Friday, September 16, 2022

Soul Health XCVI

 

Soul Health XCVI  


Due to road work being done on Sunday, September 18th, parking around the church will be limited for the 8:30am Mass.
 


Dear Parishioners and Friends,

Life pulls us in many directions, and we find ourselves scattered and distracted.  Unable to focus on what is truly a priority, everything seems to be of equal importance and we cannot find the time to do more than just make it through the same day over and over again. 

This is not unique to modern life!  Jesus speaks on this very subject in today’s Gospel, and while his First Century in-person audience could not even dream of many of the same lifestyles and activities we experience today, they were nonetheless busy enough and their attention was divided enough for Jesus to give them a solution.

And what is the solution?  Make God the priority, and everything will fall into place behind Him.  The extracurricular activities of our families, the school schedules of our children and youth, the daily tasks of our jobs, the never-ending list of our household chores…if these things are put ahead of God, then our lives are needlessly chaotic.  It can even get to a point where the most fundamental tenets of our faith and our duties as members of His Church become burdensome.
 
A personal relationship with God, and all that can be done to build one, is the holy priority of every follower of Christ. Instead of including it somewhere on a to-do list or schedule, try prioritizing your relationship with God.  By giving Him the best of our time – instead of whatever might remain of it  –  what feels burdensome about discipleship is revealed as a natural part of daily life and an occasion for us to bring others into peace and joy. 
 

Liturgy Schedule & Intentions, September 17-23
 
Funeral Service for Deborah Hughes, daughter of Gloria Hughes:
Saturday, September 17th at 10:30am
Visitation in the church at 10:00am

Saturday, September 17:  Anniversary of Gilles Valiquette by Christine  
Sunday, September 18:  For All Parishioners 
Tuesday, September 20 (The Korean Martyrs):  For the intentions of Father Robert on the occasion of the 3rd anniversary of his ordination by A Parishioner
Thursday, September 22:  Deceased Members of The McGlynn & McIver
 

Family Faith Formation
Information Gathering for Parents
Sunday, September 18 following the 11:15am Outdoor Mass at St Willibrord's Parish (325 Willibrord Avenue)

Our First Communion and Confirmation program will look a little different this year. Any parent wishing to begin preparing their child or children for these Sacraments are welcome to join us for our Information Gathering on Sunday, September 18. 

Please RSVP to Angela at pa.englishparishes.verdun@gmail.com!

Family Faith Formation is a 2-year sacrament preparation experience that serves both St Thomas More and St Willibrord. It focuses on the whole family’s journey through faith, giving parents their own opportunity to explore faith and receive formation alongside their children.  Families are accompanied by catechists through programs that bring faith into the home and God to the center of family life.  


Alpha starts soon!
Alpha is an 11-week series hosted at St Willibrord Parish that provides safe and welcoming space where participants share a meal, watch a video, and discuss life's big questions in small groups to journey and grow together in faith.

Alpha starts on Tuesday, September 27th at St Willibrord's Parish, 7pm-9pm.  St Thomas More parishioners are encouraged to attend and are most welcome to join Alpha this fall.  ***Click here to register*** and learn more at:https://youtu.be/RRh-cPUxNWU
 

Coffee Break Catechesis

  • Why Surrender Is Actually So Difficult 
     https://youtu.be/0FgABq1NTBQ  
    There may not be a concrete “how-to guide” to show us how to give ourselves to God, especially when we face hard times – but Mari Pablo from Ascension Presents has a couple of tips to help you learn to surrender to Him!
Beyond Verdun
  • Single Moms in Montreal
    Catholic single mothers in Montreal can find support and fellowship in Momentum, a vibrant faith community with a bold vision to transform the culture surrounding single mothers in the Catholic Church through in-person and online activities.
     
  • You're invited to Loyola High School (September 17)
    • Loyola High School has a faith-based educational program rooted in the Jesuit, Catholic tradition. Loyola is inviting all interested families with Grade 5 and 6 students to register for a one-hour tour of Loyola High School to see the facilities and meet with Faculty & Staff on September 17, 2022. This is a great opportunity to see and hear about how the school will be rolling out their co-educational programming starting for the 2023-24 school year and other exciting changes ahead.
      • Visit loyola.ca to register
      • An English Eligibility Certificate is required to attend Loyola
         
  • Be a tourist in your home city!
    English Guided Tours at Musée des Hospitalières (September 24) 
    https://museedeshospitalieres.qc.ca/en/discover-a-green-oasis/
    Reconnect with nature and learn about Montreal’s rich Catholic history by signing up for a guided tour of the “Secret Garden” of the Hospitallers of St Joseph’s Monastery.
     
