SAINT FRANCIS OF ASSISI PARISH NOVEMBER 29TH BULLETIN, 2020

844 Notre Dame Avenue, St Lambert, QC, J4R 1R8

TEL: (450) 671-6149 FAX: (450) 671-6792

email: stfrancis@videotron.ca Website :- www.saintfrancisparish.ca

Priest:- Fr. Gérard Lachapelle

SAINT JOHN PAUL II PASTORAL UNIT

Fr. Manus Bradley, Pastor : polbradley@aol.com Susan Gardner, Coordinator susan.gardner@dsjl.org

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Saint-John-Paul-II-Pastoral-Unit/983390895019278

Diocese of Saint-Jean-Longueuil - Bishop, Claude Hamelin

Diocesan website: www.dsjl.org Saint John Paul II website: http://johnpaul2.weebly.com

WARDENS:- Chair of the Fabrique – Ted Colavecchio 450-671-6818

Anne-Marie Armeni Treasurer 450-671-1042

Richard Zavergiu Bld. & Maint. 450-671-8908

Marianne Hinger Secretary 450-465-0827

Craig Mcara Fundraising 514-618-3352

Julie Belanger Special Events 450-466-3303

Amanda Simard Hall Rentals 450-671-9164

1ST SUNDAY OF ADVENT

To you, I lift up my soul, O my God. In you I have trusted; let me not be put to shame.

Nor let my enemies exult over me; and let none who hope in you be put to shame.

PRAYER INTENTIONS –Remember in your prayers Brian, Leona, Emmanuel, Diane,

Howard and our armed forces. Pray for the repose of the souls of all our deceased.

To add a name to our prayer list, call the office 450-671-6149 and leave a message.

Sunday Masses have resumed at St. Francis of Assisi. To reserve your seat please call

450-671-1042 on Wednesdays from 2 pm to 4 pm and 7 pm to 8 pm.

MASS INTENTIONS

November 29th Adam Taylor – his family

Ivan Kustec – Mary Kustec

December 6th Man Hin Benedicta Chan – the Colavecchio family

Arthur Bergeron – Joan Bergeron

DONATIONS: Churches rely on the generosity of their parishioners to maintain their day-to-day operations and those expenses don’t necessarily go away when the church is closed. To donate to your parish you may safely send a cheque in the mail by Canada Post. Please clearly indicate on your cheque the amount, your name, address and if you have, your church envelope #.

Tax receipts will be issued as per usual. Thank you!

POPE FRANCIS’ PRAYER INTENTION FOR DECEMBER.

We pray that our personal relationship with Jesus Christ be nourished by the Word of God and life of prayer.

2020 ECS Christmas Basket Campaign For many Christmas is a difficult time, financially and emotionally, particularly during this Covid-19 pandemic. To help people in need in our wider community, Ecumenical Community Services (ECS) is soliciting monetary donations in order to provide food for their Christmas supper. Checks, payable to your Church with the mention for ECS Christmas Baskets will be thankfully received by your church between November 22 and December 13, 2020. Your attention to this request for your help is very much appreciated. The ECS Team

EVENING ADORATION AT ST. MARY'S. To give you further access to Jesus, who is truly present in the Blessed Sacrament of the Altar, St. Mary’s Parish will open its doors for an hour of silent adoration, from 7:30 to 8:30 pm, on Thursday evenings and will continue into December.

Because of the provincial sanitary regulations, a maximum of 25 adorers will be allowed in the Church and registration prior to the event is mandatory.

To register, two options are offered:

Option 1) Call Alex La Salle at 514-641-9135 or

Option 2) Send an email to Alex La Salle at affjp2@gmail.com

To be officially registered, you need to receive a confirmation number (1 to 25). Leaving a voice message or sending an email is not enough. The church will open at 7:10 pm and close at 8:50 pm. St. Mary's Church, 735 Miller, Greenfield Park J4V 1W6

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Blogs and Reflections: by Alex Lasalle, Pastoral Agent; available on the Website : http://johnpaul2.weebly.com/blog

Daily Reflections from Fr. John Torrance : Scripture, Reflection, Prayer

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Saint-John-Paul-II-Pastoral-Unit/983390895019278

https://www.facebook.com/stgabrielssthubert

https://www.facebook.com/parishofstraymondcandiac

HOW TO REGISTER FOR MASS

We yearn to come together as a faith community, but first and

We yearn to come together as a faith community, but first and foremost, we must be a safe faith community.

