SAINT FRANCIS OF ASSISI PARISH BULLETIN844 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.orgFacebook 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.comWARDENS:- Chair of the Fabrique – Ted Colavecchio 450-671-6818

Anne-Marie Armeni - Treasurer - 450-671-1042 Richard Zavergiu - Bld. & Maint. - 450-671-8908Marianne Hinger - Secretary - 450-465-0827 Craig Mcara - 514-618-3352Julie Belanger - Special Events - 450-466-3303 Amanda Simard - Hall Rentals - 450-671-9164

CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEARPRAYER INTENTIONS –Remember in your prayers Brian, Leona, Emmanuel, Diane, Howard and our armed forces. Pray for the repose of the soul of Jean Gariepy and 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 9:30 a.m. 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 December 24th 7:30 pm Bud Kelly – Cyprienne Kelly

Boucher & Monfette families – Cyprienne & familyDecember 27th 9:30 am Deceased members of the Colavecchio & Salé

families Nikolas Salomon – Nancy, Philip & Victoria

January 3rd 9:30 am Margaret & Raymond Leadbetter – Victoria Slonosky & family

Jenny & Michael Slonosky – Victoria Slonosky & family

FR. GÉRARD’S CHRISTMAS MESSAGE: Dear parishioners, we celebrate Christmas this year in a very different way that we didn't expect. We are refrained in our desire to gather the members of our family in the same home. It is a great sacrifice, especially for the parents and grandparents who cannot hug their children. But this, should not make us hopeless, since a vaccine against this virus is coming very soon. In spite of this test, Christmas 2020 may be an opportunity to appreciate what we have. We think of

those who cannot buy gifts and the needy who have to go to soup kitchens to survive. Christmas is a day of novelty. Christ is born. A new world is launched. After the

pandemic let us work for a new world, of a better environment and more sharing. Merry Christmas to all and good will and Glory to God in the highest!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.

ADVENT REFLECTION "And a little child will lead them" Isaiah 11:8May Christmas bring you the light of peace!

THE PASTOR’S CHRISTMAS MESSAGEThe past year has been one of challenges; a year full of the unexpected which made demands on our resources, our patience, our trust, our hope. Many of us have relied on our faith more and more as we struggled to make sense of and live through thistime of pandemic. Many of us have discovered new ways of reaching out, of communicating, and letting those we love know we are still close whilst physicallyseparated from them.God found a way of letting us know His closeness to us when He sent his Son, Jesus Christ. In that event, He found a new way of communicating; a new way of being with us: Emmanuel God-with-us. In sending Jesus, He didn’t send a representative, or someone to give us instructions, or a theory about God; He gave us His very HEART, His own self.

May that deep peace that only God can give, and has given in sending the Prince of Peace, dwell in each of our hearts this Christmas and throughout the coming year.Wishing you and your families a very Happy Christmas!Fr. Manus Paul Bradley, Pastor, Saint John Paul II Pastoral Unit

JOINING TOGETHER TO CELEBRATE THE JOY AND BLESSINGS OF THIS SEASON!Joseph took Mary to Bethlehem to be registered according to the official decree. While they were there, Mary gave birth to her first born Son. Mary and Joseph’s family were not there to celebrate this joyful moment. I am sure that their families were close to their hearts.Like so many families, by official decree we are not able to gather

together to celebrate this joyful feast. Even though families are apart, I pray that they will still be close to you in heart, joining together to celebrate the joy and blessings of this season. With my prayers and blessings, Fr. John Torrance

Merry Christmas from St. Francis of Assisi Choir!

Merry Christmas from Wendy

AltonaFrom our home to yours ...

Merry Christmas!

