Dear Parishioners and Friends,
We passed the halfway mark for Lent this week! Have you encountered the Lord on your journey to Easter yet, or do you still feel like you are wandering?
In the last half of the Lenten Season, we encourage you all to continue your Lenten Disciplines and to explore the opportunities below to continue cultivating your holy ground so that at Easter you may harvest the fruits of Lent, and truly taste and see that the Lord is good!
***
Regular Mass Schedule & Intentions for the week of March 26 – April 1, 2022:
Saturday, March 26th – 4:00pm: For all Parishioners
Sunday, March 27th – 9:30am: Andy Thompson, Sr., by His Wife & Family
Tuesday, March 29th – 11:00am: Tom Hendricks by Eileen Ford
Thursday, March 31st – 11:00am: Beatrice & Reg Gilhuly by Ann Foran
***
For the People and the Planet: Upcoming Special Collection
The annual Development & Peace collection for Share Lent will be taken up as a Second Collection next weekend (April 2nd-3rd) using the blue Maintenance envelopes in the boxed sets. If you don’t use boxed sets, extra envelopes are available at the back of the church for you to make a contribution.
The Share Lent theme this year is “People & Planet First” and for more information, visit the Share Lent 2022 Campaign page.
Support the parish with your time, talent, and treasure!
Time: If you’re already attending Mass, why not take a small leap of faith into volunteering? Make a gift of your time by volunteering for Coffee Hour, taking up the collection, or greeting at the door.
Talent: Combine the gift of time with something you love doing, and contribute your talent to our parish! These could be: reading at Mass, assisting with various technological needs, or baking something delicious to share at Coffee Hour!
Sharing your time and talent contributes to the needs of God’s people so contact the Parish Office to let us know how you can help, and let your light shine!
Treasure: The weekly collection is an incredibly important resource for the parish, and your contributions to it support our various programs and efforts to serve our parish and our community.
For parishioners who prefer to be paperless, regular or one-time donations can also be made at https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/50630. Canada Helps is a secure online platform that’s a good alternative to envelopes for parishioners who cannot easily get to the parish to drop off their donations, or even for those who wish to go paperless.
***
Spiritual Support & Solidarity: Ways to Unite in Prayer with the Church Worldwide
From the Vatican: Act of Consecration of Russia & Ukraine to Our Lady
Click here for Pope Francis' Act of Consecration of Russia & Ukraine to Our Lady, shared to unite the world in prayer today on the Solemnity of the Annunciation.
A Conversation with Sr Marie-Laure Simon, CND
In-person event at the Newman Centre – March 26th 2022, 2:30pm-4:00pm
Come to the Newman Centre at McGill (3484 Peel) and learn from 94-year-old Mohawk CND Sister Marie-Laure Simon, who founded and ran the Wampum Centre for over 25 years to provide a space for discussion and learning between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. Register by emailing francois.lepine-cossette@mail.mcgill.ca
Indigenous Delegation to the Holy See
In solidarity with the Indigenous Delegation to the Holy See, Our Lady of Guadalupe Circle has developed two resources to help Canadian Catholics unite in prayer for reconciliation and for the members of the Delegation meeting with Pope Francis from March 28th – April 1st.
Download the prayer card for the intercessions of Our Lady of Guadalupe here, and read more about the Sacred Fire prayer initiative here.
Click here for more information on the Delegation to the Holy See.
Our Lady of Guadalupe Circle is a Catholic coalition of Indigenous people, bishops, clergy, lay movements and institutes of consecrated life, engaged in renewing and fostering relationships between the Catholic Church and Indigenous Peoples in Canada.
***
Our Lord did retreats too – consider doing one this Lent!
Lenten Encounters: A Day Retreat at Mission Marie Auxilatrice, March 26th 2022 from 10:30am-4:30pm ($20 registration)
8555 boul Maurice Duplessis, Rivière des Prairies H1E 4C3
Led by Jesuit priest Father Kevin Kelly SJ and Spiritual Director Dina Amicone, this day retreat on March 26th 2022 at Mission Marie Auxiliatrice will provide you an opportunity to explore how God meets us in our isolation to lead us into renewal and hope. Register at https://bit.ly/3wAV6ka and bring your Bible, notepad, pen, and a packed lunch!
Enhance & enliven your golden years with the Pillars Trust Fund!
Last summer and fall, the Pillars Trust Fund and the English-Speaking Catholic Council hosted a series of in-person information and social sessions for older Catholics throughout the Archdiocese. Facilitated by knowledgeable and engaging experts, these workshops provided a safe and supportive space for seniors to learn more about topics such as Mental Health & Aging, Navigating the Health & Social Service System, and Re-location.
Pillars and the ESCC would now like to expand the number of parishes where workshops are offered and plan for events to be hosted in the spring 2022.
To gauge the level of interest and to ensure that the topics are of interest to our community, please take few minutes to complete this questionnaire.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Anna Farrow at escc@bellnet.ca or 514-937-2301 ex. 256
Do any of these photos ring a bell for you?
Montreal has seemingly countless churches, and we invite you to explore La Ville au Cent Clochers (the City of 100 Belltowers) on Facebook to make their virtual acquaintance: https://www.facebook.com/LaVilleAuxCentClochers/
Perhaps, you might even consider visiting a new church in person as part of a Lenten pilgrimage within the city!
***
Yours in Christ,
Father Robert Assaly +
Friday, March 25, 2022
Friday, March 18, 2022
Soul Health LXXI
Dear Parishioners and Friends,
During the season of Lent, Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving help us cultivate holy ground within our hearts - the spiritual ground in which the seeds of Faith, Hope, and Charity are planted, so that we may bear much fruit for God.
Although giving during the Lenten season is often talked about in terms of donating money, remember that we are all called to give not just of our treasure, but of our time and talent as well. Consider making a gift of your time and talent by contributing to Coffee Hour either by setting up or by bringing goodies to share with your fellow parishioners!
***
Regular Mass Schedule & Intentions for the week of March 19-25, 2022
Saturday, March 19th – 4:00pm: For all Parishioners
Sunday, March 20th – 9:30am: Adolf Schweighart by Mr & Mrs Denis Hebert
Tuesday, March 22nd – 11:00am: Anniversary of William Warren by Bill & Denise
Thursday, March 24th – 11:00am: Anniversary of Hugh McGlynn by His Family
***
Help Wanted
The parish is in need of a part-time skilled handyman to help with maintenance and small repairs. This position will provide occasional work with compensation based on skills. For more information, please contact Father Robert by calling the parish office or emailing him at vicarofverdun@gmail.com
Ways to Give: The Weekly Collection!
The weekly collection is an incredibly important resource for the parish, and your contributions to it support our various programs and efforts to serve our parish and our community.
For parishioners who prefer to be paperless, regular or one-time donations can also be made at https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/50630. Canada Helps is a secure online platform that’s a good alternative to envelopes for parishioners who cannot easily get to the parish to drop off their donations, or even for those who wish to go paperless.
***
Celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Archbishop Christian Lépine!
Sunday March 20th, 2:00pm at Mary Queen of the World Cathedral
On this milestone anniversary of Most Rev. Christian Lépine’s appointment as Archbishop, the Archdiocese of Montreal extends an invitation to all to a Mass of Thanksgiving at Mary Queen of the World Cathedral (downtown, at the intersection of Mansfield and René-Lévesque).
Unite in Prayer! Supporting the Indigenous Delegation to the Holy See
Our Lady of Guadalupe Circle is a Catholic coalition of Indigenous people, bishops, clergy, lay movements and institutes of consecrated life, engaged in renewing and fostering relationships between the Catholic Church and Indigenous Peoples in Canada.
In solidarity with the Indigenous Delegation to the Holy See, Our Lady of Guadalupe Circle has developed two resources to help Canadian Catholics unite in prayer for reconciliation and for the members of the Delegation meeting with Pope Francis between March 28th and April 1st, 2022.
Download the prayer card for the intercessions of Our Lady of Guadalupe here, and read more about the Sacred Fire prayer initiative here.
Click here for more information on the Delegation to the Holy See.
Just how many church belltowers does Montreal have, anyway?
Certainly more than 100 - but we invite you to explore La Ville au Cent Clochers (the City of 100 Belltowers) all the same! Consider visiting a new church as part of a Lenten pilgrimage, and with all the churches in Montreal you don’t have to go far, either! Check out La Ville au Cent Clochers on Facebook to make their virtual acquaintance: https://www.facebook.com/LaVilleAuxCentClochers/
Called to be peacemakers: Messages from the Pope & the Archbishop
Click here for Pope Francis' latest address and prayer for peace in Ukraine, from his General Audience this Wednesday.
Click here to read the Archbishop’s letter to the Catholics of Montreal, in which he invites each one of us to “fast and pray for peace in Ukraine, for victims of the attacks, the soldiers, the civilians, and the bereaved families.”
***
Yours in Christ,
Father Robert Assaly +
During the season of Lent, Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving help us cultivate holy ground within our hearts - the spiritual ground in which the seeds of Faith, Hope, and Charity are planted, so that we may bear much fruit for God.
Although giving during the Lenten season is often talked about in terms of donating money, remember that we are all called to give not just of our treasure, but of our time and talent as well. Consider making a gift of your time and talent by contributing to Coffee Hour either by setting up or by bringing goodies to share with your fellow parishioners!
***
Regular Mass Schedule & Intentions for the week of March 19-25, 2022
Saturday, March 19th – 4:00pm: For all Parishioners
Sunday, March 20th – 9:30am: Adolf Schweighart by Mr & Mrs Denis Hebert
Tuesday, March 22nd – 11:00am: Anniversary of William Warren by Bill & Denise
Thursday, March 24th – 11:00am: Anniversary of Hugh McGlynn by His Family
***
Help Wanted
The parish is in need of a part-time skilled handyman to help with maintenance and small repairs. This position will provide occasional work with compensation based on skills. For more information, please contact Father Robert by calling the parish office or emailing him at vicarofverdun@gmail.com
Ways to Give: The Weekly Collection!