  • Catch the replay!  
    If you missed this Monday's Mass for the Episcopal Ordination of Auxiliary Bishop Frank Leo, you can catch the replay here on YouTube.  A Participation Booklet that you can view on your computer or mobile devices is available here.
    • This was the Church at her finest, as conveyed in even the first 8 minutes of the video: Over 40 bishops -- the direct successors of the Apostles -- including Eastern rite bishops, many nuns, and mostly, over 1000 of you inside, all offering our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to the Lord of all.
       
  • Requiescat In Pace 
    Read the Statement of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops on the passing of Elizabeth II.
 

Put Your Faith, Hope, and Love into Action

  • Catholic Action Montreal
  • CAPP is coming to Canada
    • We would love to see at least one parishioner become fully engaged in this initiative on behalf of the parish!
    • CAPP was founded by Pope St. John Paul II to advance the principles of the social doctrine of the Church: the dignity of the human person, solidarity and subsidiarity.  Learn more at: https://bit.ly/3wewD2Y
    • Read more about the Canadian Launch happening tomorrow, September 17:  https://www.cappcanada.ca/launch
       



Yours in Christ,
Father Robert Assaly+

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Friday, September 9, 2022

Soul Health XCV

 

Soul Health XCV
 


Dear Parishioners and Friends,

This weekend, our readings overflow with examples of God’s infinite mercy, love, and forgiveness.  From Moses interceding for the Israelites regarding the Golden Calf to familiar parables of things woefully lost and then joyfully found, we have no shortage of reminders that God loves us and is good to us. 

In the Second Reading, taken from Paul’s first letter to Timothy, we hear Paul’s own testimony to this love and goodness, and hear his response of praise and gratitude for his salvation.  The Apostle states that his radical transformation from persecutor of Christians to leader of the Early Church was only possible because of Jesus Christ, and that he knows his conversion makes him “an example to those who would come to believe in [Jesus] for eternal life.”

So, let us ask ourselves:  as followers of Christ and as a parish that wants to carry out the mission of the Church, what examples of discipleship does Paul set for us in this passage, and are we ready to follow his lead? Check out the Coffee Break Catechesis section for further thoughts and questions to help guide you through this reading!
 

Regular Liturgy Schedule & Intentions, September 3-9

Saturday, September 10:  Bill & Lillian Fitzgerald by Their Family 
Sunday, September 11:  For All Parishioners 
Tuesday, September 13 (St John Chrysostom):  Anniversary of Rosemary Speer by Her Family
Thursday, September 15 (Our Lady of Sorrows):  Anniversary of Heather Dearden by Her Family 
 

Family Faith Formation
Information Gathering for Parents
Sunday, September 18 following the 11:15am Outdoor Mass at St Willibrord's Parish (351 Willibrord Avenue)

Our First Communion and Confirmation program will look a little different this year. Any parent wishing to begin preparing their child or children for these Sacraments are welcome to join us for our Information Gathering on Sunday, September 18. 

Please RSVP to Angela at pa.englishparishes.verdun@gmail.com by Wednesday, September 14! 

Family Faith Formation is a 2-year sacrament preparation experience that serves both St Thomas More and St Willibrord. It focuses on the whole family’s journey through faith, giving parents their own opportunity to explore faith and receive formation alongside their children.  Families are accompanied by catechists through programs that bring faith into the home and God to the center of family life.  


Alpha is coming to Verdun
Alpha is an 11-week series hosted at St Willibrord Parish starting in September.  It is a safe and welcoming evening where we can explore a different theme each week through a Christian lens and meet you wherever you are in your faith journey.

Alpha is coming to Verdun later this month and will be hosted at St Willibrord's.  St Thomas More parishioners are encouraged to attend and are most welcome to join Alpha this fall.  ***Click here to register*** and learn more at:https://youtu.be/RRh-cPUxNWU

