Soul Health XXIV: 12 Days of Christmas continue…Upcoming in the New Year

Upcoming Masses

Thursday (New Year’s Eve) – Registration required, by calling the office

Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God Mass of Obligation: 7pm

This Weekend

The Epiphany of the Lord: Saturday 4pm & Sunday 9:30am

Family Faith Formation & Sacramental Preparation

Begins in January -- a series of online weekly gatherings that will empower parents as the primary catechists of their children.

For: Parents with children preparing for First Communion and Confirmation, who will be given supplemental material for their children throughout the Family Faith Formation program.

Information sessions: Saturday, January 9th at 11am, Monday, January 11th at 7:30pm. To register for an information session, please email our Parish Catechetical Leader, Alexandra Johnson: alexandra.stwillibrord@gmail.com

Adult Faith Education Programs Online, led by Father Robert

Registration required (The best things in faith life are Free!)

The Sacraments, featuring Bishop Barron, 7 Thursdays at 7pm starting January 14th

Praying the The Rosary followed by a short study of The Bible and the Fathers of the Church Tuesdays at 7:30 pm starting January 12th

Call the office for inquiries about Baptism.

May you experience every blessing of peace and joy of this Christmas Season,

Father Robert+

Christmas at St. Thomas More, and prayer request

“The Word was made Flesh, and dwelt among us”

My wishes for a Blessed Christmas for each of you and your loved ones. I have been very moved by the true Christmas spirit in action in the Christmas Basket effort, in the service of those we are especially meant to call ‘loved ones’ in Verdun.

I expect each of you has receive the Christmas mailing. To update you on Christmas masses:

On the Eve:

- The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be offered at 4pm

- Both the 5pm and 9pm are fully booked. Space of registrants not seated by mass time may be given over to walk-ins. 

- For those unable to enter the Church, Communion will be offered on the church steps from 6pm-6:20

Christmas Day:

- The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be offered at 8:45

- Reserve space for the 9:30 by calling the office

- Communion will be offered on the church steps from 10:30-10:45am

Due to unfortunate technical limitations, live-streaming will not be available at these times. To receive Spiritual Communion on this great Solemnity, tune in to St. Willibrord’s livestream on the Eve at 7pm, or Christmas morning at 11am

Both Weekends during Christmas Season

4pm Saturdays and 930am Sundays only

Solemnity of Mary Mother of God (New Year’s Eve):

7pm

A special prayer request: Prior to the pandemic, the CND sisters were active in our parish, especially in music ministry. 40 CND sisters of this venerable Montréal order have contracted the virus this month. Keep them in your prayers.

May you experience every blessing of peace and joy of
the Christ-child of Bethlehem,

Father Robert+

Soul Health XXIII

Advent and Christmas at St.TM

Advent is upon us, a time of preparation in anticipation of Christmas -- the birth of the Christ Child in Bethlehem, and the Second Coming of Christ in glory. Mary and Joseph during this time perilously journeyed to Bethlehem amidst uncertainty of what their future held and even where they would lay their heads. Perhaps many of us can identify with them in these uncertain times. And like them, let us keep the faith, nurturing an Advent hope that God comes to be with us incarnate in Jesus Christ, and after Christmas in the person of the Holy Spirit.

1- Some opportunities for Advent faithfulness:

Consider Lectio Divina this Advent, four virtual “lunchtime” sessions that encourages you to pause & take time of your day to listen to God. Every Thursday online. First session pushed to December 3rd. Register here.

No time for online sessions? No problem. the Catholic Church of Montreal has prepared a series of resources for all ages to be enjoyed from your own home and at your own rhythm for Advent & Christmas. Enjoy podcasts, books, music, online retreats, family activities and crafts and a whole lot more!

Join the Companions of the Cross for an Advent Virtual Mission - Abound in Hope December 14, 15 & 16 - 7:00 PM. Fr. Ben St. Croix, Fr. Allan MacDonald, and Fr. Francis Ching will lead us through Advent into the Christmas season!

A number of opportunities for children and their parents were sent today to families. Reply to me to receive the email.

And finally….St. John Paul II's guide to a fruitful Advent

2- If you would like Advent candles blessed outside, I will offer this on the Church steps at 3:30 this Saturday.

3- Please send me first names for our prayer list, refreshed this weekend.

4- Those who ordered Magnificat can pick up their January edition in a couple of weeks. They are also giving us 13 months for the price of 12.

