and Happy Death
Saturday, March 18 - 10:00am
On the eve of the feast of St. Joseph, known as the ‘’Patron of a happy death,’ a Vigil Mass for the grace of a happy death will be celebrated at Mary Queen of the World Cathedral by Archbishop Christian Lépine.  This mass will be livestreamed on the diocesan YouTube channel.

Archbishop Christian Lépine invites us to pray, as the question of death surrounds us today. How do people die? What is a “happy death”? Why eliminate suffering and settle for euthanasia? Why go through palliative care? How do we look at death from a faith perspective?

Get me to the church on time!
Parishioners who cannot make it to the Saturday Mass or who are looking for a weekday Mass are invited to St Willibrord's on Sundays at 10:30am and St Gabriel's (2111 Rue Centre) on Tuesdays at 7:00pm.

Catholic Action Montreal's Late Sunday Mass begins at 8:00pm, every Sunday night at St Willibrord's.  

#TryAlpha this Spring!
Alpha begins this coming Tuesday, March 21st at St Willibrord's -- so come dive into life's big questions in a friendly, welcoming environment, and make new friends over a free meal and lively conversation!  Visit https://www.stwill.ca/alpha for more information and to register.
 

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Coffee Break Catechesis for the Fourth Sunday of Lent
This weekend's Psalm is possibly the best-known one - Psalm 23, titled "The Divine Shepherd - A Psalm of David."  Beginning with that familiar phrase, "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want," this Psalm compels each of us to contemplate the Lord as the Good Shepherd, and what it could mean on a personal level to walk with him.  

This week we have two options for Coffee Break Catechesis!  Take a lunch break with Fr Mike Schmitz for Day 157 of the Bible In A Year podcast, where Psalm 23 is paired with the Gospel of Mark 7-8, or stick to your java jive with Dr Brant Pitre and the Parable of the Good Shepherd from the Gospel of John to unpack what this central teaching means for us and our relationship with Jesus.

Soul Health CXXI

 

Soul Health CXXI
 

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Update on Father Robert
The latest news on Fr Robert is in the Special Edition from March 7th 2023. 
 

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Praying for Father Robert
Your continuous prayers for Fr Robert and compassionate support during this difficult time is so graciously appreciated and we are beyond words to describe our gratitude.  Fr Robert would also like to express his personal and sincerest thanks for everyone's prayers.  

In addition to praying for him and his family, Fr Robert has asked that we also include the following intentions during this time: 
- For those who suffer alone
- For those who suffer without access to adequate medical care
- For those who have yet to receive the gift of faith

We'd also like to thank everyone who has joined us for the prayer vigils at Saint Willibrord's or united with us in prayer from home.
Next week's vigil at St Will's is Wednesday, March 15; doors open at 7:00pm and we begin at 7:30pm.

A weekly online prayer group also meets on Wednesdays at 7:30pm on Zoomto pray for Father Robert's health, his family, and his medical team.  
 

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Lenten Mass Schedule
Weekend Mass:  Saturday, 4:30pm

This week, we welcome and thank Father Francis McKee for coming to our parish and celebrating Mass with us!

The 8:30am Sunday Mass and all weekday Masses are suspended.
Weekday Masses already booked for your intentions will be said privately, but we will resume sharing the intentions for those who wish to include them in their personal prayers.

Weekend Masses with the intention "For All Parishioners" will be said privately by Father Robert at this time. 

Regular Liturgy Schedule & Intentions

Saturday, March 11th (Third Sunday of Lent):  Alexis Lanteigne by Geraldine & Family

Private Mass -  Tuesday, March 14:  Anniversary of Rita Warren by Bill & Denise
Private Mass - Thursday, March 16:  Debbie Hughes by Her Mother  
 

The Sanctuary Lamp
This week the Sanctuary Lamp is lit for Cecilia & Clement Langevin by John & Irene Langevin 
 

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Get me to the church on time!
Parishioners who cannot make it to the Saturday Mass or who are looking for a weekday Mass are invited to St Willibrord's on Sundays at 10:30am and St Gabriel's (2111 Rue Centre) on Tuesdays at 7:00pm.