To reserve a place at any of the parishes listed below you must call the number on the days and times indicated below. We will not take reservations outside of those hours and we cannot take voicemail, email or texting as we need to speak with you when you call. There are specific questions we must ask you and some information that we must give you. A phone call is required. Registrations will be taken each week for the upcoming weekend only. The protocols state that in order to sit in the same pew in the church, you must live under the same roof; therefore please register accordingly. We will do our best to ensure that each parishioner in the Saint John Paul II Pastoral Unit will get to attend once, before anyone else attends twice.

WE WANT YOU TO FEEL SAFE INSIDE YOUR PLACE OF WORSHIP. Please know that before each Mass, every pew, railing, door handle and all bathrooms will have been cleaned and sanitized by a crew of amazing volunteers! Please help them by making sure that you take all of your belongings with you when you leave. Maybe this ‘new normal’ won’t be exactly what we want it to be, but it will be what we need it to be.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW WHEN COMING TO MASS

• Arrive 15 to 30 minutes early to allow the check in process.

• In the parking lot, stay safely 6 feet apart.

• With your mask on, stop and allow the volunteer to check you in.

• At the door, stop and you will be given hand-sanitizer (your hands will be ‘squirted’).

• Inside the church, follow the volunteer to your assigned seat.

• During Mass, follow all arrows and markings on the floor, so we all stay safely 6 feet apart.

• There will be one Lector for all readings

• There will be no Altar Servers

• You will notice that there are no Missals (bring your own).

• You may bring water if you think you will need some.

• You will notice that due to air transmission of Covid -19, there are no fans, electric or manual.

• During Mass, enjoy the Music Ministry, but for now, no singing in the pews.

• We will wish each other the Peace of Christ by nodding, smiling, bowing and waving.

• During Communion there is no verbal exchange, simply silence.

• Following Mass, to leave the church, please follow the directions of the Hospitality Minister

and remember to bring all personal items home with you.

• When leaving, respect the safety of keeping the 6 feet between you and your fellow

parishioners in the church and when out in the parking lot.

• Lastly, although Mass will be 'different', it is still wonderful. It is still Mass, still reverent, still holy!

CELEBRATIONS IN THE SAINT JOHN PAUL PASTORAL UNIT VIRTUALLY:

Weekend Celebrations in the Saint John Paul Pastoral Unit (on Facebook Live)

St. Mary's on Saturday at 5 pm and St. Augustine's on Sunday at 9:15 am

https://www.facebook.com/mass.saintjohnpaulii

St. Gabriel's on Sunday at 11:00 am

https://www.facebook.com/stgabrielssthubert

Weekend Celebrations in the Saint John Paul Pastoral Unit (on ZOOM)

Holy Cross on Saturday at 4:30 pm invitation by: mmuldowney@live.ca

Weekday Celebration in the Saint John Paul II Pastoral Unit (on Facebook)

Tuesday Mass at St. Gabriel's at 4:00 pm

https://www.facebook.com/stgabrielssthubert

https://www.facebook.com/parishofstraymondcandiac

WEEKDAY MASSES

Registration at the door - presently 25 limit

· Tuesday at 4:00 pm, St. Gabriel's Parish (in person & on Facebook)

https://www.facebook.com/stgabrielssthubert

· Wednesday at 9:00 am, St. Mary's Parish

· Thursday at 9:15 am, St. Augustine's Parish

· Friday at 9:30 am, Good Shepherd Parish

WEEKEND CELEBRATIONS IN THE SAINT JOHN PAUL PASTORAL UNIT

Good Shepherd, 7900 Naples, Brossard J4Y 1Z9

Saturday at 5:00 pm

Sunday at 11:15 am

To register call: 450-676-7577 Tuesday from 9:00 am to 1 pm

St. Augustine’s, 105 de Cherbourg, St. Bruno J3V 2K8 (entrance, Roberval)

Sunday at 9:15 am

To register call: 450-653-4402 Thursday from 2 pm to 4 pm

St. Clare’s, 820 Montarville, Longueuil (Church)

Saturday at 4:00 pm

To register call: 450-463-3206 Tuesday and Thursday from 10 am to 12 pm

St. Francis of Assisi, 844 Notre Dame, St. Lambert J4R 1N5

Sunday at 9:30 am

To register call: 450-671-1042 Wednesday from 2 pm to 4 pm and 7 pm to 8 pm

St. Gabriel’s, 5070 Gilbert, St. Hubert J3Y 2K7

Sunday at 11:00 am

To register call: 450-656-4433 Thursday from 3 pm to 8 pm

St. Mary’s, 125 Grove, Greenfield Park, J4V 2X2 (entrance, Miller)