The weekly collection is an incredibly important resource for the parish, and your contributions to it support our various programs and efforts to serve our parish and our community.
For parishioners who prefer to be paperless, regular or one-time donations can also be made at https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/50630. Canada Helps is a secure online platform that’s a good alternative to envelopes for parishioners who cannot easily get to the parish to drop off their donations, or even for those who wish to go paperless.
***
Celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Archbishop Christian Lépine!
Sunday March 20th, 2:00pm at Mary Queen of the World Cathedral
On this milestone anniversary of Most Rev. Christian Lépine’s appointment as Archbishop, the Archdiocese of Montreal extends an invitation to all to a Mass of Thanksgiving at Mary Queen of the World Cathedral (downtown, at the intersection of Mansfield and René-Lévesque).
Unite in Prayer! Supporting the Indigenous Delegation to the Holy See
Our Lady of Guadalupe Circle is a Catholic coalition of Indigenous people, bishops, clergy, lay movements and institutes of consecrated life, engaged in renewing and fostering relationships between the Catholic Church and Indigenous Peoples in Canada.
In solidarity with the Indigenous Delegation to the Holy See, Our Lady of Guadalupe Circle has developed two resources to help Canadian Catholics unite in prayer for reconciliation and for the members of the Delegation meeting with Pope Francis between March 28th and April 1st, 2022.
Download the prayer card for the intercessions of Our Lady of Guadalupe here, and read more about the Sacred Fire prayer initiative here.
Click here for more information on the Delegation to the Holy See.
Just how many church belltowers does Montreal have, anyway?
Certainly more than 100 - but we invite you to explore La Ville au Cent Clochers (the City of 100 Belltowers) all the same! Consider visiting a new church as part of a Lenten pilgrimage, and with all the churches in Montreal you don’t have to go far, either! Check out La Ville au Cent Clochers on Facebook to make their virtual acquaintance: https://www.facebook.com/LaVilleAuxCentClochers/
Called to be peacemakers: Messages from the Pope & the Archbishop
Click here for Pope Francis' latest address and prayer for peace in Ukraine, from his General Audience this Wednesday.
Click here to read the Archbishop’s letter to the Catholics of Montreal, in which he invites each one of us to “fast and pray for peace in Ukraine, for victims of the attacks, the soldiers, the civilians, and the bereaved families.”
***
Yours in Christ,
Father Robert Assaly +
Friday, March 11, 2022
Soul Health LXX
Dear Parishioners and Friends,
**Don't forget - clocks are going forward this Sunday, March 13th 2022!**
Good news! As of tomorrow, the vaccine passport in Quebec is no more (except in federally regulated matters such as borders). As such, just as we are "neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for [we] are all one in Christ Jesus" (Gal. 3:28) we are neither vaccinated nor unvaccinated.
The matter of vaccinations has caused much division, not least in the Church in Quebec. In our parish we overcame this by offering masses which all could attend, even if outdoors in deep chill, bringing everyone together.
Going forward, each person's vaccine information like any other medical information is a personal matter; in our parish do not ask anyone about their status. If you are asked, please do not indicate, so as not play into these potential divisions.
***
As we journey through Lent together, let us unite in our Lenten prayers for peace.
Click here to read the Archbishop’s letter to the Catholics of Montreal, in which he invites each one of us to “fast and pray for peace in Ukraine, for victims of the attacks, the soldiers, the civilians, and the bereaved families.”
Click here to read Pope Francis’ Angelus Address on Sunday, March 6, and here for his appeal to Catholics worldwide to offer prayers and fasting for peace in Ukraine.
For a fruitful Lent, consider the following as Lenten Disciplines:
- Attending a weekday Mass – after all, it is the highest form of prayer!
- Joining Adult Faith Formation at Saint Thomas More every Sunday morning at 8:00am to take a deeper dive into the Creed with Bishop Barron.
- Attending Coffee Hour to build community and fellowship in our parish – and if you’re already attending, consider volunteering as a member of the Coffee Crew!
***
Mass Schedule & Intentions for the week of March 12 – March 18
Saturday, March 12th – 4:00pm: Charles Boutet by His Family
Sunday, March 13th – 9:30am: For all Parishioners
Tuesday, March 15th – 11:00am: Anniversary of Rita Warren by Bill & Denise
Thursday, March 17th – 11:00am: Feast of Saint Patrick
***
Adult Faith Formation: Sundays at 8:00am in the Hall
We extend a warm invitation to all parishioners to join Adult Faith Formation for this year's Lent program. From now until Holy Week, we're meeting in the Hall every Sunday at 8:00am to grow in faith and fellowship, and we'd love to have you with us! Alongside Candidates for Easter Sacraments, their Sponsors, and fellow parishioners, you'll learn more about the faith through Bishop Barron's study program on the Creed, and more about what we're called to do as Catholics and followers of Christ through catechesis on the Sacraments of Initiation. Please email Angela at pa.englishparishes.verdun@gmail.com or speak to her at Coffee Hour!
Help Wanted
The parish is in need of a part-time handyman to help with maintenance and small repairs. This position will provide occasional work with compensation based on skills. For more information, please contact Father Robert by calling the parish office or emailing him at vicarofverdun@gmail.com
Making Online Contributions
The weekly collection is an incredibly important resource for the parish, and your contributions to it support our various programs and efforts to serve our parish and our community.
For parishioners who prefer to be paperless, regular or one-time donations can also be made at https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/50630. Canada Helps is a secure online platform that’s a good alternative to envelopes for parishioners who cannot easily get to the parish to drop off their donations, or even for those who wish to go paperless.
***
Montreal – la Ville aux Cent Clochers (the City of 100 Belltowers)
Consider visiting a new church as part of a Lenten pilgrimage - you don’t have to go far, either! Our city is full of beautiful churches just waiting to be discovered! Check out La Ville au Cent Clochers on Facebook to make their virtual acquaintance: https://www.facebook.com/LaVilleAuxCentClochers/
Get the luck of Irish on St Patrick’s Day with the Pillars Trust Fund! **50/50 Draw for Easter Food Bags**
Spring is in the air, and the Pillars Trust is excited to be organizing their first ever Easter Food Bags project. They will be helping 96 families in need in multiple parishes across the diocese with food this spring. To help pay for this food, Pillars Trust invites you to please consider making a tax-deductible donation to the Pillars Trust fund today. Or if you are feeling lucky, you can buy tickets for their Easter 50/50 draw, all the proceeds of which will be going towards the Easter Food Bags. You can buy your tickets on the Pillars Trust website: https://www.pillarstrust.org/2022/03/easter-50-50-draw/
Women’s Retreat: Finding God in the Thin Places
**Offered Online** Wednesday March 16th 2022, 9:30am-12:00pm
Led by Sr. Pat O’Neill, SNJM, and Vita Lewis, this half-day virtual retreat provides an opportunity for women all throughout the Archdiocese to make time to nourish mind, heart, and spirit. These retreats from the Ignatian Spirituality Centre and Villa Saint-Martin happen every month – if you haven’t attended before, consider attending this one as part of your Lenten discipline this year!
For more information, contact co-host Vita Lewis at vitaclewis@gmail.com or call 514-694-1118.
***
Yours in Christ,
Father Robert Assaly +
Friday, March 4, 2022
Soul Health LXVIII
Dear Parishioners and Friends,
Lent has started, and with it has come the blessing of not only being able to celebrate Mass together once again but also opportunities to build up our parish community!
You'll find more information about these opportunities down below, along with ways to nourish your soul on your Lenten journey this year!
***
Access to the Church
The main entrance to the church will be open this week!
Weekday Mass: A Great Addition to your Lenten Prayers and Sacrifices
The Mass is the highest form of prayer and the greatest opportunity we have to offer ourselves in sacrifice and thanksgiving to God. Consider adding a weekday Mass to your Lenten journey this year to increase your prayer life and to offer up your time, and join Fr Robert in the Sacristy on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11:00am.
For all Masses, please observe the following:
- Masks, social distancing, and sanitization are required
- Communion will be brought to you in place
Mass intentions for the week of February 12-19:
- Saturday, March 5: 4:00pm – For all parishioners
- Sunday, March 6: 9:30am – Mrs Carmella Nudo by her Family
- Tuesday, March 8: 11:00am – Anniversary of Evelyn Warren, by Bill & Denise
- Thursday, March 10: 11:00am – Miriam, Paddy Wiseman, Bob Wiseman by Ann Foran
***
Adult Faith Formation: Lent 2022 – The Creed
In-person gatherings for Adult Faith Formation will take place at Saint Thomas More on Sunday mornings at 8:00am followed by Mass at 9:30am. Adult Faith Formation is open to all adults seeking to learn more about the Catholic faith, not just Candidates for Sacraments or their Sponsors!
If you are able to commit to weekly participation as part of your Lenten disciplines of prayer and sacrifice, we encourage you to join us on this Lenten journey of faith, formation, and fellowship! For more information, visit the Adult Faith Formation landing page.
If you have further questions or wish to register, please speak with Angela after the Sunday 9:30am Mass, or fill out the “More Information & Registration” form available through the link above.
Coffee Hour is coming back! Sundays, after the 9:30am Mass
Coffee occupies an interesting niche in Christian history, initially causing such a stir when it was first introduced to Western Europe in the 9th Century that it was dubbed a "hellish drink" and Christians were discouraged from drinking it.
Fast forward a few centuries, and sharing a cup of coffee with fellow parishioners after church has become a hallmark of parish life - one that we've greatly missed due to pandemic restrictions. Join us downstairs in the Hall starting on Sunday, March 6th after Mass - and keep coming back each week to help build our parish community!
We need volunteers!
There are so many ways to contribute to the needs of God's people and to let your light shine! Please contact the parish office if you are interested in volunteering. Possible ways to contribute as a Mass volunteer include: reading, taking the collection, greeting parishioners at the door, sanitizing inside, and setting up for Coffee Hour after Mass!