5- Spiritual Lessons from the Pandemic

6- Catholic Action’s Latest newsletter

7- We are aiming to hold the annual parishioners meeting after a 10am mass on Saturday December 12, to discuss the future of the parish and elect 2 wardens. We have special permission once 25 are signed up to attend in person, to have everyone else join by phone or Zoom video. Registration required by calling the office.

This is Important. Last year we had 70 attend, a sign you are deeply devoted to the well-being of the parish – let's try to match that number. And please consider being a warden – call me for more info (Must reside within parish bounds)

8- Sacraments:

Mass attendance on Saturdays is back to the pre-pandemic level of 50. There is still room in the Church at 5:15pm; the 4pm uses the Sacristy as well. Sunday morning hovers around 40, down from 100. We hope to have video equipment in place next week to be able to provide full audio-visual in the Sacristy. We need a camera operator, and technical set-up help – please volunteer!

The Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) is now offered Saturdays at 4:50pm and Sundays at 9am. Encouragingly, if the number of penitents continues to grow, more scheduled opportunities will be offered. Confessions will always also be offered by appointment.

“Prepare ye the way of the Lord” in your hearts in Advent by partaking of this Sacrament before Christmas.

For those who are not yet ready to come to mass, catch us online for Spiritual Communion from St. Willibrord’s 11am Sundays online live on Facebook

We plan to offer at least 3 Christmas Masses – details to be announced this weekend. In person Registration will be offered the next two weekends. If space is still available, other registrations will be accepted.

Volunteer Readers and Collectors are still required for weekend masses. Several have not yet returned, so please consider offering yourself for this ministry. Contact the office. A shout out to all our volunteers -- THANK YOU!

My wishes for a Blessed and Peaceful a Advent

In the Christ-Child of Bethlehem,

Father Robert+

Soul Health XXII

Order Magnificat; parish Job opening; Alex Trebek

LITURGY

1- For those who prefer not to be in the Sacristy overflow room for mass, there is plenty of room in at the Saturday 5:15pm Mass.

2-  The Sacrament of Reconciliation is offered:

-Saturdays approximately 4:50pm (after the 4pm mass)
-Sundays at 9am
-By appointment. Email me or call the parish phone.

3- This month of Remembrance of our Beloved dead ends on November 30 with a memorial mass for Fr. George. Details next week

INFO, Magnificat, Job opening and more

- Two of our beloved and well known priests died this week. Fr. John Walsh died suddenly and Fr. Ernie Schibli after a period of decline. Pray for them

- Magnificat with the daily mass readings (US translation of Scripture) and reflections, articles and much more on spirituality -- over 400 pages monthly -- can be ordered next week only at our bulk rate of $69/year. Cheques to the office. For $25, you may exchange your Living with Christ subscription with the parish, which needs a few copies.

- The Life of Alex Trebek, RIP, a great Canadian, is a testimony to the benefit of a Catholic education

- Read Archbishop Lépine’s brief pastoral letter: Choosing Hope and Life

JOB Opening in the parish

- We are hiring for a part-time Parish Catechetical leader to coordinate our Catechists and Sacramental Preparation -- Must be a good communicator, and enjoy working with children and their parents. Inquire with me.

Blessings in Christ,

Father Robert+

Soul Health XXI

Red Alert Extension implications

1- The Red Alert Extension until just before Advent means we must stay limited to 50 people at mass, using the Sacristy as overflow. However, effective immediately the Sunday afternoon mass (5pm) is eliminated. There is plenty of room at the other 3 masses, and in the Church particularly at the Saturday 5:15pm.

2- Confessions will be heard by appointment. Email me or call the parish phone.

3- This weekend, I will be offering a Triduum of masses for All Souls, with a sermon series at St. Willibrord’s or join us online live on Facebook:

- Saturday Mass for the departed: 7pm

- Sunday Solemnity of All Saints: 11am (same as St. T’s all 3 masses)

- Monday Commemoration of All Souls: 7pm. You may add names to the Book of Remembrance by emailing or calling the office.

4- Volunteer Readers and Collectors are still required for weekend masses. Several have not yet returned, so please consider offering yourself for this ministry. Contact the office.

5- We have received several free copies of Magnificat with the daily mass readings and reflections, articles and much more on spirituality.