As we celebrate the birth of Jesus during this challenging time, we are reminded of the values of gratitude and humility. That the life we have been given can be precious, fleeting and should never be taken for granted. We give special thanks to healthcare workers and essential sector employees and all those who are shepherding us through this pandemic.At this special time of year we recall the greatest gift that God has given us – to love one another. Despite this pandemic, Christmas is still a time of joy and celebration. Reach out to a neighbour, give a call to a long-lost friend, comfort the lonely, be extra kind to your spouse!Blessings and peace to you all and have a wonderful holiday with your loved ones!Susan & Dan

Once in our world, a stable had something in it that was bigger than our whole world.—C.S. Lewis

It's not how much we give but how much love we put into giving." ―Mother Teresa

Christmas is joy, religious joy, an inner joy of light and peace.” -Pope Francis

Wishing you a joy filled and blessed Christmas Season from the Pastoral Agents Alex Lasalle, Karen deKoninck, Christine Wright, Diane Lemay and Saint Nick !!!

I may not be able to celebrate with you in person, but, that will not deter me from wishing you all, the Holiest, happiest, and delightfully Spiritual Christmas 2020.

God's Blessings be with us all.

Sincerely,

Deacon George Anthony

Hope and faith are still alive in the heart of eachone of us!

Soon we will celebrate Christmas and the New Year. The Year 2020 has been very difficult for everybody, but hope and faith are still alive in the heart of each one of us and we will celebrate once again the Nativity of Jesus and the New Year.

To all members of the Saint John Paul II Pastoral Unit, especially the parishioners of St. Clare’s and St. Mary’s I wish you all;A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Fr Serge Belanger

May the gift of joy and the blessing of peace be yours this Christmas ....The feast of Christmas reminds us that God’s love is without boundaries. It is a good time to be filled with awe and wonder at the blessings of creation, our planet, our unique common home and marvellous spaceship ....time mostly to be thankful for the blessings of salvation, the gift of faith and of our Saviour, Christ the Lord. He has come to share with us not only his humanity but also his divinity. Together with Him and His Spirit we can change the face of the earth, and help bring about more of God’s kingdom on earth, a kingdom of peace, justice and joy in the Spirit. Our chaotic world sure needs it....The time has

come to allow Christ to be born in us and allow us to be born in Him. May the gift of joy and the blessing of peace be yours this Christmas and in the New Year!All together in Christ, your brother in humanity and dignity, Fr. Michel Allard

Let us receive Him with open hearts and minds!MY FIRST CHRISTMAS AS A PRIESTFifty years ago, on December 25th, 1970, as a newly ordained priest, I celebrated my first Christmas in Malawi, East Africa, in a leper colony. No special decorations, except for a makeshift crib and a few banana leaves. Here is what I wrote about it in my book NEVER A BORING MOMENT:Soon after arriving in my first parish, a few days before Christmas, the parish priest sends me to hear confessions at the leprosarium run by the Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Africa (MSOLA). Many of the lepers are Catholics and they come to confession to prepare well for this great feast. I barely understand what they are saying; my chichewa (the local language) is still too rudimentary!On Christmas night, I celebrate Mass with the 180 lepers of this small village. Despite their disfigured faces and distorted limbs, half- eaten up by leprosy, I feel in them a great festive joy. They dance and sing with full voice: 'wabadwira m'khola ngati wosauka' (He was born in a stable, poor like us). I try to give them a message of hope, yet I feel I am taught by them more than I teach them! This is my first Christmas as a missionary-priest, and I will never forget it!You understand that I was told to keep ‘physical distancing’ with those poor lepers.This Christmas will also be very different. Yet, for sure, God will not keep social distancing! His Son Jesus will come in each one of us in a real presential way! Let us receive Him with open hearts and minds.Wishing you all a Christmas filled with God’s love and peace. Fr. Michel Meunier, M.Afr.

Christmas hope in an uncertain worldFor many of us, Christmas feels very different this year. Perhaps we are separated from the family we usually celebrate with as they or we cannot safely travel.