Help Wanted
The parish is in need of a part-time handyman to help with maintenance and small repairs. This position will provide occasional work with compensation based on skills. For more information, please contact Father Robert by calling the parish office or emailing him at vicarofverdun@gmail.com
Magnificat: March Edition
The March edition of Magnificat is now available at the back of the church for those who subscribe.
Collection Envelopes and Making Online Contributions
Envelopes are available at the back of the church. If you haven't signed up for a set before and would like a set for 2022, please contact the parish office.
For parishioners who prefer to be paperless, regular or one-time donations can also be made at https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/50630. Canada Helps is a secure online platform that’s a good alternative to envelopes for parishioners who cannot easily get to the parish to drop off their donations, or even for those who wish to go paperless.
The weekly collection is an incredibly important resource for the parish, and your contributions to it support our various programs and efforts to serve our parish and our community.
***
May we be instruments of Peace: Letters from Archbishop Christian Lépine & Pope Francis
Click here to read the Archbishop’s letter to the Catholics of Montreal, in which he invites each one of us to “fast and pray for peace in Ukraine, for victims of the attacks, the soldiers, the civilians, and the bereaved families.”
Click here to read Pope Francis’ appeal on February 23 2022 to world leaders to “examine their consciences seriously before God” which he delivered only hours before the attack on Ukraine began last week. On February 27, Pope Francis renewed his appeal and urged us all to prayer and fasting for the intention of peace in Ukraine; you can read it here.
Couch Talks – March 8 2022, 8:30pm: Where has the spark gone?
Join hosts Bridget Bagshaw and Karl Santaguida along couples all throughout the Archdiocese for the March instalment of the Couch Talks series! This month, Couch Talks takes a deeper dive into intimacy while providing a relaxed, welcoming, and safe atmosphere for all participants to share their ideas and experiences.
For more information and register, visit the Couch Talks microsite.
Support after the loss of your spouse (Monthly Widow(er) Support Group) – March 7 2022, 9:30am
Meeting online (for now) on the first Monday of every month, this support group provides a space for those who have lost their spouse to share, listen, and support one another in the context of faith. Contact Anne Parsons at 514-457-2183 for more information and to register.
Women’s Retreat: Finding God in the Thin Places
**Offered Online** Wednesday March 16th 2022, 9:30am-12:00pm
Led by Sr. Pat O’Neill, SNJM, and Vita Lewis, this half-day virtual retreat provides an opportunity for women all throughout the Archdiocese to make time to nourish mind, heart, and spirit. These retreats from the Ignatian Spirituality Centre and Villa Saint-Martin happen every month – if you haven’t attended before, consider attending this one as part of your Lenten discipline this year!
For more information, contact co-host Vita Lewis at vitaclewis@gmail.com or call 514-694-1118.
***
Yours in Christ,
Father Robert Assaly +
Tuesday, March 1, 2022
Soul Health Special Edition
The Lord has made known his salvation: Information for Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday
Dear Parishioners and Friends,
Lent is upon us!
Today is Shrove Tuesday. With “shrove” being an Old English word meaning “confessed,” this day is a golden opportunity to prepare for your Lenten journey with the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession).
***
Shrove Tuesday schedule:
St Thomas More
- Confessions: 10:00am – 10:50am at the back of the church
- Mass: 11:00am in the Sacristy
St Willibrord
Cancelled
Ash Wednesday schedule:
St Thomas More
- Confessions: 10:00am – 10:50am at the back of the church
- Mass: 11:00am
St Willibrord
- Confessions: 6:00pm-6:50pm by the organ
- Rosary for peace in the Ukraine: 6:15pm in the church
led by Maureen Dearden and Christina Parsons
- Mass: 7:00pm
- Adult Faith Formation: 8:00pm downstairs
Remember that Ash Wednesday is a day of fasting and abstinence.
Fasting: One full meal during the day. Two smaller meals may also be taken, but their combined amount should not be equal to that of a full meal. The norms of fasting are obligatory for Catholics between the ages of 18 and 59, unless exempted due to medical circumstances.
Abstinence: Including every Friday in Lent, this means no meat may be consumed. Seafood, dairy, and eggs are permitted. The norms of abstinence are obligatory for Catholics above the age of 14.
***
Yours in Christ,
Father Robert Assaly +
Friday, February 25, 2022
Soul Health LXVIII
Dear Parishioners and Friends,
The requirement for vaccination passports to enter places of worship has, at last, been lifted!
As we prepare to celebrate Mass this weekend together under one roof again, vaccinated and unvaccinated alike, let us not forget that our faith also calls us to be kind and compassionate, and to love as God has loved us.
***
Due to the treacherous ice conditions outside the church, the front steps and main entrance of the church are off limits until further notice. Please use the street-level doors on Moffat or Bannantyne.
***
Lent is nigh! Shrove Tuesday, March 1, and Ash Wednesday, March 2
The season of Lent begins this coming week!
Shrove Tuesday (Shrove=Confessed/absolved) Confession & Mass Schedule:
- St Thomas More: 10:00am-10:50am - Confession (in the confessional at the back of the church); 11:00am - Mass in the Sacristy
- St Willibrord: 7:00pm-8:00pm - Confession (St Willibrord Rectory Chapel)
Ash Wednesday Confession & Mass Schedule:
- Saint Thomas More: 10:00am-10:50am - Confession; 11:00am - Mass
- Saint Willibrord: 6:00pm - Confession; 7:00pm - Mass
Remember that Ash Wednesday is a day of fasting and abstinence in the Catholic Church.
- Fasting: One full meal during the day. Two smaller meals may also be taken, but their combined amount should not be equal to that of a full meal. The norms of fasting are obligatory for Catholics between the ages of 18 and 59, unless exempted due to medical circumstances.
- Abstinence: Including every Friday in Lent. No meat -- seafood, eggs, and dairy are permitted. The norms of abstinence are obligatory for Catholics above the age of 14.
***
Weekend Mass Schedule:
- Saturday: Confession, 3:30pm; Mass, 4:00pm
- Sunday: Confession, 9:00am; Mass, 9:30am
Weekday Masses
- Tuesday and Thursday at 11:00am in the Sacristy
For all Masses, please observe the following:
- Masks, social distancing, and sanitization are required
- Communion will be brought to you in place
Mass intentions for the week of February 12-19:
- Saturday, February 26: 4:00pm – Joyce Neeson by Maureen Dearden
- Sunday, February 27: 9:30am – For all parishioners
- Tuesday, March 1: 11:00am – Deceased Members of the Gallagher and Purcell Families by Their Estate
- Wednesday, March 2: 11:00am – Deceased Members of the Alguire and Robidoux Family by their Estate
- Thursday, March 3: 11:00am – John & Joan Purcell by Their Estate
***
Adult Faith Formation: The Lenten Journey
This Lent, we invite all parishioners to join the adult candidates preparing for Easter Sacraments on the Lenten journey of formation, fellowship, and faith!
Adult Faith Formation will be meeting in person, starting on Ash Wednesday with Mass at 7:00pm and a Gathering afterwards. After Ash Wednesday, AFF will meet on Sunday mornings – details for these Sunday Gatherings will be announced at our Gathering on Ash Wednesday.
If you are interested in joining Adult Faith Formation, please contact Father Robert (vicarofverdun@gmail.com) or Angela (pa.englishparishes.verdun@gmail.com).
***
Help Wanted
The parish is in need of a part-time groundskeeper to help with maintenance and small repairs. Occasional hours, depending on the jobs that need to be done; compensation dependent upon skills. For more information, please contact Father Robert by calling the parish office or emailing him at vicarofverdun@gmail.com.
We need volunteers!
Possible ways to contribute as a Mass volunteer include: reading, taking the collection, greeting parishioners at the door, sanitizing inside, and setting up for Coffee Hour after Mass! There are so many ways to contribute to the needs of God's people and to let your light shine! Please contact the parish office if you are interested in volunteering.
Magnificat: March Edition and Lent 2022 Companion
The March edition of Magnificat has been delayed, but should be available by Ash Wednesday.
Copies of the Lent 2022 Companion by Magnificat are available at the back of the church for $2 per copy. With reflections on the daily readings, prayers, and quotes to contemplate, the Lent Companion provides readers with ways and opportunities to bring the Word into daily life and turn the Word into living faith.
Envelopes are provided inside each copy so you can drop your payment in the collection basket. Current subscribers to Magnificat will be able to pick up their Lent 2022 Companion this weekend.
Collection Envelopes and Making Online Contributions
Envelopes are available at the back of the church. If you haven't signed up for a set before and would like a set for 2022, please contact the parish office.
For parishioners who prefer to be paperless, regular or one-time donations can also be made at https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/50630. Canada Helps is a secure online platform that’s a good alternative to envelopes for parishioners who cannot easily get to the parish to drop off their donations, or even for those who wish to go paperless.
The weekly collection is an incredibly important resource for the parish, and your contributions to it support our various programs and efforts to serve our parish and our community.
***
February 26th: Accompaniment & Support for Persons who are Separated or Divorced
The Diocesan Centre for Marriage, Life and Family invites individuals who are separated or divorced to join Deacon Francis Joannette in a journey towards rebuilding themselves in Christ. The next encounter in this free series is on February 26 from 1:30pm-3:30pm (includes a break) and will explore the topic “It is in weakness that I am strong: When you don’t have the strength to move on.”
Those interested in participating can register by filling out the form located here.
For more information, contact the Centre for Marriage, Life and Family at centreDMVF@diocesemontreal.org or 514-925-4300 x 206.
***
Yours in Christ,
Father Robert Assaly +
The requirement for vaccination passports to enter places of worship has, at last, been lifted!
As we prepare to celebrate Mass this weekend together under one roof again, vaccinated and unvaccinated alike, let us not forget that our faith also calls us to be kind and compassionate, and to love as God has loved us.
***
Due to the treacherous ice conditions outside the church, the front steps and main entrance of the church are off limits until further notice. Please use the street-level doors on Moffat or Bannantyne.