Saturday at 5:00 pm

Sunday at 9:00 am

Sunday at 11:30 am (in French with St. Anastase)

To register call: 450-671-0416 Tuesday from 3 pm to 6 pm

St. Raymond’s, CRVP : 135 chemin Haendel, Candiac, QC J5R 1R7

Sunday at 9:15 am

To register call: 450-659-6678 Thursday from 5 pm to 8 pm

WEARING MASKS IN THE CHURCH IS MANDATORY

DISPENSATION FROM MASS.

We know that this is difficult but during the time of this pandemic, the dispensation of Sunday Mass is given for those who cannot go, and for those advised not to go, to church. Rather, these faithful are invited to read the Word of God and to pray in their homes and to participate in the celebrations of the Mass via TV, radio and/or the Internet.

WILL THERE BE NO CHRISTMAS?

Of course yes! Quieter and deeper, more like the first in which Jesus was born, in solitude.

Without much light on earth, but with that of the star of Bethlehem, illuminating paths of life in its immensity.

Without colossal royal parades but with the humility of feeling ourselves shepherds and young people in search of the truth.

Without great masses and with bitter absences, but with the presence of a God who will fill everything.

WILL THERE BE NO CHRISTMAS?

Of course yes! Without the overflowing streets, but with a fiery heart for the one who has to come, festivals without noise nor, neither complaints nor jostling ...

But living the mystery without fear to the "Herodes-covid" who claim take away even the dream of hoping.

Christmas will be because GOD is on our side and he shares, as Christ did in a manger, our poverty, our trials, our tears, our anguish and our orphanage.

Christmas will take place because we need divine light in the midst of so much darkness.

Covid19 will never be able to reach the heart or the soul of those who put their hope and their lofty ideal in heaven.

CHRISTMAS WILL TAKE PLACE! WE WILL SING CHRISTMAS SONGS!

GOD WILL BE BORN AND BRING US FREEDOM!

Fr Javier Leoz, parish priest of San Lorenzo, Pamplona (Navarre in Spain) (text which earned him a phone call from Pope Francis on 7/11/2020)

"A conversation of hope in the Catholic Church"

"In a year full of challenge and uncertainty we can be filled with hope as we look ahead to 2021. I would like you to join us on a webinar hosted by the Archdiocese of Montreal, Tuesday, December 1 at 7 pm where we will hear stories of hope and renewal from across our Catholic Church in Canada.

Join with other pastors and parishioners from around the Archdiocese of Montreal as we hear conversations and stories of hope and renewal in the Catholic Church across Canada with our guests Ed Zadeiks (National Director, Alpha Catholic Context), Eric Chow (Director of Proclaim, Archdiocese of Vancouver) and Eric Myatt (Canadian Coordinator, Divine Renovation).

You can register for this webinar here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/

tZUvcuquqTwsGtW13tgZXZxa-NbDdSm2XPNR

We look forward to seeing you on December 1. May the Holy Spirit continue to guide and protect you and our beloved Catholic Church too. "

Ed Zadeiks, National Director of the Catholic Context

Alpha Canada #101 - 26 Fourth St. | New Westminster, BC V3L 5M4

604.304.2082 | 1.800.743.0899

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Social Isolation and the Lessons of Lockdown

Prior to March 2020, many Canadians were reporting feelings of disconnectedness and loneliness. Following eight months of social distancing measures, unprecedented numbers of Canadians are now experiencing both physical and social isolation from their colleagues, family, and communities. Join us on Thursday, December 3rd as Milton Friesen guides us through the data and explores the possibilities for a way forward. This Zoom event will include a panel discussion involving Vanessa Herrick of Seniors Action Quebec, Talitha Lemoine of Christian Campus Outreach and Cathie Macaulay of Pastoral Home Care, Archdiocese of Montreal.

Milton Friesen is the General Manager of CitiIQ, an organization which measures the health and well-being of cities. He has served a three-year term as an elected municipal councillor and has spent more than 12 years working in public policy and research projects related to city planning.

This event will take place via Zoom. Please click here to register.