I’m hoping enough of you, particularly those who used to buy Living with Christ, will be inspired to order an annual subscription ($72) through the parish so we can get the bulk discount. If you would like to test drive it, contact the office the a free (November edition).

Blessings in Christ,

Father Robert+

Soul Health XX

1- The parish office is back to regular hours: every weekday 9-3:30, except Wednesdays until Noon only.

2- Volunteer Readers and Collectors are required for weekend masses. Several have not yet returned, so please consider offering yourself for this ministry. Contact the office.

3- Archbishop Lépine has issued a brief new pastoral letter entitled, Under the “new normal,” an enduring essential: the spiritual.

4- Canada received dishonourable mention in an article on last month’s Vatican document, Good Samaritan. It addresses both euthanasia, and the other extreme of “Not accepting the limits of medicine, and aggressively trying to avoid death:” ‘No life is unworthy of life’ .

5- There may be no free lunch, but we have received several free copies of Magnificat (November edition) with the daily mass readings and reflections, articles and much more on spirituality. I’m hoping enough of you will be inspired to order an annual subscription ($72) through the parish so we can get the bulk discount. If you would like to test drive it, contact the office the a free copy.

6- The requiem Funeral Mass for Edith Cavanaugh will be offered Friday 11am next week. If you would like to attend, please call the office.

Weekend Mass, live and live-streamed:

7- Mass times will remain this month: Saturday 4pm & 5:15pm; Sunday 9:30am and 5pm. Last weekend the 9:30 was nearly full again in the sacristy; note there was space however in the Church at the 5:15 and 5pm masses Saturday and Sunday, respectively.

8- If you’re not ready to return yet, join us for Spiritual Communion, where I’ll be celebrating at St. Willibrord’s each weekend, Saturday 7pm & Sunday 11am.

9-Weekday masses livestreamed at 8:30am continue on Salt and Light TV in English, or , broadcast from our very own Marie-Reine-du-Monde Cathedral downtown. The Celebrants are Montreal English sector priests who may be familiar to you.

Blessings in Christ,

Father Robert+

Soul Health XIX

1- This Saturday's announced Rosary Rally in Verdun is cancelled, due to the restrictions on gathering. All who were planning to attend are invited to pray the Rosary for Our Lady's intentions at Noon Saturday.

2- Pope Francis has just issued the 3rd Encyclical of his Papacy, on fraternity and social friendship. Such documents shape the witness of the Church for generations. Read 10 key takeaways, or the complete document.

3- Our ever-evolving community of Verdun was just ranked 11th Coolest Neighborhood in the World!

4- Browse through the new e-book compilation of Archbishop Lépine’s messages during the pandemic “confinement” found in this week’s Grapevine.

JOIN US FOR MASS

5- October weekend Mass times will continue: Saturday 4pm & 5:15pm; Sunday 9:30am and 5pm. Last weekend the 9:30 was nearly full in the sacristy; note there was space however in the Church at the 5:15 and 5pm masses Saturday and Sunday, respectively.

6- If you’re not ready to return yet, join us online live on Facebook for Spiritual Communion, where I’ll be celebrating at St. Willibrord’s each weekend, Saturday 7pm & Sunday 11am.

7- These St. W’s masses remain posted, including last weekend’s.

8- Weekday masses livestream at 8:30am started earlier this week on Salt and Light TV in English, or on Facebook, broadcast from our very own Marie-Reine-du-Monde Cathedral downtown. The Celebrants are Montreal English sector priests who may be familiar to you.

Blessings in Christ,

Father Robert+

CHANGE OF MASS TIMES --- This weekend only

Saturday 4:00 and 5:15pm

Sunday 9:00 and 10:30am

Soul Health XVIII: News, changing mass times, Alpha opportunity

1- As preached and announced on the weekend, you are welcome and encouraged to come to the parish this evening or next Wednesday for the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession). Why? Take a few minutes to hear Bishop Barron’s excellent Sunday homily on forgiveness and broken relationships: https://tinyurl.com/y48wvxwt

- We will begin with 10-minute liturgy at 7pm, this week for the First Communion children, and next week for the Confirmands. After they have made their confessions (by 7:30 likely) you are welcome to go to one of the other two priests for the Sacrament. One priest each evening can offer the sacrament in French as well. I continue to offer the Sacrament by appointment.