Coffee Break Catechesis

  • Grow Closer to Our Mother Mary, the Reed of God 
    https://youtu.be/cRDDoToMAN0
    This week, we celebrated the Birth of Mary (September 8), and we’re prolonging the celebration with this week’s Coffee Break Catechesis!  Jackie and Bobby Angel of Ascension Presents share their insights and thoughts on the spiritual reading classic, “The Reed of God,” which focuses on Our Blessed Mother’s humanity and her role in God’s plan for us.  
  • Ponder the Readings:  Paul’s 1st Letter to Timothy, 1:12-17
    • Paul credits Jesus, not himself, with his radical transformation from persecutor of Christians to leader of the Early Church
      • Do we let Jesus come into the center of our lives and allow God to transform us?  Do we rely on him, or only on ourselves?
    • Paul proclaims the truth of the Incarnation and of Jesus’ mission
      • Do we truly believe that Jesus is God?  Do we truly believe that God became human to save us? If not, why?  If so, are we proclaiming the Gospel as we should?
    • Paul admits his shortcomings openly and honestly, speaking the hard truth of what he was like before he converted   
      • Do we acknowledge our own shortcomings and flaws?  Do we recognize our own weaknesses?  Do we allow our human imperfections to hold us back from leading holy lives?
    • Paul starts this passage giving thanks to God and ends it giving praise to God
      • Do we thank God and praise God outside of Mass?
 
Beyond Verdun
  • You're invited to Loyola High School! 
    Loyola High School has a faith-based educational program rooted in the Jesuit, Catholic tradition. Loyola is inviting all interested families with Grade 5 and 6 students to register for a one-hour tour of Loyola High School to see the facilities and meet with Faculty & Staff on September 17, 2022. This is a great opportunity to see and hear about how the school will be rolling out their co-educational programming starting for the 2023-24 school year and other exciting changes ahead.
    • Visit loyola.ca to register
    • An English Eligibility Certificate is required to attend Loyola
       
  • Welcome, Bishop-Elect Frank Leo! 
    https://bit.ly/3CbC0Up
    On Monday, September 12 at 7:30pm join the celebration and welcome Bishop-Elect Frank Leo to his new role in the Archdiocese as Auxiliary Bishop!  The Episcopal Ordination will take place at Mary Queen of the World Cathedral (no reservations required, but try and get there early!), and will also be livestreamed by Salt & Light Media, the Archdiocese Facebook page, and the Archdiocese YouTube channel.
     
  • Be a tourist in your home city
    English Guided Tours at Musée des Hospitalières (September 24) 
    https://museedeshospitalieres.qc.ca/en/discover-a-green-oasis/
    Reconnect with nature and learn about Montreal’s rich Catholic history by signing up for a guided tour of the “Secret Garden” of the Hospitallers of St Joseph’s Monastery.
     

Put Your Faith, Hope, and Love into Action



Yours in Christ,
Father Robert Assaly+

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Friday, September 2, 2022

Soul Health XCIV

 

Soul Health XCIV
 


Dear Parishioners and Friends,

Abandonment and detachment are recurring themes throughout Scripture; indeed, throughout the Gospels there are numerous times where Jesus tells us they are necessary for us to be true disciples. Additionally, Our Lord doesn’t sugar-coat the hard facts about discipleship:  it’s hard and can even be painful – sometimes to the point where we might question why we’re doing any of this at all. 

And yet, in the process of asking that question, deep in our hearts we already know the answer.  We are not asked to do these things blindly or for reasons unknown, because God’s promises have already been revealed to us and because Jesus has already made it possible for those promises to be fulfilled.

By doing what God asks of us, His people, we have the chance to not only reach our eternal dwelling place in His Kingdom but also the chance to show others the way there.  As we embark upon the process of moving from maintenance to mission, let go of doubt and fear so that your heart has the space to welcome new gifts from the Holy Spirit that will serve the mission.   

Regular Liturgy Schedule & Intentions, September 3-9

Saturday, September 3:  For All Parishioners
Sunday, September 4:  Irene Griffin LaFortune by Huguette Thompson
Tuesday, September 6:  Anniversary of Kenneth Cameron by Bill & Denise 
Thursday, September 8 (The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary):  George & Florence Kasper and Deceased Family Members by Ann Foran  
 

Alpha is coming to Verdun
Alpha is an 11-week series hosted at St Willibrord Parish starting in September.  It is a safe and welcoming evening where we can explore a different theme each week through a Christian lens and meet you wherever you are in your faith journey.

