Bulletin Nov. 19 – Dec. 2, 2022

CELEBRATION OF THE EUCHARIST

BOOK OF REMEMBRANCE

During the month of November record the names of the deceased members of your family or friends in the Book of Remembrance which can be found on the east side of the Church.

LET US PRAY FOR THOSE WHO ARE SICK

Those in need of our prayers: David Brewer, Gordon Deery, Rosemarie Elisan, John Hillhouse, Connie Iacovelli, Hélène Parent, Marianne Pérignon, Larry Poulin & Griselda Rella Cortés

WHAT ARE THE KEY FIRST STEPS TO ENTER INTO ADVENT?

We can all slow down. We can all breathe more deeply. We can all begin to trust that this will be a blessed time. Then, when we let ourselves be who we are, and hear the Scriptures, we can begin to quietly pray, “Come, Lord, Jesus.” We might expand that prayer, in quiet moments of our days ahead, “Come into my life. I trust you don’t mind if it is still messy. I believe you love me because I need your love. I don’t fear you can’t find the way to my heart. Come and fill me with peace and the love only you can give.” Some of us will want to open our hands on our laps or hold up our arms in the privacy of our rooms and say out loud, “Come, Lord, Jesus, come into this house, into my family, into our struggles. Come and heal us and give us joy again. Come and unite us and let us experience, each in our own way, a bit of the joy you are offering me now.” And, before a single decoration goes up, we have prepared for Christmas’ message with the foundation of faith, with the mystery of Advent’s gift. God wants to be with us. Advent is letting God’s will be done in our hearts and in our everyday lives.

Taken from Praying Advent, on Creighton University’s Online Ministries web site:
http://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/online.html
Used with permission.

SHARING THE WORD OF GOD THROUGH ZOOM

As part of his pastoral ministry before ordination to be a Permanent Deacon, Benny Augustinewill be sharing a reflection on the Word of God every First Friday through Zoom, join us on Friday, December 2^nd at 8 pm for 30 minutes. You can also invite your family and friends. Click on the Zoom link below to join:

https://us04web.zoom.us/j/3766944132pwd=UUpwZkRaVTQ1RUhHR0s4K1hjZThoQT09

Meeting ID: 376 694 4132

Password: 257114

SUNDAY MISSALS

The 2022/2023 Sunday Missals will be available for sale at the weekend Masses, November 19th & 20^th and November 25^th & 26^th and at the Parish Office during office hours. Cost $6, exact change would be appreciated.

DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE – CARITAS CANADA TOGETHER, LET’S PUT PEOPLE AND PLANET FIRST!

In Honduras, many are criminalized for daring to defend their human, territorial or environmental rights. Such was the case of Sonia Pérez, a Radio Progreso correspondent who was arrested while reporting on the violent eviction of an Indigenous Lenca community from its land by a powerful businessman. “All I have done is cover the truth…. But I now feel impotent, threatened and slandered for my work.” ― Sonia Pérez

Let’s stand in solidarity with Sonia and others who defend human rights and the Earth. Sign the petition to get Canada to adopt strong corporate due diligence laws Together, we have the power to make a difference! Visit https://www.devp.org/en/campaign/people-planet-first/take-action/. Development and Peace — Caritas Canada, the official development organization of the Canadian Catholic Church, is inspired by the values of the Gospel, particularly the preferential option for the poor.

HURRICANE FIONA DISASTER RELIEF 

We have received a Thank You note from Bishop van Roijen of the Diocese of Corner Brook and Labrador for coming to the aid of our brothers and sisters in Port aux Basques NL, it is posted on the bulletin at the back of the Church, May the Lord bring comfort to our sisters and brothers as they set out to rebuild their communities.

SOCIAL ACTION:  CHRISTMAS FOOD BASKET PROGRAM

At the weekend masses of November 19^th & 20^th and November 26^th & 27^th there will be a special collection for the Christmas food baskets prepared by parishioner volunteers. These funds will be used towards buying the food items for the baskets.  There will be designated envelopes in the church pews on those two weekends. The name and details of the needy families in our community are provided by the West Island Assistance Fund.  Food baskets are delivered around the third week of December. There is a suggested food list.  Depending on the total of donations, each volunteer will be assisted monetarily towards the purchase of the food items.  This is a rewarding experience and teaching opportunity for children to learn compassion and generosity. If interested in helping with this project or if you would like to prepare a basket, please contact Catherine LoVasco at catherine.lovasco@gmail.com or by telephone at 514-963-2718. Thank you.

CHRISTMAS FOOD COLLECTION 2022 – December 3^rd and 4^th

Our annual Saint Edmund of Canterbury Christmas Food Collection is back! This year, our collection for Montreal parishes and organizations in need of our support will include Saint Willibrord and Saint Francis of Assisi parishes as well as Nazareth House and Resilience Montreal, a downtown shelter frequented by Indigenous Peoples. Basic food items as well as traditional Christmas treats are welcome to help seniors, low-income families and homeless people share our blessings. Suggestions for suitable items can be found on the bulletin boards at the back of the church. Please remember that we are unable to accept frozen or fresh food items such as meat and dairy products. Watch the sales adverts to make your generosity stretch even further! Medium-size boxes for packing and delivery are welcome. We are actively looking for volunteers including students in search of community service opportunities to receive, sort and deliver our Christmas goods to the receiving parishes. Volunteer sign-up sheets have been placed at the back of the church – all are welcome to join us! For more info, please call Vivian at 514-795-8507 to sign up.

“LIFE IS WONDERFUL” CHRISTMAS CONCERT

Hosted by Pillars Trust to mark the end of its 50th Anniversary Year

Tuesday, December 6^th in the former Grand Séminaire de Montréal, 2065 Sherbrooke St. West

DOORS OPEN: 7pm, CONCERT in the beautiful chapel 7:30pm to 9pm

Will feature: Choirs from The McGill Newman Centre; The Sacred Heart School; St. Ignatius Music Ministry; The Bernadette Short Irish Dancers; a Wine and Cheese Reception and more.

Cost: In Person: $30.00, Students $20.00, Virtual: $20.00

Tickets: Reserve online at www.pillarstrust.org or purchase at the door.

For more information call: Carol McCormick at 514-386-8082