2- I commend to you an online Alpha course beginning Friday evening. Do sign-up today. This programme gets rave reviews from participants and has remarkably strengthened parishes around the world and here in the diocese through faith development. Starts September 18, and runs Friday evenings, 7:30 p.m.-9 p.m. via Zoom -- Join from home. Better yet, It's free! Why does Alpha exist? Learn more here. To register: Alpha.MaryHelpOfChristians@gmail.com

3- For more info on Alpha, and for other diocesan news, read This Week’s Grapevine . There’s a brief interview there with Fr. Mike, whose NDG parish has over 150 Alpha registrants this autumn! Let’s do this to likewise build our parish.

4- It’s now easier to support the parish financially by donating online. Consider setting up an automatic weekly or monthly donation instead of using envelopes. This will save the parish the cost of envelopes and volunteer time as CanadaHelps automatically issues you tax receipts. Go the blue button on our website.

5- Changes: As announced last weekend, I have been appointed both Pastor of St. Thomas More (for 6 years) and Administrator of St. Willibrord’s (one year renewable). Mass times will change in both parishes. Note my new email address: vicarofverdun@gmail.com

6- Our mass attendance last weekend: 5pm Saturday, almost the pre-pandemic level of 50. 9am Sunday however is around 40, compared to 100 pre-pandemic. Having erred on the side of caution and safety in re-opening, I believe our parish is extremely safe. Thanks to the volunteers who continue to make this happen.

7- We require more readers at weekend masses. Please email or phone Patricia to offer yourself or inquire. Parish office hours: Monday 11-2, Tuesday through Thursday 9-3:30.

8- That said, we are revisiting the question of mass times. Only if you were not at mass last weekend when everyone was polled, Click here to state your preferred time -- Only complete one of the two questions. Note that Sunday mornings neither the 10 or 1030am times are available, both to allow me to offer a morning mass at St. W’s, and because we have agreed to allow N.D.-de-la-Garde parish to have morning mass at St. TM’s.

9- This Saturday’s mass will include First Communions – come out to support and pray for our parish children. Sunday at 10:30 the following weekend former St.TM curate Bishop Robert Harris will be celebrating the Sacrament of Confirmation. He will also be preaching the weekend masses.

10- Prayerfully consider participating in a Public Square Rosary Rally at noon on Saturday October 10. It will be on the Verdun Boardwalk near Godin St. This is one of 700 such rallies across Canada offered for reparation of offences committed against the Immaculate Heart of Mary and for the conversion of Canada. For more info or to notify of your intention to participate, call Caroline Landry (514-767-6256) or Maureen Dearden (514-751-2733).

11- Next weekend I will be renewing my prayer list. If there is anyone on the current list who needs continuing prayer, or others you would like prayed for, please email me or leave a message on the parish voicemail. Separately, weekday mass intentions are arranged with Trish at the parish phone number.

12- The Quebec Assembly of Catholic Bishops through the ministry of the Catholic Social Action office of our Archdiocese has made available this brief, important document on our mission in the province. Have a read of it and send me your feedback to inform our direction as a parish.

Blessings in Christ,

Father Robert+

Soul Health XVII: Lebanon emergency relief; eat grapes or propose Marriage today

1- Today is a Solemnity, one of the high Feast days of the Church – The Assumption of our Lady into heaven. For simple ways to mark this truly marvelous Feast, see below.

2- Our Archbishop has requested prayers for Lebanon and that parishes take up a second collection for relief for the horrible Beirut disaster. We will do so this weekend with envelopes in the pews. For a tax receipt, mark your regular envelope number on them, or your name, or “Lebanon” on your own spare envelope. I have worked together with my fellow Lebanese-Canadian Christian and Muslim leaders to obtain 1:1 matching donations to yours, passed through a Catholic agency. You may also drop an envelope in the office mail slot so marked.

3- Our mass attendance since re-opening last month has climbed, close to pre-pandemic levels at 5pm Saturday, but still just under half those levels at 9am Sunday. I take this opportunity to thank the over two dozen volunteers who have contributed to keep us safely receiving the Sacrament of the Eucharist. It seems to have been done very smoothly thus far.

4- In two or three weeks, with the congregation during the announcements we will revisit the question of the most suitable time for Sunday morning mass.

5- Next weekend I will be renewing my prayer list. If there is anyone on the current list who need continuing prayer, or others you would like prayed for, please email me or leave a message on the parish voicemail. Separately, weekday mass intentions are arranged with Trish at the parish phone number.