Alpha is coming to Verdun later this month and will be hosted at St Willibrord's.  St Thomas More parishioners are encouraged to attend and are most welcome to join Alpha this fall.  ***Click here to register*** and learn more at:https://youtu.be/RRh-cPUxNWU

Coffee Break Catechesis

  • This One Thing Makes Christianity Different from Every Other Religion
    https://youtu.be/x9Y6_W_sEH8
    Readers who are wondering what sets Christianity apart from other religion (or who might even be wrestling with their beliefs about Jesus) will be able to tackle these questions with Fr Mike Schmitz in this week’s video, while parishioners who took Discovery with CCO in June can revisit the Trilemma in this video and take a deeper dive into the radical foundations of our faith.
Beyond Verdun
  • New month, new papal intention!
    https://bit.ly/3AEhlpH
    Pope Francis' intention for the month of September 2022 is the abolition of the death penalty.
  • Welcome, Bishop-Elect Frank Leo! 
    https://bit.ly/3CbC0Up
    On Monday, September 12, join the celebration and welcome Bishop-Elect Frank Leo to his new role in the Archdiocese as Auxiliary Bishop!  The Episcopal Ordination will take place at Mary Queen of the World Cathedral and will also be livestreamed by Salt & Light Media.

Put Your Faith, Hope, and Love into Action!



Yours in Christ,
Father Robert Assaly+

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Friday, August 26, 2022

Soul Health XCIII

 

Soul Health XCIII
 


Dear Parishioners and Friends,

Mass is the great banquet of God’s people, and in this week’s Sunday Gospel we can draw at least one important parallel between Jesus’ instructions to his Pharisee host and the Great Commission. 

Jesus tells his host that, instead of inviting family and friends who are in a position to return the favour, he should “invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind.”  In his Great Commission his directions to the Apostles and disciples are, “Go forth and make disciples of all nations.” 

We see in these two passages of Scripture Jesus’ acknowledgement of outsiders and his desire for them to share in what he has to offer, as well as the duty of his supporters and followers to take an active role in bringing them in. 

Looking at our world today alongside this weekend’s Gospel and the Great Commission, what more can we do to acknowledge and answer the needs in our communities?  Who can we invite to the celebration of the Eucharist?  What are we called to change in our parish in order to carry out this mission?

Regular Liturgy Schedule & Intentions, August 20-26

Saturday, August 27:  Gaetan Berube by Isabelle
Sunday, August 28:  For All Parishioners
Tuesday, August 30:  Celia Hanley by Trish
Thursday, September 1 (Ferial)
 

Alpha:  Jonas & Natasha's Story
Jonas & Natasha are parishioners of St Ignatius of Loyola in NDG.  Alpha has deeply impacted their relationship with God as individuals, as a married couple, and as a family.  Listen to their story:  https://youtu.be/7PJ7Nhc26Lg

Alpha is an 11-week series hosted at St Willibrord Parish starting in September.  It is a safe and welcoming evening where we can explore a different theme each week through a Christian lens and meet you wherever you are in your faith journey.

Registration is a just a click away: stig.ca/alpha -- and learn more at:https://youtu.be/RRh-cPUxNWU

 

 

Coffee Break Catechesis

  • Bishop Barron Presents:  Shia LaBeouf – Padre Pio and the Friars
    https://youtu.be/hjxKG4mR3U4
    At almost an hour and a half, this week’s video might be more suited to a movie night!  Our good friend Bishop Barron sits down with Shia LaBeouf for an incredible discussion on how playing the role of Padre Pio for a movie saved the actor’s life.  Shia’s story is a testament to how all things are possible with God and that God’s love redeems us all!
Beyond Verdun
  • Welcome, Bishop-Elect Frank Leo!  
    https://bit.ly/3CbC0Up
    On Monday, September 12, join the celebration and welcome Bishop-Elect Frank Leo to his new role in the Archdiocese as Auxiliary Bishop!  The Episcopal Ordination will take place at Mary Queen of the World Cathedral and will also be livestreamed by Salt & Light Media.
  • Be a tourist in your home city: Musée des Hospitalières
    https://museedeshospitalieres.qc.ca/en/discover-a-green-oasis/
    Reconnect with nature and learn about Montreal’s rich Catholic history by signing up for a guided tours (available in English!) of the “Secret Garden” of the Hospitallers of St Joseph’s Monastery!

Put Your Faith, Hope, and Love into Action!

  • Listening to Indigenous Voices: An Ignatian Centre Retreat
  • Catholic Action Montreal
    • Assist our Ukrainian brothers and sisters, effectively support Montrealers in need, and participate in making profound changes in our great city!  Find out how at https://catholicaction.ca/
  • How to become the salt of the earth:  CAPP is coming to Canada
    • https://bit.ly/3wewD2Y
    • https://www.cappcanada.ca/launch
      Centesiumus Annus Pro Pontiface (CAPP) is starting its Canadian chapter, and all who felt called to action following the Papal Visit are invited to attend the virtual launch on September 17 to learn how they can effectively participate in Catholic social action.  For more information and to RSVP to the event, follow the links above!
      • “The primary mission of CAPP is to transform society by cultivating, especially among lay Catholic leaders, a deeper understanding, integration, and holistic application of Catholic Social Doctrine. Our secondary mission is to support Papal charities, responding to urgent needs as they arise. In advancing our two-fold mission, we also welcome the support and collaboration of non-Catholics.” 
 