***
Lent is nigh! Shrove Tuesday, March 1, and Ash Wednesday, March 2
The season of Lent begins this coming week!
Shrove Tuesday (Shrove=Confessed/absolved) Confession & Mass Schedule:
- St Thomas More: 10:00am-10:50am - Confession (in the confessional at the back of the church); 11:00am - Mass in the Sacristy
- St Willibrord: 7:00pm-8:00pm - Confession (St Willibrord Rectory Chapel)
Ash Wednesday Confession & Mass Schedule:
- Saint Thomas More: 10:00am-10:50am - Confession; 11:00am - Mass
- Saint Willibrord: 6:00pm - Confession; 7:00pm - Mass
Remember that Ash Wednesday is a day of fasting and abstinence in the Catholic Church.
- Fasting: One full meal during the day. Two smaller meals may also be taken, but their combined amount should not be equal to that of a full meal. The norms of fasting are obligatory for Catholics between the ages of 18 and 59, unless exempted due to medical circumstances.
- Abstinence: Including every Friday in Lent. No meat -- seafood, eggs, and dairy are permitted. The norms of abstinence are obligatory for Catholics above the age of 14.
***
Weekend Mass Schedule:
- Saturday: Confession, 3:30pm; Mass, 4:00pm
- Sunday: Confession, 9:00am; Mass, 9:30am
Weekday Masses
- Tuesday and Thursday at 11:00am in the Sacristy
For all Masses, please observe the following:
- Masks, social distancing, and sanitization are required
- Communion will be brought to you in place
Mass intentions for the week of February 12-19:
- Saturday, February 26: 4:00pm – Joyce Neeson by Maureen Dearden
- Sunday, February 27: 9:30am – For all parishioners
- Tuesday, March 1: 11:00am – Deceased Members of the Gallagher and Purcell Families by Their Estate
- Wednesday, March 2: 11:00am – Deceased Members of the Alguire and Robidoux Family by their Estate
- Thursday, March 3: 11:00am – John & Joan Purcell by Their Estate
***
Adult Faith Formation: The Lenten Journey
This Lent, we invite all parishioners to join the adult candidates preparing for Easter Sacraments on the Lenten journey of formation, fellowship, and faith!
Adult Faith Formation will be meeting in person, starting on Ash Wednesday with Mass at 7:00pm and a Gathering afterwards. After Ash Wednesday, AFF will meet on Sunday mornings – details for these Sunday Gatherings will be announced at our Gathering on Ash Wednesday.
If you are interested in joining Adult Faith Formation, please contact Father Robert (vicarofverdun@gmail.com) or Angela (pa.englishparishes.verdun@gmail.com).
***
Help Wanted
The parish is in need of a part-time groundskeeper to help with maintenance and small repairs. Occasional hours, depending on the jobs that need to be done; compensation dependent upon skills. For more information, please contact Father Robert by calling the parish office or emailing him at vicarofverdun@gmail.com.
We need volunteers!
Possible ways to contribute as a Mass volunteer include: reading, taking the collection, greeting parishioners at the door, sanitizing inside, and setting up for Coffee Hour after Mass! There are so many ways to contribute to the needs of God's people and to let your light shine! Please contact the parish office if you are interested in volunteering.
Magnificat: March Edition and Lent 2022 Companion
The March edition of Magnificat has been delayed, but should be available by Ash Wednesday.
Copies of the Lent 2022 Companion by Magnificat are available at the back of the church for $2 per copy. With reflections on the daily readings, prayers, and quotes to contemplate, the Lent Companion provides readers with ways and opportunities to bring the Word into daily life and turn the Word into living faith.
Envelopes are provided inside each copy so you can drop your payment in the collection basket. Current subscribers to Magnificat will be able to pick up their Lent 2022 Companion this weekend.
Collection Envelopes and Making Online Contributions
Envelopes are available at the back of the church. If you haven't signed up for a set before and would like a set for 2022, please contact the parish office.
For parishioners who prefer to be paperless, regular or one-time donations can also be made at https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/50630. Canada Helps is a secure online platform that’s a good alternative to envelopes for parishioners who cannot easily get to the parish to drop off their donations, or even for those who wish to go paperless.
The weekly collection is an incredibly important resource for the parish, and your contributions to it support our various programs and efforts to serve our parish and our community.
***
February 26th: Accompaniment & Support for Persons who are Separated or Divorced
The Diocesan Centre for Marriage, Life and Family invites individuals who are separated or divorced to join Deacon Francis Joannette in a journey towards rebuilding themselves in Christ. The next encounter in this free series is on February 26 from 1:30pm-3:30pm (includes a break) and will explore the topic “It is in weakness that I am strong: When you don’t have the strength to move on.”
Those interested in participating can register by filling out the form located here.
For more information, contact the Centre for Marriage, Life and Family at centreDMVF@diocesemontreal.org or 514-925-4300 x 206.
***
Yours in Christ,
Father Robert Assaly +
Friday, February 18, 2022
Soul Health LXVII (67)
Be crowned with kindness and compassion - we have one last weekend of passports and outdoor Masses!
Dear Parishioners and Friends,
COVID-19 regulations for churches and places worship remain in effect for one more weekend.
This weekend will be our last with the 12:30om outdoor Mass at St Willibrord, which is a joint Mass for both parishes. Parishioners who are able to attend the outdoor Mass are encouraged to do so, to stand in solidarity with our unvaccinated brothers and sisters in Christ.
The outdoor Masses these past two months have been a remarkable and inspiring demonstration of the determined and unshakable faith of Montreal's Catholics. Once we are all able to celebrate Mass together under one roof again, vaccinated and unvaccinated alike, let us not forget that our faith also calls us to be kind and compassionate, and to love as God loves us.
***
Weekend Mass Schedule:
- Saturday: Mass, 4:00pm
- Sunday: Mass, 9:30am
- Sunday: 12:30pm Outdoors at the St Willibrord rectory steps (351 Willibrord)
No Confessions before Mass for this weekend only
For all Masses this weekend, please observe the following:
- Masks, social distancing, and sanitization are required
- For indoor Masses, vaccination passports are required for non-volunteer individuals over the age of 13 Unvaccinated children under the age of 13 are welcome
Parishioners wishing to volunteer at Mass may call the parish office!
Possible ways to contribute as a Mass volunteer include: reading, taking the collection, greeting parishioners at the door, assisting with clearing the steps and sanitizing inside... There are so many ways to contribute to the needs of God's people and to let your light shine!
***
Weekday Masses
- Tuesday and Thursday at 11:00am in the Sacristy
- Wednesday at 7:00pm and Friday at 11:00am in the Rectory Chapel
- Vaccination passports are required
- Masks and social distancing are required
Mass intentions for the week of February 12-19:
- Saturday, February 19: 4:00pm – For all parishioners and those who call this parish home
- Sunday, February 20: 9:30am – Mr Adolf Schweighart by Mrs Violet Huggins
- Tuesday, February 22: 11:00am – Patrick & Mary McIver by Their Family
- Thursday, February 24: 11:00am – Victor Olaguera by His Wife & Family
***
Father Robert’s Prayer List
Father Robert is renewing his prayer list. If you would like to add your name or those of your loved ones (up to six names), please contact him at vicarofverdun@gmail.com or contact the parish office.
Income Tax Receipts
Parishioners who requested Income Tax Receipts may pick them up from the table at the back of the church. Receipts are in numerical order according to your envelope numbers.
Collection Envelopes and Making Online Contributions
Parishioners who use envelopes for their Sunday offerings can drop off their envelopes at the parish office while the church is closed. Regular or one-time donations can also be made at https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/50630. Canada Helps is a secure online platform that’s a good alternative to envelopes for parishioners who cannot easily get to the parish to drop off their donations, or even for those who wish to go paperless. The weekly collection is an incredibly important resource for the parish, and your contributions to it support our various programs and efforts to serve our parish and our community.
Called, Chosen, and Sent: An Invitation to Families from Fr Raymond Lafontaine for this Friday, February 18 – 7:00pm
Fr Raymond Lafontaine, Episcopal Vicar, extends a warm invitation to families to join this week’s instalment of Called, Chosen, and Sent, a course inspired by the TV series The Chosen. Focusing on the Season 1 episode, “Jesus Loves the Little Children,” this session provides an opportunity for us all to explore what it means to have child-like faith and to be children of God.
The waiting room for this event opens at 6:45pm and spaces in the Zoom room are limited to 100 participants on a first come, first served basis.
Zoom info: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81610509302
Meeting ID: 816 1050 9302
One tap mobile
+1 438 809 7799,,81610509302# Canada
+16475580588,,81610509302# Canada
+17789072071,,81610509302# Canada
To help you prepare for the event and to view this week's episode beforehand, you are invited to review the Summary Kit below: SUMMARY KIT for Week 3
***
Yours in Christ,
Father Robert Assaly +
Friday, February 11, 2022
Soul Health LXVI (66)
Dear Parishioners and Friends,
These last two weeks especially, I have been present to many people hurting from stigmatization over vaccination status or opposing views on pandemic measures. We re-open the parishes this week in the face of increasing polarization over pandemic responses, especially vaccination passports, in our society, in our families and the Church. Let us endeavour do so in the spirit of unity.
It was well said at Christmas by the Bishop of Pembroke: “Archbishop Lépine of Montreal recently published a very eloquent letter. He asks us to fight the virus instead of fighting each other with judgment and resentment towards those who do not think as we do, between the vaccinated and the non-vaccinated. Otherwise, the virus will win over us and hurt us not only physically and psychologically, but will divide us spiritually to the point of hatred towards our neighbour, instead of the unconditional love that Christ wants to give us by taking on our mortal condition on this great Christmas Day.”
No pastor is called to divide the white sheep from the black sheep, much less based on vaccination status. All are welcome, while we are adhering to all the rules: unvaccinated children under 13 are welcome regardless, as are unvaccinated others who are willing to volunteer during the mass. If you would like to volunteer at mass this weekend, please call me to arrange this by noon Saturday (514-768-4741).