We may have lost loved ones in this pandemic. Perhaps we have lost our job and don’t have money to spend on gifts or a special meal as in other years. As someone said to me: “I wish we could just skip Christmas this year.”Christmas is a time which is so connected with memories and traditions that it is not surprising that we feel the losses of this year particularly acutely. It’s okay to feel sad or down. It is a normal response to grief and disappointment and it doesn’t help to pretend that we are happy when we are struggling.But perhaps this year is an invitation for us to connect with the essence of Christmas. In the meditation on the Incarnation, St Ignatius invites us to imagine the three persons of the Trinity looking down on the world through all of history and seeing our pain and struggle. As the Trinity looks down on our planet, they have seen our reality in 2020. They have seen the pandemic, political upheavals, global warming and discouragement and disillusionment among many. It is for us too, at this moment, that God came into our world in the person of Jesus.As we gaze on the manger, we see Jesus born into our human reality as a baby. God chooses to step into the chaos. Mary and Joseph may have been unsettled by how their lives were plunged into uncertainty. A baby conceived out of marriage in a difficult time in history under the reign of Herod. Soon they will be driven into exile out of fear for the life of their child. The manger scene looks idyllic, but for a young couple to have their baby far away from the support of family cannot have been easy. God knows what it is to live the vulnerability of our human experience.The message of Christmas is one we need to hear, perhaps more than ever this year. Christ is born to bring light out of darkness, hope out of despair and joy out of sadness. The ultimate promise underpins the immense uncertainty of this past year - God is at work redeeming all that is lost and broken.So, while humanly speaking, this may be a hard Christmas for many of us, we need to listen for the consoling assurances this feast of God’s incarnation gives. God loves us. God in Jesus, enters into and shares in the uncertainty and vulnerability of our human experience. In the end, as the mystic Julian of Norwich reminds us, “all will be well and all will be well and all manner of things will be well.”

by Anne-Marie Paulin-Campbell

In festive solidarity - Development and PeaceDear members and supporters of Development and Peace,On behalf of the Quebec/New-Brunswick animation team, I would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We hope that this fresh start will allow our societies to heal together and to move towards a just and sustainable recovery for humanity as well as for our common home.As a new animator, it has been a real pleasure to get to know you - you have taught me a lot and your commitment has been a source of inspiration for me every day. This year has not been easy, yet we have had some great successes, from the Fratelli tutti reading groups in Quebec to the sale of cheese boxes in Montreal, and this is without mentioning our first Virtual Regional Assembly!Thank you for being a part of the Development and Peace movement and for donating your time to build a more equitable world. You represent the strength and direction of our organization.In festive solidarity :)Stefany Dupont, with my colleagues Nicolas Kalgora, Pascal-André Charlebois and Richard Rudashamawww.devp.org

THE PRINCE OF PEACE - ADVENT REFLECTIONFor several months now we have been in a completely new situation, where the slightest visit

becomes a rare, almost unhoped-for moment of rejoicing (when visits are possible!). Because of the pandemic, we are indeed experiencing a kind of strange deprivation, which makes us measure the importance and value of human relationships. Since the month of March, we have all suffered from not being able to visit our elderly parents, to welcome our children and

