St. Thomas More (Mtl): October 2023

Friday, October 27, 2023

SOUL HEALTH CLIV

SOUL HEALTH CLIV

A Message from the Wardens
Originally announced in person on Saturday, October 21st 2023

On October 14th 2023, we asked for your input on the question of the future of St Thomas More. The unanimous recommendation of the Wardens to proceed with the closure of our Fabrique and joining the parish of St. Willibrord did not receive majority support from the voting parishioners.

The results were as follows:
Those within the territory -- Yes: 11, No: 21
Those outside the territory -- Yes: 10; No: 13

As a result of the vote, you have voiced your opinion and have stated clearly to the Fabrique of St. Thomas More that you do not recommend that the parish of St. Thomas More be closed.

Our proposed position was not made lightly and has been an extremely difficult and emotionally painful conclusion to make. It came after months of prayer, due diligence, and review. We have spent countless hours studying the realities of our situation as a Parish in the Archdiocese of Montreal and examining our financial condition, and knowing that at the start of 2023 it was the unanimous belief of Parishioners that currently, as a church, we would be best served by one English Catholic parish in Verdun.

The rejection of our recommendation clearly states that, as Wardens, we do not have the confidence of the majority of St. Thomas More Parishioners. Respectfully, none of the current wardens will be standing for re-election or continuing our present terms beyond December 31, 2023 in order to allow the Parishioners to elect new Wardens who can undertake the mandate and responsibilities expected of the majority of Parishioners of St. Thomas More.

As you consider the candidates for our replacement, we would like to direct attention to the 2024 budget that has been submitted to the Archdiocese. St. Thomas More will run an annual deficit, estimated to be $48,000 for the upcoming year which, in real terms, means that we will exhaust all cash reserves before the end of 2024. Even more concerning is the fact that this forecast does not include the immediate roof repair of $300,000, the front steps repairs of $50,000, and the recently discovered window problem which has an initial estimated repair cost of $8-10,000.

It is our true belief that we have laid out a clear and detailed picture of the Parish and that this message has either been rejected or not fully understood, but the majority have spoken. As a Parish we see the results of the vote moving St. Thomas More from a questionable future, with an opportunity to be part of a single, dynamic English parish in Verdun, to a radically unstable and potentially unattainable position into 2024. The questions that many may be asking are: where do we go from here, and what do we do when the money runs out in 2024? We do not have answers to these questions as they are now the immediate concerns of the new wardens that will be elected in December.

Reflect on this message, there is still time to alter the course that we have placed this parish on. Unfortunately, time and money are running out.

Thank you for you attention.
The Fabrique of St Thomas More

Mass Schedule & Intentions

30th Sunday of Ordinary Time
Saturday, October 28th 2023
Mr. & Mrs. Vincenzo Nudo by Their Family

A warm welcome and many thanks to Father Lou Cerulli
for celebrating Mass this weekend!

Sanctuary Lamp
Our Sanctuary Lamp this week is burning for
Gilles Daoust by His Wife, Betty

In November, we remember
During the month of November we will have a Book of Remembrance to help us remember our deceased loved ones as a community. Sheets will be provided at the back of the church this weekend if you would like to have the names of your deceased family members and friends included.

Verdun Branch #4 of the Canadian Legion has also left boxes of poppies for Remembrance Day, November 11th. Please take a poppy and leave a small donation.

Second Collection
Next Saturday, November 4th, there will be a second collection after Communion for maintenance.

50/50 Continues!
You can still buy tickets for the October Draw before Mass this Saturday, October 28th! The October Draw will take place after Mass.

Tickets for the November Draw will be on sale starting November 4th. As with the October Draw, prices are $2 for 1, $5 for 3, and $10 for 7.

Office Hours
Regular Office Hours are Monday-Tuesday and Thursday-Friday, 9:00am-3:30pm.
The office is closed on Wednesday.

Sanctuary Lamp
Every week, the candle above the tabernacle is lit, and can be lit in memory of a loved one or for special intentions for a suggested offering of $20.
For more information and to book a specific week please contact the office.

What's up in the Archdiocese?
Sign up for the Newsletter of the Catholic Church of Montreal
for all the latest news from the Archdiocese!

Friday, October 20, 2023

SOUL HEALTH CLIII

SOUL HEALTH CLIII

Results from the Parishioners' Vote
Father Raymond will announce the results of last week's parishioners' vote after Mass this week, and the results will also be published in next week's Soul Health.

Mass Schedule & Intentions

29th Sunday of Ordinary Time
Saturday, October 21st 2023
Eileen Ford by Allanna Gummersell

Thank you to Father Raymond Lafontaine for celebrating Mass this weekend!