As all others will require vaccination passports, so as not to exclude anyone we are also offering an outdoor joint parish mass Sunday at 12:30pm on the steps of St. Willibrord’s rectory. Singling out the unvaccinated has them, as one stated, “exposed to the gaze and judgment of others.” I encourage you who are able, to come well-dressed and make this your Sunday mass obligation regardless of your vaccination status, as an expression of the light of our unity shining in the darkness of division.
I give the last word to St. Paul: “maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of us all, who is above all and through all and in all.” (Ephesians 4:3-6).
In the Unity of the Holy Trinity, one God,
Father Robert Assaly +
***
The doors are reopening!
These last two weeks especially, I have been present to many people hurting from stigmatization over vaccination status or opposing views on pandemic measures. We re-open the parishes this week in the face of increasing polarization over pandemic responses, especially vaccination passports, in our society, in our families and the Church. Let us endeavour do so in the spirit of unity.
It was well said at Christmas by the Bishop of Pembroke: “Archbishop Lépine of Montreal recently published a very eloquent letter. He asks us to fight the virus instead of fighting each other with judgment and resentment towards those who do not think as we do, between the vaccinated and the non-vaccinated. Otherwise, the virus will win over us and hurt us not only physically and psychologically, but will divide us spiritually to the point of hatred towards our neighbour, instead of the unconditional love that Christ wants to give us by taking on our mortal condition on this great Christmas Day.”
No pastor is called to divide the white sheep from the black sheep, much less based on vaccination status. All are welcome, while we are adhering to all the rules: unvaccinated children under 13 are welcome regardless, as are unvaccinated others who are willing to volunteer during the mass. If you would like to volunteer at mass this weekend, please call me to arrange this by noon Saturday (514-768-4741).
As all others will require vaccination passports, so as not to exclude anyone we are also offering an outdoor joint parish mass Sunday at 12:30pm on the steps of St. Willibrord’s rectory. Singling out the unvaccinated has them, as one stated, “exposed to the gaze and judgment of others.” I encourage you who are able, to come well-dressed and make this your Sunday mass obligation regardless of your vaccination status, as an expression of the light of our unity shining in the darkness of division.
I give the last word to St. Paul: “maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of us all, who is above all and through all and in all.” (Ephesians 4:3-6).
In the Unity of the Holy Trinity, one God,
Father Robert Assaly +
***
The doors are reopening!
Weekend Mass Schedule
Saturday: Confession, 3:30pm; Mass, 4:00pm
Sunday: Confession, 9:00am; Mass, 9:30am
Joint Outdoor Mass at Saint Willibrord Parish, 12:30pm
Weekday Mass Schedule
Tuesday and Thursday at 11:00am in the Sacristy
The Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) is also available throughout the week by appointment. Please contact the parish office.
Saturday: Confession, 3:30pm; Mass, 4:00pm
Sunday: Confession, 9:00am; Mass, 9:30am
Joint Outdoor Mass at Saint Willibrord Parish, 12:30pm
Weekday Mass Schedule
Tuesday and Thursday at 11:00am in the Sacristy
The Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) is also available throughout the week by appointment. Please contact the parish office.
For all Masses (weekend and weekday), please observe the following:
- Masks, social distancing, and sanitization are required inside
- Vaccination passports are required for non-volunteer individuals over the age of 13
- Unvaccinated children under the age of 13 are welcome
Parishioners wishing to volunteer at Mass may call the parish office!
- Possible ways to contribute as a Mass volunteer include: reading, taking the collection, greeting parishioners at the door, assisting with clearing the steps and sanitizing inside... There are so many ways to contribute to the needs of God's people and to let your light shine!
- Mass intentions for the week of February 12-19:
- Saturday, February 12: Harold Murray, by Maureen Dearden
- Sunday, February 13: For all parishioners and those who call this parish home
- Tuesday, February 15: Father Ken Martin, by the Estate
- Thursday, February 17: The Intentions of the Sons of the Olaguera Family, by Agnes Olaguera
Father Robert’s Prayer List
Father Robert is renewing his prayer list. If you would like to add your name or those of your loved ones (up to six names), please contact him at vicarofverdun@gmail.com or contact the parish office.
***
Income Tax Receipts
Parishioners who requested Income Tax Receipts may pick them up from the table at the back of the church. Receipts are in numerical order according to your envelope numbers.
Collection Envelopes and Making Online Contributions
If you've gone paperless, consider making your contribution to the weekly collection through secure electronic donations via Canada Helps at https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/50630.
The weekly collection is an incredibly important resource for the parish, and your contributions to it support our various programs and efforts to serve our parish and our community.
***
Tuesday February 15- Loyola High School: Information Session for September 2022 Enrolment
A Jesuit Catholic high school that offerings a well-rounded educational experience, Loyola High School is currently seeking applications for Secondary 1 through 4 for September 2022. Parents of students currently in Grade 6 or above and eligible for English school are invited to attend Loyola’s 2022-23 Admissions & Bursary Information Session, on Tuesday February 15th at 7:00pm on Zoom. You can register here for this information session, and if you have further questions, please contact Kuljinder Kaur at kaurk@loyola.ca.
The Bible and the Virgin Mary
Parishioners and friends of the parish who are seeking to gain more knowledge of Catholicism and deepen their faith are invited to join Father Robert on this online course taking place on Thursday evenings at 7:00pm!
Developed by the Saint Paul Center and based on Dr Scott Hahn’s book Hail, Holy Queen, participants will rediscover Mother Mary through Sacred Scripture during this course. From the newly confirmed to the fully engaged, this study has something for all Catholics!
The Bible and the Virgin Mary is accessible through the following Zoom link: https://concordia-ca.zoom.us/j/91966291246. More information on this program can be found on the Saint Paul Center website here.
Each gathering for this study begins with 30 minutes of prayer with the Rosary, followed by a video, discussions, and teaching with Father Robert.
- Possible ways to contribute as a Mass volunteer include: reading, taking the collection, greeting parishioners at the door, assisting with clearing the steps and sanitizing inside... There are so many ways to contribute to the needs of God's people and to let your light shine!
- Mass intentions for the week of February 12-19:
- Saturday, February 12: Harold Murray, by Maureen Dearden
- Sunday, February 13: For all parishioners and those who call this parish home
- Tuesday, February 15: Father Ken Martin, by the Estate
- Thursday, February 17: The Intentions of the Sons of the Olaguera Family, by Agnes Olaguera
Father Robert’s Prayer List
Father Robert is renewing his prayer list. If you would like to add your name or those of your loved ones (up to six names), please contact him at vicarofverdun@gmail.com or contact the parish office.
***
Income Tax Receipts
Parishioners who requested Income Tax Receipts may pick them up from the table at the back of the church. Receipts are in numerical order according to your envelope numbers.
Collection Envelopes and Making Online Contributions
If you've gone paperless, consider making your contribution to the weekly collection through secure electronic donations via Canada Helps at https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/50630.
The weekly collection is an incredibly important resource for the parish, and your contributions to it support our various programs and efforts to serve our parish and our community.
***
Tuesday February 15- Loyola High School: Information Session for September 2022 Enrolment
A Jesuit Catholic high school that offerings a well-rounded educational experience, Loyola High School is currently seeking applications for Secondary 1 through 4 for September 2022. Parents of students currently in Grade 6 or above and eligible for English school are invited to attend Loyola’s 2022-23 Admissions & Bursary Information Session, on Tuesday February 15th at 7:00pm on Zoom. You can register here for this information session, and if you have further questions, please contact Kuljinder Kaur at kaurk@loyola.ca.
The Bible and the Virgin Mary
Parishioners and friends of the parish who are seeking to gain more knowledge of Catholicism and deepen their faith are invited to join Father Robert on this online course taking place on Thursday evenings at 7:00pm!
Developed by the Saint Paul Center and based on Dr Scott Hahn’s book Hail, Holy Queen, participants will rediscover Mother Mary through Sacred Scripture during this course. From the newly confirmed to the fully engaged, this study has something for all Catholics!
The Bible and the Virgin Mary is accessible through the following Zoom link: https://concordia-ca.zoom.us/j/91966291246. More information on this program can be found on the Saint Paul Center website here.
Each gathering for this study begins with 30 minutes of prayer with the Rosary, followed by a video, discussions, and teaching with Father Robert.
Wednesday, February 9, 2022
Soul Health Special Edition - February 9th 2022
In the next 48 hours, we will have more clarity on the details for the reopening of the churches this weekend.
For now, here’s what the Mass schedule this weekend will look like for the English Roman Catholic Parishes of Verdun:
Saint Thomas More
Saturday, 4:00pm
Sunday, 9:30am (Confession: 9:00am)
Saint Willibrord
Sunday, 11:15am Indoors (Confession: 11:00am)
12:30pm Outdoors
Sunday, 9:30am (Confession: 9:00am)
Saint Willibrord
Sunday, 11:15am Indoors (Confession: 11:00am)
12:30pm Outdoors
***
The Pillars Trust Fund presents: The Heart of Giving!
Tomorrow, the Pillars Trust Fund is hosting a Virtual Comedy Night fundraiser on Zoom! Funds raised from this event will go towards their first annual Easter Baskets. A collaborative effort between the Pillars Trust Fund and beneficiaries like the Newman Centre, the Easter Baskets will provide support and sustenance to less fortunate.
At a cost of $25 per household, as well as 50/50 raffle tickets at $5 apiece and with other registration options for larger groups, this virtual event will help you contribute to a worthy cause while you laugh the winter blues away! For more information and to register, visit:
https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E920047QE&id=10
Keep an eye on your inbox for the regular weekly edition of Soul Health!
Friday, February 4, 2022
Soul Health LXV (65)
Dear Parishioners and Friends,
The joining on the outdoor altar of parishioners profound offering in the snow and chill to Christ's offering on the Cross speaks volumes, and bears witness to Him as "the light shining in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it" (John 1:5).