Catholic Action Montreal's Late Sunday Mass begins at 8:00pm, every Sunday night at St Willibrord's.  

#TryAlpha - it's coming back!
Alpha returns to Verdun on Tuesday, March 21st at St Willibrord's -- so come dive into life's big questions in a friendly, welcoming environment, and make new friends over a free meal and lively conversation!  Visit https://www.stwill.ca/alpha for more information and to register.
 

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Coffee Break Catechesis for the Third Sunday of Lent
This Sunday, our Gospel reading introduces us to the Samaritan woman at the well who has a life-changing encounter with Jesus when she comes to draw water.  As part of the Prayer Vigil for Fr Robert this past Thursday, we prayed the Chaplet of the Divine Mercy, a powerful devotion based on the writings of Saint Faustina that helps us to ask for God's mercy, to remember that we too must be merciful, and to completely trust in Jesus. 

In this video, Bishop Barron links this passage to the Divine Mercy through four distinct principles:  from Jesus' encounter at the well with the Samaritan woman, we learn that God's mercy is relentless, divinizing, demanding, and mission-oriented.  Enter this passage of Scripture with Bishop Barron and explore what this experience at the well means not just for the Samaritan woman, but for all who are called to discipleship.

Soul Health: Special Edition An Update on Father Robert

Soul Health:  Special Edition
An Update on Father Robert
 

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Dear Parishioners and all friends of Fr. Robert,
 
It is with much sadness that we wish to share with you the latest update on Fr. Robert’s prognosis. 
 
His recent biopsy revealed two forms of cancer in his pancreas, one of which is very aggressive. Yesterday he began the first of six rounds of chemotherapy, which he will continue to undergo over the next few months. What further complicates Fr. Robert’s prognosis are the tumours that have spread to his liver, which eventually will stop functioning. Given these troubling results, Fr. Robert’s outlook is likely to be one of months versus years. 
 
Since he fell ill, Fr. Robert has remained committed to the parish and focused on accompanying St Thomas More through the parish’s discernment for the future.  Coming out of our last parishioners’ meeting, he will continue to accompany the parish through its next steps as much as possible.   He is deeply grateful for all of the parishioners of St. Willibrord, St. Thomas More and St. Ignatius for their prayers and support, and has expressed his utmost confidence in all the parishioners who have and continue to come forward to transform Verdun through missionary discipleship.  
 
In terms of support, Fr. Robert has requested that we continue to pray for him, his wife Nancy, their six children, and his mother. If you’re able, please join one or all of these events this week:

• Fr. Robert’s Wednesday Online Rosary Group 
  Wednesday March 9th @ 7:30 pm
• St. Thomas à Becket Parish
  Wednesday March 9th @ 7:00 pm - Prayer Service
  4320 Saint-Anne St, Pierrefonds-Roxboro, QC
• St. Willibrord Parish
  Thursday March 10th @ 7:30 pm - Prayer & Worship
  351 Willibrord St, Verdun, QC

As thankful as Fr. Robert is for your prayers, he has also asked that we offer our prayers for those who suffer alone, those who suffer without access to medical care, and those who have yet to receive the gift of faith. 
 
Our Saturday 4:30pm  Mass will continue each week and we look forward to seeing you and being together as a community and as a family.  If you have any questions, please contact the office by telephone (514-768-4741) or email during the regular office hours.

 

Soul Health CXX

 

Soul Health CXX
 

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Update on Father Robert
Fr Robert is doing well and remains in good spirits at the hospital while awaiting test results.  He hopes to return home by the middle of next week, and will give a new update at that time.

Remaining united to us in spirit and through prayer, Fr Robert would like everyone to know that he is updating his prayer list.  Please contact the office to provide a list of up to six first names for him to include in his daily prayers.
 

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Praying for Father Robert
Your continuous prayers for Fr Robert and compassionate support during this difficult time is so graciously appreciated and we are beyond words to describe our gratitude.  Fr Robert would also like to express his personal and sincerest thanks for everyone's prayers.  

