NOVEMBER 14, 2021
Canadian Bishops Invite Residential School Survivors, Indigenous Elders to meet the Pope
The Catholic Bishops of Canada are pleased to announce that 25-30 First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Elders, knowledge keepers, residential school survivors, and youth will meet with Pope Francis at the Vatican from December 17-20, 2021, accompanied by a small group of Canadian Bishops.
“The journey towards healing and reconciliation is a long one, but we believe this will be a significant milestone in the Catholic Church’s commitment to renewing, strengthening and reconciling relationships with Indigenous Peoples across the land,” said CCCB President, the Most Rev. Raymond Poisson. “With this delegation, we hope to walk together in a new way, to listen with humility, and to discern the next steps that the Church can take to support residential school survivors, their families, and their communities.”
The delegation has been planned through ongoing dialogue with the Assembly of First Nations, the Métis National Council, the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, and other Indigenous leaders. While specific travel plans and itineraries are being coordinated with the delegates directly, representatives from the Vatican have confirmed that the Holy Father will participate in private meetings with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis delegates respectively to hear their personal stories of the lasting legacy of residential schools. Delegates will also have the opportunity to speak with the Holy Father about their hopes and expectations for his eventual pilgrimage to Canada.
In addition to this group of delegates, additional Indigenous Peoples have been invited to participate in the journey, including for a final audience with the Holy Father. Centred around the principles of mutual trust, respect, and a shared desire to move forward for a more hopeful future, the Canadian Bishops and Indigenous Partners have agreed upon the theme, “Indigenous Peoples and the Church: Walking Together Toward Healing and Reconciliation”.
Collectively, the delegation includes participants from across the country, representing multiple faith and linguistic backgrounds. Every delegate brings their own perspective on the history of colonialism and residential schools.
Travel and hospitality costs for the delegation will be covered by the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops. Mental health workers will travel with the group, in recognition of the painful sentiments that may be experienced by many delegates.
Additional information on media accreditation and availabilities will be communicated in short order. Information about the delegates themselves will also be shared in the coming weeks, subject to their consent.
NOVEMBER 7, 2021
Come & See the Carmelite Nuns of Montreal
In the context of WYD Montreal 2021, come and see the Carmelites of Montreal.
This activity is for men and women in discernment who are thinking about entering a community, or curious about monastic life.
To shine a light on our vocation: a guided tour, a witness talk, conversation and time in prayer.
Spaces are limited! Register now to reserve your place!
Bilingual animation, for young adults (18-35 years old).
The event is hosted by Centre PRI and the Carmelite Nuns of Montreal in the context of Diocesan WYD (World Youth Day) Week with Mission Jeunesse Montréal; and takes place on Sunday, November 21st 2021 from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM at 351 ave. du Carmel, Montreal, H2T 1B5
For more information, contact Soeur Mireille at (514) 271-5659 or direction@centrepri.qc.caSunda
OCTOBER 31, 2021
World Youth Day and Our Common Home
In response to the message of Pope Francis in his letter to young people, get involved in saving our planet.
On Sunday November 14th from 1:30 to 3:30 PM,
join ‘Les Amies du boisé’ to protect a local forest in Montreal by assisting to remove invasive species in the woodland and planting trees.
A chance to put faith into action and reflect on the role of Christians in saving the planet in light of the Papal encyclical Laudato Si.
For more information please visit >> World Youth Day
or contact Lore Bollliet at (514) 562-4460 or Lore.Bolliet@devp.org
october 17, 2021
Health Guidelines in Places of Worship – issued by the Assembly of Catholic Quebec Bishops
GUIDELINES TO BE FOLLOWED AT ALL TIMES
Wash hands at the entrance, wear a mask and maintain a distance of two metres from others while moving about inside the church.
Once seated, maintain a distance of two (2) metres from persons residing at different addresses or, if not singing and only speaking quietly, a distance of one (1) metre.
Masks may be removed if those seated remain silent or speak only in a low voice.
It is recommended that participants avoid moving about during ceremonies.
All health guidelines to be followed can be found here
>> QUÉBEC HEALTH GUIDELINES
MAXIMUM CAPACITY FOR PLACES OF WORSHIP
Indoors – 250 persons
Outdoors – 500 persons
Vaccination passport NOT required
WEDDINGS AND FUNERALS
Indoors – 250 persons
Outdoors – 500 persons outdoors
Vaccination passport NOT required
Attendance log required
Receptions following religious ceremonies for weddings and funerals are restricted to
25 persons if held indoors, 50 persons if held outdoors.
CHOIRS
Choirs are permitted in places of worship. Choir members must respect a distance of two
(2) metres between one another. If singing in front of an audience, the distance must be greater
than two (2) metres.
CONGREGATIONAL SINGING
When singing or speaking loudly, a distance of TWO (2) metres must be maintained between
persons living in different households.
Masks must be worn.
october 3, 2021
Blessing of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha statue National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
On September 30, 2021 the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Archbishop Lépine blessed a new statue of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha at the Mary Queen of the World Cathedral .
Archbishop Lépine was accompanied by Father Vincent Esprit, C.M.F., pastor of the Shrine of Kahnawake, and Father Alain Vaillancourt, pastor of the Cathedral.
Mr. Roger Twance, Coordinator of Saint Kateri au centre-ville, hosted the event.
The statue of Saint Kateri, sculpted by MC Snow of Kahnawake and funded by personal donations and the order of consecrated virgins, will stand beside the statue of Saint Anne on the left side of the nave. The artist presented the work as part of the celebration.
“As we reflect on the residential schools, the grieving families and our Aboriginal brothers and sisters in Canada, Quebec and Greater Montreal, we pray for increasing dialogue and the restoration of trust, so that we may better contribute to building a society free of discrimination and respectful of the life and dignity of every human being,” said Archbishop Lépine.
july 4, 2021
“On a mission: Growing. Stronger. Together.”
The 2021 Annual Campaign, features four people from our diocese on a mission with the worthy task of promoting and serving spiritual life and love in the various spheres of family, work, society and Church.
And in spite of the current challenging circumstances, these individuals have made and continue to make a difference in their communities. They have found new ways to be present and supportive in the mission, bringing new hope through their involvement during these times of crisis.
Witnessing the love of God also means contributing to the joy, the love, the well-being and the dignity of individuals, families, youth and humanity as a whole.
Let’s support the Catholic Church of Montreal in its mission to serve and respond to the needs of our community.
Together, with the grace of God, we can meet these challenges.
June 27, 2021
Villa Saint Martin: Spring & Summer Retreats
Villa Saint Martin: Spring & Summer Retreats
“Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while” (Mark 6:31)
The Villa Saint Martin invites you to come and rest a while with God during one of their individually accompanied retreats taking place from May to August 2021.
Retreats vary from 3 to 30 days long. Retreats take place in a peaceful and quiet environment respecting all Covid-19 guidelines and help you to deepen your relationship with God For information and registration, please visit www.villasaintmartin.org
or contact the registrar by:
phone (514-684-2311 ext.227) or
email registraire@villasaintmartin.org
The diocese has created a spiritual help‑line to offer support during the pandemic: 1‑888‑305‑0994.
Our Archdiocese has also set up a web page designed to provide ongoing relevant information amid current COVID‑19 concerns, including the latest guidelines, related articles and spiritual resources >>>