Bundle up and joyfully join us for one more weekend celebrating Mass in the open air:
- St Thomas More: Mass at 10:00am on the chu-rch steps, Communion at 10:25am
- St Willibrord: Mass at 11:15am in front of the rectory, Communion at 11:40am
Masks and 1m physical distancing required. Communion will be brought to you in place.
Yours in Christ,
Father Robert Assaly +
***
One more weekend until churches re-open!
For one more Sunday, all are welcome to the open-air Masses, even those who are not parishioners of St Thomas More or St Willibrord! And, if you choose to attend Mass online or on television, consider completing your Sunday with Communion at either church. You can attend Mass online with:
- Saint Ignatius of Loyola https://stig.ca/live-stream/
- Saint Thomas à Becket https://www.becket.ca/
- Saint Joseph’s Oratory https://www.saint-joseph.org/en/keep-in-touch-with-the-oratory/
- On TV, the Salt & Light channel is also a great option for attending Mass virtually
Starting the weekend of February 12th-13th, the Mass schedule at St Thomas More and St Willibrord will be:
- St Thomas More: 9:30am indoors
- St Willibrord: 11:15am indoors, 12:30pm outdoors (Communion at 12:55pm)
Complete details for the reopening of both parishes for Sunday Masses on the weekend of February 12th-13th will be communicated in next week’s newsletters.
Starting next week, we can once again celebrate weekday Mass in the Sacristy!
- Tuesday and Thursday at 11:00am
- Vaccination passports are required
- Masks and social distancing are required
Mass intentions for the week of February 6th-12th:
- Sunday, Feb 6th: For all parishioners and for all who call this parish home
- Tuesday, Feb 8th: Nadine Klians by Melinda & Helmut
- Thursday, Feb 10th: For the Soul of Maurizio by Elena Miroglio
Collection Envelopes and Making Online Contributions
Parishioners who use envelopes for their Sunday offerings can drop off their envelopes at the parish office while the church is closed.
Regular or one-time donations can also be made at https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/50630. Canada Helps is a secure online platform that’s a good alternative to envelopes for parishioners who cannot easily get to the parish to drop off their donations, or even for those who wish to go paperless.
The weekly collection is an incredibly important resource for the parish, and your contributions to it support our various programs and efforts to serve our parish and our community.
***
Montreal Youth Mission / Mission Jeunesse MTL: **Youth Alpha**
If you have done an Alpha course before, you'll already be familiar with how the Alpha program can change your life. The Archdiocese Youth Mission, in collaboration with the parishes of St Ignatius of Loyola and Holy Name of Jesus, is now hosting a virtual Youth Alpha program to bring faith and fellowship to teens all over Montreal!
Running online on Thursday nights (7:00-8:30pm) until March 24th, Youth Alpha is an experience that allows teenagers to come together to talk about life’s big questions, forge new friendships, and grow in faith. New participants can register until February 6th 2022 at https://microsites.diocesemontreal.org/microsites/missionjeunesse-mtl/en/youth-alpha/
**Don't forget!** "Called, Chosen, Gathered, and Sent: A Journey Inspired by The Chosen TV Series" starts tonight!
For those who registered and will be joining Fr Raymond Lafontaine and other Catholics throughout the Archdiocese of Montreal – including Father Robert and Angela! – don’t forget that this program runs on Friday evenings throughout February (Feb 4th, 11th, 18th, and 25th) on Zoom!
This program will help you see the life of Jesus through the eyes of the people that walked on Earth with him – the disciples, Mary his mother, the Pharisees, the children, those he healed. What would that look like? What difference would it make for your personal journey of faith, your experience of belonging to a church community, your witness and service to the world around you?
Did you miss the change to register for live participation? If you’d like to follow along at your own pace, fill out the form at the bottom of this page to receive a virtual kit to guide you on this journey to experience Christ in a whole new way!
Registration is now open until February 5th for the first Bible in a Year Virtual Retreat!
Join Fr Mike Schmitz (who you may already know, especially if you’re in our Adult or Family Faith Formation programs!) and Jeff Cavins on February 18th-20th for a three-day virtual retreat that will help you cultivate a lifelong relationship with the Word of God.
Only a limited number of spots are available for this event, which is hosted by Ascension Press. There is a registration fee of $54.95 and you need a working email address to register and attend. Click here for further details including the retreat schedule.
The Bible and the Virgin Mary
Parishioners and friends of the parish who are seeking to gain more knowledge of Catholicism and deepen their faith are invited to join Father Robert on this online course taking place on Thursday evenings at 7:00pm!
Developed by the Saint Paul Center and based on Dr Scott Hahn’s book Hail, Holy Queen, participants will rediscover Mother Mary through Sacred Scripture during this course. From the newly confirmed to the fully engaged, this study has something for all Catholics!
The Bible and the Virgin Mary is accessible through the following Zoom link: https://concordia-ca.zoom.us/j/91966291246. More information on this program can be found on the Saint Paul Center website here.
Each gathering for this study begins with 30 minutes of prayer with the Rosary, followed by a video, discussions, and teaching with Father Robert.
Tuesday, February 1, 2022
Soul Health Special Edition - February 1st 2022
Dear Parishioners and Friends,
As it seems our churches will only be permitted to re-open with vaccination passports mandatory (perhaps excepting children), this perspective from one of our faithful in the Diocese is at least a cautionary tale about being drawn into the false narratives polarizing our society. A family member who was on Parliament Hill on the weekend read it and replied to me simply, "Very good, very true."
The divisiveness is wilfully propagated by some of our political leaders and bolstered by various media. Let us not succumb to the temptation to marginalize anyone, moreover based on their vaccine status or pandemic views, as each of us who is called by God to be instruments of His Unifying Love as Trinity -- three relationships -- sharing the Sacrament of Unity.
Yours in Christ,
Father Robert Assaly +
***
Did you miss your chance to register? Called, Chosen, Gathered, and Sent: A Journey Inspired by The Chosen TV Series
Registration for live participation has closed for this online series hosted by Fr Raymond Lafontaine, Episcopal Vicar, but if you'd like to follow along at your own pace, email the team at parishvitality@diocesemontreal.org for a virtual kit to guide you on this journey to experience Christ in a whole new way!
For those who registered and will be joining Fr Raymond Lafontaine and other Catholics in Montreal - including Fr Robert and Angela! - don't forget that this program runs on Friday evenings throughout February (Feb 4th, 11th, 18th, and 25th) on Zoom!
This program will help you see the life of Jesus through the eyes of the people that walked on Earth with him – the disciples, Mary his mother, the Pharisees, the children, those he healed. What would that look like? What difference would it make for your personal journey of faith, your experience of belonging to a church community, your witness and service to the world around you?
Couch Talk is back – Make time for your couple, and rekindle your love and marriage!
Hosted by the Diocesan Centre for Marriage, Life, and Family, Couch Talks is a free ongoing series of virtual get-togethers for married couples to explore topics about married life in ways that are relevant to today’s society and challenges. The 2022 series starts tonight, February 1st from 8:00pm-9:30pm. For more information and to register, please click here.
Heads Up! Registration is now open until February 5th for the first Bible in a Year Virtual Retreat
Join Fr Mike Schmitz (who you may already know, especially if you’re in our Adult or Family Faith Formation programs!) and Jeff Cavins on February 18th-20th for a three-day virtual retreat that will help you cultivate a lifelong relationship with the Word of God.
Only a limited number of spots are available for this event, which is hosted by Ascension Press. There is a registration fee of $54.95 and you need a working email address to register and attend. Click here for further details including the retreat schedule.
For other events coming up in the Archdiocese of Montreal, check out the latest edition of The Grapevine here, and subscribe to it today!
Thursday, January 27, 2022
Soul Health LXIV (64)
Dear Parishioners and Friends,
It's wonderful to witness your growing enthusiasm for outdoor mass in the face of the closure of the churches. On Sunday, between the two parishes, nearly half as many of you as our last indoor masses come out in the cold to have your hearts warmed by both being and receiving the Body of Christ.
As the Premier announced just a couple of days ago, churches will be allowed to re-open in February! Details will be announced, so keep an eye on your inboxes in the coming weeks!
We have two more weekends of gathering in the open air to celebrate Mass together, so bundle up and joyfully join us:
- St. Thomas More: Mass at 10:00am on the church steps; Communion at 10:25am
- St. Willibrord: Mass at 11:15am in front of the Rectory; Communion at 11:40am
Masks and 1m physical distancing required. Communion will be brought to you in place.
If you take any photos and are open to having them included in upcoming editions of Soul Health, please send the pictures along with your consent for us to share to Fr Robert (vicarofverdun@gmail.com) and Angela (pa.englishparishes.verdun@gmail.com)!
Yours in Christ,
Father Robert Assaly +
***
Keep your faith alive while churches are closed!
All are welcome to the open-air Masses, even those who are not parishioners of St Thomas More or St Willibrord! And, if you choose to attend Mass online or on television, consider completing your Sunday with Communion at either church.
Attend Mass online with:
- Saint Ignatius of Loyola https://stig.ca/live-stream/
- Saint Thomas à Becket https://www.becket.ca/
- Saint Joseph’s Oratory https://www.saint-joseph.org/en/keep-in-touch-with-the-oratory/
- On TV, the Salt & Light channel is also a great option for attending Mass virtually.
Sacraments can also be brought to your front steps! If you are unable to get to the church to receive Communion or to go to Confession, please contact the parish office to request a visit from Father Robert.
Collection Envelopes and Making Online Contributions
Parishioners who use envelopes for their Sunday offerings can drop off their envelopes at the parish office while the church is closed.
Regular or one-time donations can also be made at https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/50630. Canada Helps is a secure online platform that’s a good alternative to envelopes for parishioners who cannot easily get to the parish to drop off their donations, or even for those who wish to go paperless.
The weekly collection is an incredibly important resource for the parish, and your contributions to it support our various programs and efforts to serve our parish and our community.