Thanks to everyone who came to last Monday's prayer vigil at Saint Willibrord's or united with us in prayer from home!  Another prayer vigil will take place next week at St Will's, 7:30pm on Thursday, March 9th. 

A weekly online prayer group has started on Wednesdays at 7:30pm on Zoomto pray for Father Robert's health, his family, and his medical team.  

Scripture is an incredibly profound source of grace, and engaging with the Word of God more often can do wonders for our faith and spiritual health.  With this in mind, we also invite you all to unite in prayer through Psalm 41.  

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Lenten Mass Schedule
Weekend Mass:  Saturday, 4:30pm
The 8:30am Sunday Mass and all weekday Masses are suspended during Lent.   Weekday Masses already booked for your intentions will be said privately, but we will resume sharing the intentions for those who wish to keep them in their prayers.  

Weekend Masses with the intention "For All Parishioners" will be said privately by Father Robert at this time. 

Regular Liturgy Schedule & Intentions

Saturday, March 4th (Second Sunday of Lent):  Pocholo P. Gomez by Agnes Olaguera and Family

Private Mass -  Tuesday, March 7 (St Perpetua & St Felicity):  Carmela Nudo by Her Family
Private Mass - Thursday, March 9 (St Frances of Rome):  Anniversary of Evelyn Warren by Bill and Denise 
 

The Sanctuary Lamp
This week the Sanctuary Lamp is lit for Alexis Lanteigne by His Family
 

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Get me to the church on time!
Parishioners who cannot make it to the Saturday Mass or who are looking for a weekday Mass are invited to St Willibrord's on Sundays at 10:30am and St Gabriel's (2111 Rue Centre) on Tuesdays at 7:00pm.

Catholic Action Montreal's Late Sunday Mass begins at 8:00pm, every Sunday night at St Willibrord's.  

#TryAlpha - it's coming back!
Alpha returns to Verdun on Tuesday, March 21st at St Willibrord's -- so come dive into life's big questions in a friendly, welcoming environment, and make new friends over a free meal and lively conversation!  Visit https://www.stwill.ca/alpha for more information and to register.
 

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Reflection on the Second Sunday of Lent
This Sunday's Gospel is Matthew's account of the Transfiguration - a moment in the New Testament where Peter, James, and John encounter Moses and Elijah with Jesus, and experience Jesus in a state of divine radiance and glory.  

The account of the Transfiguration shows us a life-changing, profound, and intimate moment for these three Apostles with Our Lord, and opens us up to contemplate the wonder and awe of such an encounter with Jesus.  In the context of today, this passage of Scripture invites us to consider something truly incredible:  that personal encounter with Jesus is possible even today!  So many who have discovered or rediscovered their faith can testify to this reality, and there are so many opportunities for us to encounter Jesus in daily life!

This moment in the public life of Jesus is so important that it was added to the Mysteries of the Rosary by Pope Saint John Paul II in 2002 as one of the Luminous Mysteries - five moments in the New Testament that reveal the light of the Kingdom through the presence of Jesus Christ.  As this article states, "For St. John Paul II, the Transfiguration is the 'mystery of light par excellence' since 'the glory of the Godhead shines forth from the face of Christ as the Father commands the astonished Apostles to ‘listen to him.'"

Assigned to Thursday recitations of the Rosary, the Luminous Mysteries allow us to explore the public life and ministry of Jesus through our prayer and invite us to open our lives to him through discipleship.  As we progress through this next week of Lent, perhaps our Lenten practice of prayer this Thursday could be to follow the public works of Jesus through the Luminous Mysteries, with these words of Saint Josemaria Escriva to guide our hearts through the Mystery of the Transfiguration:

"Jesus, we want to see you, to speak to you!  We want to contemplate you, immersed in the immensity of your beauty, in a contemplation that will never cease!  It must be wonderful to see you, Jesus!...Lord, I long to see your face.  I like to close my eyes and think that, when God wills, the  moment will come when I will be able to see him, not as 'in a mirror dimly, but...face to face.'"