Sanctuary Lamp
Our Sanctuary Lamp this week is burning for
Anna Law by The McIver Family

Proposed Budget for 2024
At the recent Fabrique Meeting with the Wardens of the parish after lengthy consultation and discussion the following Budget was approved:

Receipts: $127,265.00
Disbursements: $175,300.00
Deficit for 2024: $48,035.00

The proposed Budget will be sent to the Archdiocese of Montreal for their approval.

Donations Received
We would like to thank the “Centre de Formation du Jardin du Citoyen” for their generous donation of $16, 176.00 to the parish along with a donation of $4,275.00 earlier this summer.

We also thank Wally Gregory who is involved with this organization and was instrumental in obtaining this donation for St. Thomas More Parish.

Thank You from St. Vincent de Paul
The St. Vincent de Paul Society would like to thank all parishioners who contributed canned goods and non-perishable food items and monetary donations during our Autumn Food Drive.

Your generosity will be a great boost for our Christmas Baskets as we are anticipating a greater need this year.

50/50 Draw Returns!
Tickets for the October Draw are available - 1 for $2, 3 for $5, or 7 for $10. The draw will take place on Saturday, October 28th after Mass.

November is the month when we remember
We have a Book of Remembrance during the month of November for us to remember our deceased loved ones as a community. Sheets will be provided at the back of the church this weekend if you would like to have the names of your deceased family members and friends included.

November Magnificat
Parishioners who subscribe to the Magnificat may pick up their November Issue on the shelves at the back of the church. There are 2 extra copies available for $5 each.

Office Hours
Regular Office Hours are Monday-Tuesday and Thursday-Friday, 9:00am-3:30pm (closed on Wednesday).

Sanctuary Lamp
Every week, the candle above the tabernacle is lit, and can be lit in memory of a loved one or for special intentions for a suggested offering of $20. For more information and to book a specific week please contact the office.

What's up in the Archdiocese?
Sign up for the Newsletter of the Catholic Church of Montreal for all the latest news from the Archdiocese!

Friday, October 13, 2023

SOUL HEALTH CLII

SOUL HEALTH CLII

Parishioners' Vote - Tomorrow, October 14th
You may stay in your pews after the final blessing and hymn, as immediately following the 4:30pm Mass the vote on the Proposed Resolution will take place in the church:

Be it resolved, this assembly recommends to Archbishop Christian Lepine the closure of the Parish of St. Thomas More, and the integration of her territory, pastoral responsibilities, assets and liabilities, to the Parish of St. Willibrord. In this way, we can form one strong and united English Catholic community in Verdun. Until such time as a decision is made on the future of the rectory and church, worship would continue to take place at St. Thomas More church.

***

This vote does not bind the Archbishop either way, but it serves to give him the pulse of the community.

For legal purposes, only parishioners who live within the boundaries of St Thomas More technically have a vote. At the same time, we know that many of you have been longtime parishioners live outside the boundaries and we want to know your point of view also. We will be asking everyone to sign in for the vote and you will also be asked to indicate on your ballot whether you live within or outside the boundaries.

Mass Schedule & Intentions

28th Sunday of Ordinary Time
Saturday, October 14th 2023
Anniversary of Mr Vincenzo Nudo by His Family

A warm welcome and many thanks to Father Raymond Lafontaine,
who will celebrate our Mass this weekend!

Sanctuary Lamp
Our Sanctuary Lamp this week is burning for
Diane Chesnel Cox by Her Husband & Family

Annual Rosary Rally - October 14th at Noon
October is the month of the Rosary and all are invited to the Public Square Rosary Rally at the Tortue Wharf (south side of Lasalle Boulevard between Godwin & Riverview). This time of prayer will be offered for the intentions of reparation and conversion.

For further information, please contact Caroline Landry (514-767-6256)
or Maureen Dearden (514-751-2733).

Sincerest appreciation is extended to all who supported and joined the Rosary Rally last year, and the group is looking forward to seeing you there!

St. Vincent de Paul Society: Autumn Food Drive Continues!
In anticipation of a greater need in the community this coming holiday season, the St. Vincent de Paul Society is running an Autumn Food Drive to begin early preparations for their annual Christmas Baskets.

Tomorrow is the last Saturday to drop off donations of canned goods and other non-perishable items in the boxes at the back of the church. Monetary donations can be placed in the St. Vincent de Paul boxes on the walls by the main entrance, and are eligible to be included in your income tax receipts for this year (contact the Office for more details).

You can also swing by the Office with any donations during regular office hours.