Upcoming Friday Evening Online Events! "Called, Chosen, Gathered, and Sent: A Journey Inspired by **The Chosen**" TV Series
Join brilliant film interpreter Fr Raymond Lafontaine, Episcopal Vicar, and other Catholics throughout the Archdiocese of Montreal including Father Robert on a journey to experience Christ in an enjoyable new way!
Running on Friday evenings throughout February (Feb 4th, 11th, 18th, and 25th) on Zoom, this program will help you see the life of Jesus through the eyes of the people that walked on Earth with him – the disciples, Mary his mother, the Pharisees, the children, those he healed. What would that look like? What difference would it make for your personal journey of faith, your experience of belonging to a church community, your witness and service to the world around you?
For more information and to register by February 1st 2022, visit https://microsites.diocesemontreal.org/microsites/parishvitality/language/en/the-chosen-a-synodal-journey-2022/ or email the organizers at parishvitality@diocesemontreal.org
Rev. Michael McAndrew: St Paul’s Conversion (and ours)
This past Tuesday January 25th the Church celebrated the Feast of the Conversion of St Paul - the moment in history when Saul of Tarsus, persecutor of early Christians, had a life-changing encounter with the Risen Christ and experienced God's healing and mercy through the hands of Ananias. He went on to become St Paul, whose letters to the early Church around the Mediterranean are still used by the Church today as part of the Mass readings to guide us to our own encounters with Christ.
Click here for a brief (three and a half minutes!) reflection on the Conversion of St Paul. As Rev. Michael says, “Like St Paul, we all have some blindness in our hearts…stuff that is keeping us from greater Communion with Our Lord.” As we head towards the reopening of churches, let us consider: if God was able to turn one of Christianity’s greatest opponents into one of its greatest champions, what might He do through the faith already in our hearts if we surrendered ourselves completely to Him?
The Bible and the Virgin Mary
Parishioners and friends of the parish who are seeking to gain more knowledge of Catholicism and deepen their faith are invited to join Father Robert on a new online course!
Developed by the Saint Paul Center and based on Dr Scott Hahn’s book Hail, Holy Queen, participants will rediscover Mother Mary through Sacred Scripture during this course. From the newly confirmed to the fully engaged, this study has something for all Catholics!
The Bible and the Virgin Mary is accessible through the following Zoom link: https://concordia-ca.zoom.us/j/91966291246. More information on this program can be found on the Saint Paul Center website here.
Each gathering for this study begins with 30 minutes of prayer with the Rosary, followed by a video, discussions, and teaching with Father Robert. For more information, including a list of session topics, please contact Angela or Father Robert.
Father Mike Schmitz: A Pep Talk for difficult times, and Bible In A Year
We continue to live in unprecedented times and as the pandemic presses it, it’s easy to feel helpless and hopeless. If this resonates with you, take courage from this message from Father Mike Schmitz.
Speaking of Father Mike, have you heard of Bible In A Year? In just about 20 minutes a day, this podcast will take you on a journey through Scripture that not only shares the Word of God, but helps you “understand how all the pieces of the Bible fit together to tell an amazing story that continues in your life today!” Join Father Mike and Jeff Cavins on YouTube, or on your favourite podcast app. For more information, visit https://ascensionpress.com/pages/biy-registration.
Friday, January 21, 2022
Soul Health LXII (62)
Dear Parishioners and Friends,
As churches continue to remain closed, we continue to come together for Mass in the open air!
Indeed, -20 degrees could not even separate us from one another after Mass -- I was watching you continue after Mass socializing and conversing with one another despite the weather.
"One of the biggest gifts of these outdoor Masses... is a restoration of the parish communal bond."
Thank you to Eileen Devlin and Maria Olaguera for the photos from Saint Thomas More on January 9th (where Fr Robert was in white vestments for the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord) and January 15th! (green vestments for Ordinary Time and a fur cap for the cold)!
Bundle up this Sunday and joyfully join us!
- St. Thomas More: Mass at 10:00am on the church steps; Communion at 10:25am
- St. Willibrord: Mass at 11:15am in front of the Rectory; Communion at 11:40am
Masks and 1m physical distancing required. Communion will be brought to you in place.
If you take any photos and are open to having them included in upcoming editions of Soul Health), please send the pictures along with your consent for us to share to Fr Robert (vicarofverdun@gmail.com) and Angela (pa.englishparishes.verdun@gmail.com)!
Yours in Christ,
Father Robert Assaly +
***
Keep your faith alive while churches are closed!
All are welcome to the open-air Masses, even those who are not parishioners of St Thomas More or St Willibrord! And, if you choose to attend Mass online or on television, consider completing your Sunday with Communion at either church.
Attend Mass online with:
- Saint Ignatius of Loyola https://stig.ca/live-stream/
- Saint Thomas à Becket https://www.becket.ca/
- Saint Joseph’s Oratory https://www.saint-joseph.org/en/keep-in-touch-with-the-oratory/
- On TV, the Salt & Light channel is also a great option for attending Mass virtually.
Sacraments can also be brought to your front steps! If you are unable to get to the church to receive Communion or to go to Confession, please contact the parish office to request a visit from Father Robert.
Collection Envelopes and Making Online Contributions
Parishioners who use envelopes for their Sunday offerings can drop off their envelopes at the parish office while the church is closed. Regular or one-time donations can also be made at https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/50630. Canada Helps is a secure online platform that’s a good alternative to envelopes for parishioners who cannot easily get to the parish to drop off their donations, or even for those who wish to go paperless. The weekly collection is an incredibly important resource for the parish, and your contributions to it support our various programs and efforts to serve our parish and our community.
New **Online** Course: The Bible and the Virgin Mary
Parishioners and friends of the parish who are seeking to gain more knowledge of Catholicism and deepen their faith are invited to join Father Robert on a new online course!
Developed by the Saint Paul Center and based on Dr Scott Hahn’s book Hail, Holy Queen, participants will rediscover Mother Mary through Sacred Scripture during this course. From the newly confirmed to the fully engaged, this study has something for all Catholics!
The Bible and the Virgin Mary is accessible through the following Zoom link: https://concordia-ca.zoom.us/j/91966291246. More information on this program can be found on the Saint Paul Center website here.
Each gathering for this study begins with 30 minutes of prayer with the Rosary, followed by a video, discussions, and teaching with Father Robert. For more information, including a list of session topics, please contact Angela or Father Robert.
Father Mike Schmitz: A Pep Talk for difficult times, and Bible In A Year
We continue to live in unprecedented times and as the pandemic presses it, it’s easy to feel helpless and hopeless. If this resonates with you, take courage from this message from Father Mike Schmitz.
Speaking of Father Mike, have you heard of Bible In A Year? In just about 20 minutes a day, this podcast will take you on a journey through Scripture that not only shares the Word of God, but helps you “understand how all the pieces of the Bible fit together to tell an amazing story that continues in your life today!” Join Father Mike and Jeff Cavins on YouTube, or on your favourite podcast app. For more information, visit https://ascensionpress.com/pages/biy-registration.
As churches continue to remain closed, we continue to come together for Mass in the open air!
Indeed, -20 degrees could not even separate us from one another after Mass -- I was watching you continue after Mass socializing and conversing with one another despite the weather.
"One of the biggest gifts of these outdoor Masses... is a restoration of the parish communal bond."
Thank you to Eileen Devlin and Maria Olaguera for the photos from Saint Thomas More on January 9th (where Fr Robert was in white vestments for the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord) and January 15th! (green vestments for Ordinary Time and a fur cap for the cold)!
Bundle up this Sunday and joyfully join us!
- St. Thomas More: Mass at 10:00am on the church steps; Communion at 10:25am
- St. Willibrord: Mass at 11:15am in front of the Rectory; Communion at 11:40am
Masks and 1m physical distancing required. Communion will be brought to you in place.
If you take any photos and are open to having them included in upcoming editions of Soul Health), please send the pictures along with your consent for us to share to Fr Robert (vicarofverdun@gmail.com) and Angela (pa.englishparishes.verdun@gmail.com)!
Yours in Christ,
Father Robert Assaly +
***
Keep your faith alive while churches are closed!
All are welcome to the open-air Masses, even those who are not parishioners of St Thomas More or St Willibrord! And, if you choose to attend Mass online or on television, consider completing your Sunday with Communion at either church.
Attend Mass online with:
- Saint Ignatius of Loyola https://stig.ca/live-stream/
- Saint Thomas à Becket https://www.becket.ca/
- Saint Joseph’s Oratory https://www.saint-joseph.org/en/keep-in-touch-with-the-oratory/
- On TV, the Salt & Light channel is also a great option for attending Mass virtually.
Sacraments can also be brought to your front steps! If you are unable to get to the church to receive Communion or to go to Confession, please contact the parish office to request a visit from Father Robert.
Collection Envelopes and Making Online Contributions
Parishioners who use envelopes for their Sunday offerings can drop off their envelopes at the parish office while the church is closed. Regular or one-time donations can also be made at https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/50630. Canada Helps is a secure online platform that’s a good alternative to envelopes for parishioners who cannot easily get to the parish to drop off their donations, or even for those who wish to go paperless. The weekly collection is an incredibly important resource for the parish, and your contributions to it support our various programs and efforts to serve our parish and our community.
New **Online** Course: The Bible and the Virgin Mary
Parishioners and friends of the parish who are seeking to gain more knowledge of Catholicism and deepen their faith are invited to join Father Robert on a new online course!
Developed by the Saint Paul Center and based on Dr Scott Hahn’s book Hail, Holy Queen, participants will rediscover Mother Mary through Sacred Scripture during this course. From the newly confirmed to the fully engaged, this study has something for all Catholics!
The Bible and the Virgin Mary is accessible through the following Zoom link: https://concordia-ca.zoom.us/j/91966291246. More information on this program can be found on the Saint Paul Center website here.
Each gathering for this study begins with 30 minutes of prayer with the Rosary, followed by a video, discussions, and teaching with Father Robert. For more information, including a list of session topics, please contact Angela or Father Robert.