PRAY WITH SCRIPTURE

Welcome to all who desire to deepen your relationship with God. Come and join us, and learn how to pray with scripture in the way of Saint Ignatius of Loyola.

During this time when many of us are confined to our homes, Montreal Directed Retreats (MDR), supported by the English Speaking Catholic Council (ESCC), is offering weekday morning online sessions. The sessions will be free and accessible to all via the cloud platform Zoom.

Each session will include a short teaching on the Ignatian method of prayer, listening to a Scripture reading and entering into the experience. Following a quiet time, there will be opportunity for sharing (optional). The sessions are 45 minutes in duration and run from Monday to Friday,

10:30 a.m. each morning.

If you wish to join us, please register online below. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at Montreal.Directed.Retreats@gmail.com.

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DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE

(Extract From Bishop Claude Hamelin's Letter, November 4, 2020)

This fall, Development and Peace launched the COVID-19 campaign: Recovering Together to support the populations hardest hit by the pandemic in the South. In a distressing situation like the one we are experiencing, it is the most vulnerable and marginalized, such as refugees, women and indigenous peoples, who are disproportionately suffering the worst consequences of the crisis.

"We remembered that no one saves himself, that it is only possible to save ourselves together," Pope Francis tells us in his latest encyclical letter on brotherhood and social friendship. 1. Development and Peace partners are working in this direction in their communities. Our solidarity will enable them to continue their essential work in this time of global crisis.

1. FRANKFURT, Encyclical Letter Fratelli Tutti, number 32.

2. Call 514-257-8711 or 1-888-234-8533 (toll-free number).

3. Send a cheque to 1425 René-Lévesque Blvd. West, 3rd floor, Montreal, Quebec

4. Canada H3G 1T7.

GIVE NOW https://www.devp.org/en/campaign/recoveringtogether

The Assistance and Referral Centre (ARC) is a non-profit organization that promotes awareness & accessibility to English-Language Health and Social Services in the Montérégie-Centre region. Click on this link to go to their website and list of upcoming events https://www.arc-hss.ca/

The Pavilion Marguerite de Champlain is a shelter located in the Agglomeration of Longueuil. Our mission is to come to the aid of women victims' of conjugal violence and their children. Our services include shelter, 24/7 telephone service, crisis intervention, animation and children's activities and referral services. We also offer external services in both individual and group settings.

This year we as is the entire world are experiencing something that few of us have ever lived before and that is the COVID 19 pandemic. We find ourselves having to adjust to a new reality and living under an uncertainty about the future. Because of the current situation, we too have had to change our way of functioning. We are aware that the pandemic may have created situations of violence in which women and children found themselves completely destitute. While respecting confinement, living in isolation has added to a greater extent, stress and tension in those couples, already

living in an abusive relationship.

The White ribbon campaign and the 12 days of action take place from November 25th to December 6th . November 25th is the International day for the elimination of Violence against women (UN December 1999) and December 6th the National day of remembrance and Action on violence since the tragic massacre at l'ecole Polytechnique in 1989. Previously this would be a 12 day period where many local and national activities, press conferences, memorials, kiosks and distribution of white ribbons would be taking place.

This year, publications will still be distributed through various media, but given the implementation of health measures related to the pandemic, there will not be any ribbons distributed to your organizations, institutions or workplaces. That being said, we ask for your continued support for the cause, while encouraging you to carry the message that violence against women is unfortunately still present and widespread.

We invite you to proudly join the white ribbon movement by showing your support for the cause, in different ways; create discussions with your loved ones, share and circulate information on social networks, etc. In short, use the means at your disposal to make those around you aware of violence perpetrated against women.

Margaret Toppings, Administrative Assistant

C.P. 51535 csp Taschereau Tel.: 450-656-1949 www.pavillonmarguerite.com

GPK, QC J4V 3N8 FAX : 450-656-6548 administration@pavillonmarguerite.com

CAREGIVERS VIRTUAL MEETINGS AND RESPITE CARE AT HOME

MY FIRST HOLIDAY SEASON WITHOUT YOU

Mourning the loss of a loved one is particularly difficult during holidays, celebrations, birthdays and other special occasions, when the depth and magnitude of the grief may intensify. These feelings are normal and natural. This session is offered to caregivers who have lost their loved ones during the past year. It provides the opportunity to share, receive support and be better prepared to face the holiday season.