6- A reminder to parents of children in catechesis: we will meet by zoom Monday, 7pm. Email for the link if you don’t have it.

7- Keeping the Feast of the Assumption:

Pope Francis today, on the Feast (1 minute read)

Consider it Thoughtfully (5 minutes)

Say the Angelus (1 minute). Daily take 3 minutes, or even 1, for the Angelus: Although the Angelus has been traditionally said three times daily, at 6 am, noon and 6 pm, you can pray it at anytime. (In my home parish growing up and even today, 10:30 Sunday mass is 90 minutes, concluding with the noon Angelus).

Pray the Rosary, particularly the glorious mysteries (note the 4th) today with these mediations. Consider joining the Tuesday evening online Rosary group for whom I am chaplain.

Join priests around the globe every evening as we all pray the Magnificat (1 minute), while contemplating Our Lady’s humility, joy and grace, and/or other Marion Antiphons as our last prayer before bed (another minute), before “the great silence begins.

Grapes, proposals and other Traditions on this Feast.

Our Lady of Lebanon, as we celebrate your glorious Assumption, pray for the people of that devastated country, and for us.

Father Robert+

Soul Health XVI: We’ve safely re-opened the church; more volunteers needed; church funerals this week

1- Summer Mass times:

Saturday 5 pm,

Sunday changed to 9 am.

2- A couple of tweaks based on an assessment of re-opening weekend:

- There’s space for all – no need for mass passes or registration
- Entrance to the church will be only by the main doors on the street corner

3- Parishioner Joseph Whelton died on Sunday after receiving the Last Rites of the Church hours earlier. His funeral mass is Friday at 1pm; due to the current usable space restrictions for health and safety, the funeral is private. The family asks for your prayers for Joseph, and intends to made available a video of the funeral.

4- Parishioner Joanne Morin died in April of complications related to COVID. Her funeral mass is Saturday at 10am.

5- To continue to offer the two weekend masses this summer, we need even more volunteer greeters. The training is now much simplified after our weekend experience. And we need a laptop operator for music at the masses. Please call the parish number to volunteer.

6- Over two dozen of you have already volunteered in various capacities to re-open the doors. “Well done, thou good and faithful servants” (Matthew 25:21)

7- This week: FREE COURSE: Happiness and the Meaning Of Life, from Bishop Barron’s Institute – 6 videos ~15 minutes each.

8- I announce a special meeting of parishioners to elect a new warden, filling a vacancy for Sunday 26 July at 9:45am (after mass, in the pews). That warden would hopefully become our Treasurer. Nominations may be given to me or any of the wardens.


St. Thomas More, Pray for us

Father Robert+ Pastor, St. Thomas More Parish Verdun

The parish doors will be re-opening this weekend!!

Note the Summer Mass times:

Saturday 5 pm,

Sunday changed to 9 am

Mandatory “How to” Safety Rules to attend Mass this summer at St. Thomas More Parish, Verdun

Coming Prepared

    •    Only one washroom is available; for emergencies only. Come prepared!
    •    Bring your face mask (we will be able to provide a few at the door)
    •    Bring your faith, to follow these rules for the benefit of the community
    •    Bring your patience, in order to comply with the changes wrought by these rules
    •    DO NOT COME if you have any these conditions that prohibit access: fever, cough, contact with a sick person, or have returned from travel within 14 days prior
    •    In light of the months of lockdown, the Church encourages you to prepare by first receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation (if with Fr. Robert, by appointment only). If you cannot, you may vow to do so next week just before receiving communion and then honour your vow, to ensure worthy reception of the true Body of Christ (I Corinthians 11:27)
    •    Bring your “Mass Pass” (only for the Sunday 9am) – It is this sheet of paper

