Bulletin: February 19 – March 4

LET US PRAY 

FOR THOSE WHO ARE SICK 

Those in need of our prayers: David Brewer, Fresia Bunster, Simonne Cookson, Pat Dagenais, Gordon Deery, Carlos Alberto Garcia Ebbens, Rosemarie Elisan, Christine Foley, Anne Gibb, Connie Iacovelli, Debbie Maloney, Ann Maria Massaro, Elizabeth Matthews, Philomena McLoughlin, Francesco Moranelli, Roderick Morrison, Evelyn Nadeau, Helen Palazy, Hélène Parent, Marianne Pérignon, Griselda Rella Cortés & Barbara Wentzell.

CHANGES IN EFFECT AS OF MONDAY, FEBRUARY 21^st

1. To attend Mass, proof of vaccination is no longer required.

2. We are ceasing the weekday communion service which was at 11am.

3. Confessions will take place on Saturday between 4:15pm to 4:45pm in the confessional or by appointment by calling the Parish Office at 514-695-7100.

LECTORS NEEDED

We are seeking volunteers to read at the Masses, both on weekdays and weekends. Come and join us in proclaiming God’s words to your fellow parishioners. Contact Cris Xavier Kaiser at 514-984-9413 or cxkcxk1965@gmail.com.

DIALOGUE CORNER – ARCHIODESE OF MONTREAL

During the current pandemic, many of us are being thrown into a world of uncertainty. And yet, these times can also serve as an opportunity to welcome the nurturing of the soul. Young people, couples, families and the elderly alike, often wait, sometimes seeking this call drawn from the life-giving Word: “Souls, wake up, rise up, in both body and spirit.” Often times, those openly practicing their faith, or whose families live an active prayer life, or parish communities that thrive vibrantly, may appear to be the only places where faith is considered alive and present. This “Dialogue Corner” offers an alternative, confidential space for you to explore your own personal journey of faith, and to ask any questions you may have. Members of our team will be available to respond to you personally within 48 hours. We want to assure you of our support and assistance during these difficult times. Please note that any personal information you share will remain safe and confidential.

Send your questions to https://tinyurl.com/cfuxaru4.

THE PARISH OFFICE IS CLOSED; HOWEVER PHONE CALLS AND EMAILS WILL BE REPLIED TO A.S.A.P.

PREPARING BEFORE LENT BEGINS

Taking some time to get ready for Lent will ensure that we are not going to miss the first week or two of Lent, because we are just getting started. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, but we want to be ready to really take off on that day, rather than just beginning to think about Lent on that day. Part of what makes a vacation or a special anniversary so special is the build-up to it. Before we get to Ash Wednesday, we should start asking ourselves some questions and we should start with some preparations. “What does God want to give me this year?” This question may require that I slow down a bit and listen to my inner spirit. For example, even if I am very busy, I realize I am hungry when I hear my stomach start “growling.” “What am I going to be doing on Ash Wednesday?” Too often, Ash Wednesday is like every other day, except that I manage to get to church and get ashes on my forehead. Is there anything else I can do on Ash Wednesday? How will fasting and abstaining happen for me, for my family on that special day? It does not take a lot of time to prepare for the beginning of Lent. It just takes desire and focus. God can do so much with that. We can give God more of a space to touch our hearts if we begin to establish some simple patterns. We could wake up each morning, and for something like a half a minute to a minute, stand by the edge of our beds, and just ask the Lord for the grace to let this day be one in which I long for the beginning of Lent. Perhaps we need to ask for specific helps or graces to get ready to begin Lent. Whatever we try to say, our Lord can understand the Spirit trying to speak through our simple words. And all it takes is the time to find and put on our slippers. And each night, in the days ahead, we can practice giving thanks to God before I go to bed. This simple pattern, in the morning and evening can stir our spirits to look forward to and prepare for Lent, as a season of grace. May our Lord bless us all on this journey ahead.

Taken from the Praying Lent pages of Creighton University’s Online Ministries web site:www.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/online.html. Used with Permission.

DISTRIBUTION OF ASHES

On Ash Wednesday, March 2^nd, ashes will be distributed during the 9am Mass and 7pm Mass.

WAY OF THE CROSS

Please join us every Friday evening during Lent, in the Church at 7pm, where we will pray the Way of the Cross.

WORLD DAY OF PRAYER – FRIDAY, MARCH 4th 

The invitation is for everyone – men, women, and children of all ages to join the 2022 World Day of Prayer as we celebrate the theme: I Know the Plans I Have for You (Jeremiah 29:11). The women of England, Wales and Northern Ireland have prepared the service this year. We are encouraged to reflect on the changes and challenges faced by these countries as they have evolved independently and collectively over hundreds of years. The writing team has shared the injustice obstacles that immigrant women to the UK have met, the selfishness of Britain as a conquering nation, and the hopes for the future. As we continue with the uncertainties and battle of Covid-19, the service will be held on Zoom on Friday, March 4th at 1:30pm.

Join Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81262464480

Meeting ID 812 6246 4480 or by phone 438-809-7799

“Lent comes providentially to reawaken us, to shake us from our lethargy.”                                                                                              

– Pope Francis