Your support is greatly appreciated!

50/50 Draw Returns!
Tickets for the October Draw are available - 1 for $2, 3 for $5, or 7 for $10. The draw will take place on Saturday, October 28th after Mass.

November Magnificat
Parishioners who subscribe to the Magnificat may pick up their November Issue on the shelves at the back of the church. There are 2 extra copies available for $5 each.

Friday, October 6, 2023

SOUL HEALTH CLI

SOUL HEALTH CLI

Parishioners' Vote
Saturday, October 14th 2023 after the 4:30pm Mass

After three parish meetings over the past year exploring different options for the future of our parish, and after a serious review of our current financial and pastoral situation, the wardens of St. Thomas More Parish will be seeking a formal recommendation from our parish membership to be submitted to the Archbishop. Our congregation has declined over the years, and consequently so have our revenues, while expenses such as insurance, heating and maintenance are constantly increasing. As well, the church needs repairs - roof, front steps, basement – in the neighbourhood of $300,000, yet our revenues do not even cover our basic operational expenses.

This vote does not bind the Archbishop either way, but it serves to give him the pulse of the community.

For legal purposes, only parishioners who live within the boundaries of St Thomas More technically have a vote. At the same time, we know that many of you have been longtime parishioners live outside the boundaries and we want to know your point of view also. When we have the vote on October 14, you will be asked to indicate on your ballot whether you live within or outside the boundaries. The vote will be taken by secret ballot, in the church, immediately following the 4:30pm Mass.

This is the resolution on which you will be invited
to express your recommendation:
Be it resolved, this assembly recommends to Archbishop Christian Lepine the closure of the Parish of St. Thomas More, and the integration of her territory, pastoral responsibilities, assets and liabilities, to the Parish of St. Willibrord. In this way, we can form one strong and united English Catholic community in Verdun. Until such time as a decision is made on the future of the rectory and church, worship would continue to take place at St. Thomas More church.

Mass Schedule & Intentions

27th Sunday of Ordinary Time
Saturday, October 7th 2023
William Furlong by His Mother

A warm welcome and many thanks to Father Lou Cerulli,
who will celebrate our Mass this weekend!

Sanctuary Lamp
Our Sanctuary Lamp this week is burning for
Lilly & Bill Fitzgerald by Darlene & Barry Fitzgerald

Caution!
One of the windows at the back of the church (to the left as you walk in from the main entrance) is severely damaged and buckling in. The immediate area below as well as a portion of the pews there have been taped off for the safety of parishioners.

The Bannantyne side entrance and chair lift will remain accessible, as well as the votive candles -- you'll just have to take the long way around!

Annual Rosary Rally - October 14th at Noon
October is the month of the Rosary and all are invited to the Public Square Rosary Rally at the Tortue Wharf (south side of Lasalle Boulevard between Godwin & Riverview). This time of prayer will be offered for the intentions of reparation and conversion.

For further information, please contact Caroline Landry (514-767-6256)
or Maureen Dearden (514-751-2733).

Sincerest appreciation is extended to all who supported and joined the Rosary Rally last year, and the group is looking forward to seeing you there!

St. Vincent de Paul Society: Autumn Food Drive Continues!
In anticipation of a greater need in the community this coming holiday season, the St. Vincent de Paul Society is running an Autumn Food Drive to begin early preparations for their annual Christmas Baskets.

Until October 14th, you can drop off donations of canned goods and other non-perishable items in the boxes at the back of the church. Monetary donations can be placed in the St. Vincent de Paul boxes on the walls by the main entrance, and are eligible to be included in your income tax receipts for this year (contact the Office for more details).

You can also swing by the Office with any donations during regular office hours.

Your support is greatly appreciated!

50/50 Draw Returns!
Get your tickets for the October 50/50 after the 4:30pm Mass -- 1 for $2, 3 for $5, or 7 for $10.

The draw will take place on Saturday, October 28th after Mass.

Finances - September Snapshot
Receipts: $5,303.75
Disbursements: $12,040.10
Deficit: $6,736.35

Office Hours
The Office will be closed on Monday, October 9th for Thanksgiving.

Regular Office Hours are Monday-Tuesday and Thursday-Friday, 9:00am-3:30pm (closed on Wednesday).

Sanctuary Lamp
Every week, the candle above the tabernacle is lit, and can be lit in memory of a loved one or for special intentions for a suggested offering of $20. For more information and to book a specific week please contact the office.

What's up in the Archdiocese?
Sign up for the Newsletter of the Catholic Church of Montreal for all the latest news from the Archdiocese!