Father Mike Schmitz: A Pep Talk for difficult times, and Bible In A Year
We continue to live in unprecedented times and as the pandemic presses it, it’s easy to feel helpless and hopeless. If this resonates with you, take courage from this message from Father Mike Schmitz.
Speaking of Father Mike, have you heard of Bible In A Year? In just about 20 minutes a day, this podcast will take you on a journey through Scripture that not only shares the Word of God, but helps you “understand how all the pieces of the Bible fit together to tell an amazing story that continues in your life today!” Join Father Mike and Jeff Cavins on YouTube, or on your favourite podcast app. For more information, visit https://ascensionpress.com/pages/biy-registration.
Thursday, January 13, 2022
Soul Health LXII (62)
Dear Parishioners and Friends,
Praise the Lord for His gift of great Faith! Archbishop Lépine's inspiring initiative 3 weeks ago to hold outdoor masses has borne much fruit. Due to the growing numbers in the Cathedral parking lot, he has added another Sunday mass. And he has inspired us to do the same -- an estimated 4 dozen braved the chill last Sunday in Verdun!
One parishioner said she was uplifted by the words from the Book of Daniel recited in Sunday Morning Prayer: “Ice and snow, bless the Lord!" Another observed, the participants' sacrifice joined to Christ's for the life of the world is all the greater and more powerful in enduring such weather.
Anticipating even deeper cold this Sunday, bundle up and joyfully join us:
- St. Thomas More: Mass at 10:00am on the church steps; Communion at 10:25am
- St. Willibrord: Communion at 11:40am in front of the Rectory; Mass at 11:15am
Masks and 1m physical distancing required. Communion will be brought to you in place.
Yours in Christ,
Father Robert Assaly +
***
Keep your faith alive while churches are closed!
All are welcome to the open-air Masses, even those who are not parishioners of St Thomas More or St Willibrord! And, if you choose to attend Mass online or on television, consider completing your Sunday with Communion at either church.
Attend Mass online with:
- Saint Ignatius of Loyola https://stig.ca/live-stream/
- Saint Thomas à Becket https://www.becket.ca/
- Saint Joseph’s Oratory https://www.saint-joseph.org/en/keep-in-touch-with-the-oratory/
- On TV, the Salt & Light channel is also a great option for attending Mass virtually.
Sacraments can also be brought to your front steps! If you are unable to get to the church to receive Communion or to go to Confession, please contact the parish office to request a visit from Father Robert.
Collection Envelopes and Making Online Contributions
Parishioners who use envelopes for their Sunday offerings can drop off their envelopes at the parish office while the church is closed. Regular or one-time donations can also be made at https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/50630. Canada Helps is a secure online platform that’s a good alternative to envelopes for parishioners who cannot easily get to the parish to drop off their donations, or even for those who wish to go paperless. The weekly collection is an incredibly important resource for the parish, and your contributions to it support our various programs and efforts to serve our parish and our community.
New **Online** Course: The Bible and the Virgin Mary (January 13th – April 7th)
Parishioners and friends of the parish who are seeking to gain more knowledge of Catholicism and deepen their faith are invited to join Father Robert on a new online course!
Developed by the Saint Paul Center and based on Dr Scott Hahn’s book Hail, Holy Queen, participants will rediscover Mother Mary through Sacred Scripture during this course. From the newly confirmed to the fully engaged, this study has something for all Catholics!
The Bible and the Virgin Mary begins on Thursday January 13th at 7:00pm and is accessible through the following Zoom link: https://concordia-ca.zoom.us/j/91966291246. More information on this program can be found on the Saint Paul Center website here.
Each gathering for this study begins with 30 minutes of prayer with the Rosary, followed by a video, discussions, and teaching with Father Robert.
For more information, including a list of session topics, please contact Angela or Father Robert.
From the Desk of Pope Francis
Click here to read Pope Francis’ letter to married couples -- His words in this brief letter can be a source of encouragement, hope, and renewed faith for all who have discerned the vocations of marriage and parenthood, from grandparents to parents in different seasons of family life to couples preparing to be married.
Praise the Lord for His gift of great Faith! Archbishop Lépine's inspiring initiative 3 weeks ago to hold outdoor masses has borne much fruit. Due to the growing numbers in the Cathedral parking lot, he has added another Sunday mass. And he has inspired us to do the same -- an estimated 4 dozen braved the chill last Sunday in Verdun!
Thanks to Christina Parsons for this photo from the Rectory at Saint Willibrord!
One parishioner said she was uplifted by the words from the Book of Daniel recited in Sunday Morning Prayer: “Ice and snow, bless the Lord!" Another observed, the participants' sacrifice joined to Christ's for the life of the world is all the greater and more powerful in enduring such weather.
Anticipating even deeper cold this Sunday, bundle up and joyfully join us:
- St. Thomas More: Mass at 10:00am on the church steps; Communion at 10:25am
- St. Willibrord: Communion at 11:40am in front of the Rectory; Mass at 11:15am
Masks and 1m physical distancing required. Communion will be brought to you in place.
Yours in Christ,
Father Robert Assaly +
***
Keep your faith alive while churches are closed!
All are welcome to the open-air Masses, even those who are not parishioners of St Thomas More or St Willibrord! And, if you choose to attend Mass online or on television, consider completing your Sunday with Communion at either church.
Attend Mass online with:
- Saint Ignatius of Loyola https://stig.ca/live-stream/
- Saint Thomas à Becket https://www.becket.ca/
- Saint Joseph’s Oratory https://www.saint-joseph.org/en/keep-in-touch-with-the-oratory/
- On TV, the Salt & Light channel is also a great option for attending Mass virtually.
Sacraments can also be brought to your front steps! If you are unable to get to the church to receive Communion or to go to Confession, please contact the parish office to request a visit from Father Robert.
Collection Envelopes and Making Online Contributions
Parishioners who use envelopes for their Sunday offerings can drop off their envelopes at the parish office while the church is closed. Regular or one-time donations can also be made at https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/50630. Canada Helps is a secure online platform that’s a good alternative to envelopes for parishioners who cannot easily get to the parish to drop off their donations, or even for those who wish to go paperless. The weekly collection is an incredibly important resource for the parish, and your contributions to it support our various programs and efforts to serve our parish and our community.
New **Online** Course: The Bible and the Virgin Mary (January 13th – April 7th)
Parishioners and friends of the parish who are seeking to gain more knowledge of Catholicism and deepen their faith are invited to join Father Robert on a new online course!
Developed by the Saint Paul Center and based on Dr Scott Hahn’s book Hail, Holy Queen, participants will rediscover Mother Mary through Sacred Scripture during this course. From the newly confirmed to the fully engaged, this study has something for all Catholics!
The Bible and the Virgin Mary begins on Thursday January 13th at 7:00pm and is accessible through the following Zoom link: https://concordia-ca.zoom.us/j/91966291246. More information on this program can be found on the Saint Paul Center website here.
Each gathering for this study begins with 30 minutes of prayer with the Rosary, followed by a video, discussions, and teaching with Father Robert.
For more information, including a list of session topics, please contact Angela or Father Robert.
From the Desk of Pope Francis
Click here to read Pope Francis’ letter to married couples -- His words in this brief letter can be a source of encouragement, hope, and renewed faith for all who have discerned the vocations of marriage and parenthood, from grandparents to parents in different seasons of family life to couples preparing to be married.
Friday, January 7, 2022
Soul Health LXI (61)
Dear Parishioners and Friends of Saint Thomas More,
Last Friday on the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, 2 hours after the provincial closure of our churches, I was treated to a wonderful experience overcoming the pandemic.
Hours earlier in a quick pivot responding to the closure announced the day before, we circulated emails inviting you to receive communion outside at the originally scheduled mass time. Expecting only a couple of individuals waiting in the snow, when I flung the door open at 7pm, there were about 30 of you ringed around the steps on the sidewalk, joyously anticipating communion!
The power and grace of the Sacrament was palpably felt, and neatly summed up in the stipulated Prayer after Communion:
We have received this heavenly Sacrament with joy, O Lord:
grant, we pray,
that it may lead us to eternal life,
for we rejoice to proclaim the blessed ever-Virgin Mary
Mother of your Son and Mother of the Church.
Through Christ our Lord.
Our Lady blessed ever-Virgin Mary, indeed "Mother of the Church," has us under her protection and in her prayers!
Don't let the pandemic get the better of you: Join us for outdoor Mass this Sunday, or at least Communion (in which case you should watch an online mass beforehand; see below), trusting in the grace of Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Holy Sacrament to lead you through this dark valley.
- St. Thomas More: Mass at 10:00am on the church steps; Communion at 10:25am
- St. Willibrord's: Mass at 11:15am in front of the Rectory; Communion at 11:40am
And for further inspiration --
Follow the links below to other parishes in the Archdiocese who are providing online Masses, and to some extra content for your continued spiritual enrichment:
- Saint Ignatius of Loyola https://stig.ca/live-stream/
- Saint Thomas à Becket https://www.becket.ca/
- Saint Joseph’s Oratory https://www.saint-joseph.org/en/keep-in-touch-with-the-oratory/
- On TV, the Salt & Light channel is also a great option for attending Mass virtually.
- On gratitude in the midst of loss and suffering (think pandemic), read Tom's 3-sentence reflection
- Read Pope Francis' new year's message on that same Solemnity, explaining faith and "spiritual fruitfulness..born of trials and testing."
Other News
Sacraments on *your* front steps
Parishioners who are unable to get to the church to receive Communion or to go to Confession are invited to contact the parish office to request a visit from Father Robert.
Collection Envelopes and Making Online Contributions
Parishioners who use envelopes for their Sunday offerings can drop off their envelopes at the parish office while the church is closed. Regular or one-time donations can also be made at https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/50630. Canada Helps is a secure online platform that’s a good alternative to envelopes for parishioners who cannot easily get to the parish to drop off their donations, or even for those who wish to go paperless. The weekly collection is an incredibly important resource for the parish, and your contributions to it support our various programs and efforts to serve our parish and our community.
Blessings in Christ,
Father Robert +
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