In person* – Max. 5 participants

· Thursday, December 3rd from 9:30 to 12:00 Virtual – Duration 2 hrs | No participation by telephone

· Tuesday, December 8th, from 2 to 4 p.m. *Note ►An exception for this meeting on grief. Priority will be given to those who do not have the necessary equipment (camera and microphone) for videoconferencing. Depending on the evolution of the pandemic and Public Health guidelines, it may be replaced by the virtual format.

PROGRAM – NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2020 : The programming for November and

December 2020 of the Centre de soutien entr’Aidants is available on the website. For

more information.

REFERENCE GUIDE 2020-2021: The Centre de soutien entr’Aidants’ mission is to

support caregivers by offering a range of services to help them take care of an elderly

loved one while maintaining their physical, psychological and financial health.The

Reference Guide is a must for the health network and the community, with 5,990

copies distributed in hospitals, CLSCs and various organizations. See the 2020-2021

edition.

WIDOW AND WIDOWER SUPPORT GROUP

Every first Monday of the month from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Losing a spouse impacts every part of life. Join us to be with others who are also journeying through grief.

· We are a faith based group.

· You are welcomed to share or listen.

· Open to all: those whose losses are many years past or very recent.

· We are meeting online for now, in person whenever possible.

For more information, please contact Anne Parsons at 514-457-2183 or parsoa2003@yahoo.com.

Here is a link to the Caregiving resources on the HNS website: https://henrinouwen.org/resources/caregiving-overview/.

Your phone calls continue to mean the world to those you visit. SASMAD is still recommending that you do not visit the person you are accompanying until restrictions are lifted. Use caution and find new ways to connect! Thank you, once again, for all you are doing! Cathie Macaulay CMacaulay@diocesemontreal.org

SASMAD SPIRITUAL SUPPORT LINE : 1-888-305-0994.

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OUR HARBOUR CHRISTMAS CARD FUNDRAISER

Some of the images available on art cards at Taylor's (556 Victoria Avenue) in St. Lambert.

All proceeds going to Our Harbour! HEAR YE! HEAR YE!

The Our Harbour Individual Fundraising Committee has been working on a project to make and sell beautiful card sets, based on donations of art by local artists Nancy Cousins-Via and Lyn Scott, also a member of the IFC. The cards are Christmas themed and cards of landscapes. Lyn's contact with Mr.

Taylor at Taylor's has resulted in a wonderful opportunity to have these cards sold at Taylor's ... and they are there now! The cards are also available upstairs on the third floor of Taylor's at Photo Rene print shop, courtesy of Rene (on the lingerie and nightwear floor, a great place to browse too!)

If you are looking for cards for yourself or as gifts, I invite you to stop by Taylor's and pick up a set or two ... hurry! Lyn is already planning a re-print, however, so no one will be disappointed.

Our Harbour / Le Havre Nonprofit Organization

Our Harbour provides a supportive long-term housing program on Montreal’s South

Shore for people living with mental illness.

440, Notre Dame avenue Saint-Lambert, QC, Canada J4P 2K4 http://ourharbour.org/

SAINT JOHN PAUL II PASTORAL UNIT CONTACT INFORMATION :

Please visit our website for Parish locations, Pastoral Team contacts, and News

Saint John Paul II website: http://johnpaul2.weebly.com

Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Saint-John-Paul-II-Pastoral-Unit/983390895019278

Faith Education email: faithfirst@live.ca

The GRAPEVINE newsletter from the Montreal Catholic Diocese: thegrapevine@diocesemontreal.org  

· The Bridge newsletter Pastoral Home Care – SASMAD English sector: cmacaulay@diocesemontreal.org

· Our Harbour : http://ourharbour.org

· Caregivers : https://www.centredesoutienentraidants.com

SACRED HEART OF JESUS PRAYER GROUP : Please contact: Lorraine Pecus at

450-445-0372 or by email at : lpecus@sympatico.ca Included: Praise & Worship, Scripture, Reflections/Sharing, Intercessory prayer & Rosary. If you don't have anyone to pray for prayer intentions at your parishes, then please forward Lorraine prayer requests which she will then share with the Prayer Group.

PRAYER NETWORK - VIRTUAL

We will pray for anyone from anywhere and for anything. Anonymity is an option for those who prefer it. There is just this one central e-mail for receiving prayer requests: jp2pu.prayers@gmail.com, and all requests will be forwarded from the same! Also, if you wish to be on the list of people willing to pray, email jp2pu.prayers@gmail.com and you will be added to the pray-ers list!