Yours in Christ,
Father Robert Assaly+

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Friday, August 19, 2022

Soul Health XCII

 

Soul Health XCII
 


Dear Parishioners and Friends,

The Second Reading this weekend mentions the word “discipline” in nearly every paragraph and reminds us that we shouldn’t expect our lives as followers of Christ to be easy. Discipleship takes discipline: we cannot commit to Christ without also committing to the Cross. Indeed, last week we read in Hebrews 12:2, “Let us keep our eyes fixed upon Jesus, who inspires and perfects our faith. For the sake of the joy which lay before him he endured the Cross.” 

The last paragraph of the Second Reading tell us, “lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint, but rather be healed.”  Committing to our trials in order to become disciples requires us to prepare for what lies ahead, and just as we were never meant to journey alone neither we were ever meant to prepare alone.

Our best opportunities to prepare to become missionary disciples are found in the celebration of Mass as a community, in the fellowship we share after Mass, and in the prayers we offer for one another during the week. 

And so, as we continue moving forward towards becoming a mission-focused parish, reflect on the ways that you might grow in how you’re celebrating and participating at Mass, in getting to know your fellow parishioners both old and new, and in having an intention-driven prayer life. 

Regular Liturgy Schedule & Intentions, August 20-26
Saturday, August 20:  Ronald Moss by His Family 
Sunday, August 21:  For All Parishioners
Tuesday, August 23 (St Rose de Lima):  Deceased Members of the McGlynn Family by The Family 
Thursday, August 25 (St Louis & St Joseph Calasanz):  M. Georgette Grise by Her Children 
 

What exactly is Alpha?
Alpha is an 11-week series where we come to St. Willibrord’s, share a meal, watch a talk and discuss life, faith and God. It is a safe and welcoming evening where we can explore a different theme each week through a Christian lens and meet you wherever you are in your faith journey.

Registration is a just a click away: stig.ca/alpha

Learn more: https://youtu.be/RRh-cPUxNWU

Coffee Break Catechesis

  • What is the Value of a Human Life?
    https://youtu.be/AeshlJd0R2U
    This week, reconsider the value and uniqueness of your life with Mari Pablo from Ascension Presents, and learn how to expand that mindset to valuing the life and dignity of others!
Beyond Verdun 
  • Complete your day with "a beautiful encounter with the sacred" on August 19th
    The Montreal Compline Choir extends an invitation to all to join them for Compline at the Church of Saint Barnabas (95 Lorne Avenue, St-Lambert) on August 19th at 9:00pm. 
    • The Office of Compline is the last office of the Liturgy of the Hours, and this particular Compline repertoire includes Gregorian chant, plainsong in English, and music from the Renaissance.
    • A collection will be taken up to support the parish and help the choir cover its expenses.
  • Welcome, Bishop-Elect Frank Leo!  
    https://bit.ly/3CbC0Up
    On Monday, September 12, join the celebration and welcome Bishop-Elect Frank Leo to his new role in the Archdiocese as Auxiliary Bishop!  The Episcopal Ordination will take place at Mary Queen of the World Cathedral and will also be livestreamed by Salt & Light Media.
  • How to become the salt of the earth:  CAPP is coming to Canada
    https://bit.ly/3wewD2Y
    https://www.cappcanada.ca/launch
    Centesiumus Annus Pro Pontiface (CAPP) is starting its Canadian chapter, and all who felt called to action following the Papal Visit are invited to attend the virtual launch on September 17 to learn how they can effectively participate in Catholic social action.  For more information and to RSVP to the event, follow the links above!
    • “The primary mission of CAPP is to transform society by cultivating, especially among lay Catholic leaders, a deeper understanding, integration, and holistic application of Catholic Social Doctrine. Our secondary mission is to support Papal charities, responding to urgent needs as they arise. In advancing our two-fold mission, we also welcome the support and collaboration of non-Catholics.” 
  • State Power and Evangelization
    The Church no longer imposes the Gospel by state power, but proposes it in freedom.  Yet that does not erase the Church’s presence during painful moments of history, as the Papal Visit made clear:  https://bit.ly/3JQU9sA

Put Your Faith, Hope, and Love into Action!

 



Yours in Christ,
Father Robert Assaly+

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