Upon Arrival

    •    To control access, 2 centre doors as well as the Moffat and Bannantyne entrances will open no earlier that 20 minutes before mass time. Only those with mass passes may enter
    •    Both side doors will be closed just before mass time; go to main doors
    •    At that point Mass Passes are no longer valid and anyone may enter until we reach capacity
    •    Before the inner entry doors and on the steps, respect the distancing floor markers
    •    We are not permitted to mark the sidewalk: physically distance there as well
    •    Before the inner doors, study the pictogram (also in this mailing)
    •    Inside the final doors, there is no holy water
    •    Listen to the instructions of the greeters
    •    Then sanitize
    •    Find a pew while respecting the floor markers marked with the colour of the ribbon designated for that mass – red, green or purple – as posted inside
    •    For family groups, use only pews with an additional white ribbon
    •    Masks are required while inside, except for those who cannot wear them. They will sit in the designated pews behind the mask picto-sign towards the back of the church
    •    Do not sit nor even touch any other pew but yours. If you have mobility issues, you cannot support yourself with another pew; rather come prepared and take your time
    •    Respect the distancing floor markers on your way to your pew; do not pass anyone in the aisle
    •    Sit only at either end of colour designated pews. This ensures 2M physical distancing
    •    A coloured mass response card will be placed where you can sit. No one else will have handled this within 3 days. Leave it where you found it upon departure.
    •    No other papers or hymn books will be in church except what you bring for the collection plate


Inside the church

Be Safe:
Help Others Feel safe in the Church

During Communion

    •    Do not leave your pew; communion will be brought to you.
    •    Lower or Remove your mask to receive
    •    Cup your hands, one over the other
    •    Do not say “Amen” until the communion minister is giving to the next person

After Mass

“Go into the world, glorifying the Lord by your life”

    •    The back row will exit first
    •    Lift your kneeler to the upright position
    •    Do not leave your pew before the people behind you have left theirs
    •    Do not stop, thereby holding up traffic, even on the sidewalks
    •    Clergy will not be greeting at the back; if you have any comments, needs or questions, please call Father Robert
    •    There is no socializing on church property
    •    If doing so on the sidewalk physically distanced, ensure you are not blocking it


When you receive communion:

“Behold what you are
Become What you see”
St. Augustine (5th century)

Soul Health XV

We’re re-opening the church next weekend!

1- First, I’m happy to report that Patricia (Trish), our parish secretary, is recovering very well from surgery. During her convalescence this month, she will be doing some work from home.

2- Check out this 1-minute video of Pope Francis, “Our Families”, that ought to be taken to heart by each of us.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGZJRuVvnsc

Re-opening our parish: News and information

3- Volunteers required at each mass: One to operate the laptop for music (simpler than it sounds – pun intended) and several more to be safety greeters. Please contact me to inquire. Thanks to our two dozen volunteers who have come forward, some of whom were trained yesterday.

4- The doors will be opening next weekend!! Note the Summer Mass times:

Saturday 5 pm,

Sunday changed to 9 am

5- Due to provincial capacity restrictions for health and safety, we will add a 10:30 mass with catechism, however restricted to the catechism families, who have been communicated with separately.

6- The rationale is that Sunday at 9 am:

- respects the survey results completed by most
- adding a separate family mass allows enough space that all parishioners can attend Sunday morning without registration (only the 9am mass however requires you bring a “mass pass” to guarantee you a seat)
- almost eliminates the risk of contact between the elderly and children
- as health safety doesn’t allow us to use large fans directly, this hour would not be as hot inside

7- The “mass pass”: It’s purpose is to ensure that, without having to register, our parishioners have first call on the limited available seating, until just before mass time when we admit other people until we’re full.

8- All parishioners will receive in the mail this week an extensive letter, including a separate sheet of safety rules for mass attendance. You will read therein what the “mass pass” is.

9- Additionally, an information session to answer your questions will be held by Zoom and phone call-in Tuesday evening at 7pm for those interested.

10- The parish office will be staffed for calls (514-768-4741) only this Friday from 10am-noon to answer your questions about the parish re-opening after having read the mailing. Also, if you haven’t received the letter, please call then. At other times, messages left will always be returned, except those related to re-opening which will be returned after Friday morning.

11- With the need to prioritize a successful weekend re-opening:

- Weekday masses won’t begin for at least one month
- The Sacrament of Reconciliation will not be offered before mass, rather by appointment with me
- Funerals will resume immediately, baptisms shortly thereafter I expect
- The office will remain closed for personal interaction until it is safer, and at least until Trish is fully back in the saddle. I’m available by phone at the parish number and email.
- Only the church itself and the sacristy washroom (for emergencies) are accessible for now

All further changes and adjustments will be announced at masses and included in these emails and on our website.

St. Thomas More, as we re-open, Pray for us

Father Robert+
Pastor, St. Thomas More Parish Verdun

Patronal Festival: St. Thomas More, Martyr