grandchildren, to see our friends, or simply to chat for a few moments with a parishioner in front of the church.The working places are no longer the same, leisure activities are difficult if not impossible to practice, so many contacts are restricted. And the attempt to compensate for the lack of tangible human relations by a more intense online activity, does not make up for the emotional gap. On the contrary, it seems that this diminished form of human relationship that we experience online only increases the thirst for human presence, because virtual encounters never totally replace the experience of the physical presence of the other. For those who can’t even rely on that virtual social life given the lack of meaningful relationships in their lives, the consumption of information and entertainment online becomes a pitiful substitute for social life. In this context of isolation, loneliness and deprivation, the risk is great, among the most fragile, to develop an addiction or to suffer from mental illness.Because of the pandemic, we are indeed experiencing a kind of strange deprivation, which makes us measure the importance and value of human relationships.If the pandemic has reminded us of one thing, it is how much we are relational beings. And if modern culture marked by individualism has long made us desire, cultivate and appreciate the value of autonomy, we are today able to measure the limits of personal independence as the ultimate ideal. Today's mass culture, which never ceases to proclaim the ideals of modern liberal philosophy and to promote them to us through the educational system, the Entertainment industries, and the Advertising agencies, is, in fact, focused on the affirmation of the self, the search for self, self-realization, the fulfillment of our dreams, etc.In reality, the whole History of the Modern West can be read as a history of the emancipation of the individual from the group, be it the family, the nation or the Church. This ideal of emancipation is certainly a good one. Otherwise, it would not have appealed so much to the heart of man in the last centuries. Every human being is unique, and the sine qua non for the realization of each unique human destiny is to be able to freely use our strength, our intelligence, our wealth and our resources to accomplish what we feel called to do deep down. This inner impulse that leads us towards the full realization of our talents, the full realization of our dreams, sometimes comes up against external norms dictated by parental authority, social conformism, and the weight of old ecclesial traditions. And it is here that an internal law can appear as legitimately opposing external norms, to overturn them or at least reform them in the sense of a greater respect for the deepest aspirations of the human heart.On the contrary, the environment offered to us by the family, the nation and the Church are, when properly taken care of and developed, the launching pad for the real growth and empowerment of the human person.However, neither the parental rules, nor the culture of a country, nor the traditions of the Church can be reduced to something oppressive and freedom-killing. On the contrary, the environment offered to us by the family, the nation and the Church are, when properly taken care of and developed, the launching pad for the real growth and empowerment of the human person. The life of the group, while it has its own demands, and while it requires the individual to put himself at its service, and even to sacrifice himself for it in those tragic periods of history when it is threatened in its entirety, remains nonetheless the place of birth and growth of the human person.Without family ties, without the specific culture of the nation, without the Tradition of the Church, the human person is incapable of structuring himself internally, nor of adopting viable social attitudes and behaviors. The group, be it family, nation, or Church, is the place where vital links are established between individuals and between generations, so that the treasure of humanity and holiness that we have received from our ancestors (and ultimately from God) can be effectively handed down by the elders and bear new fruits of wisdom and love in the youth. Then this youth becomes ready to assume its share of responsibility in the defense and

development of the group. It is ready to take on the weight of the responsibilities once placed on the shoulders of their fathers and mothers.Because In him, God is with us, human beings.From these few reflections, we can certainly retain this: that the group should not stifle the inner life and intimate aspirations of the individual. And that the aspirations of the individual must not unjustly jeopardize the cohesion of the group. How will this be done? The essential thing, I believe, is to ensure that the bonds that unite us, whether from near or far, as members of the same family, nation or Church, are bonds that both nourish the growth of the individual and strengthen the unity of the group. Ultimately, therefore, it all depends on the quality of the relationships we establish among us. And on our awareness that good relationships guarantee both the fulfillment of individuals and the continuity of the group. So let's learn how to cultivate good relationships, paying close attention to the people around us, but also to the social environment, considered globally, in which these people evolve.We all know how difficult it is to maintain good relationships between members of the same family, nation, or church. The unity of a parish is also a constant challenge. It is here that, as Catholics, we need to have a renewed awareness of the immense importance of the mission of Jesus, who came to restore the broken bond between God and men and the bonds that unite people to one another in our common humanity.Jesus is the way and the bond of unity. In his person, humanity and divinity are united in a mysterious but real way. That is why, in the deepest sense, he deserves the name Emmanuel. God with us (Mt 1, 23). Because In him, God is with us, human beings. And on this first reconciliation between God and man, all other reconciliations depend. And that is why the little child who will make Mary a mother, also deserves the name given to him by Isaiah: The Prince of Peace (Is 9, 6).Blessed time of Advent to all.Alex Lasalle, Pastoral Agent, Saint John Paul II Pastoral Unit On the blog: http://johnpaul2.weebly.com/blog/the-prince-of-peace

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Daily Reflections from Fr. John Torrance : Scripture, Reflection, Prayerhttps://www.facebook.com/pages/Saint-John-Paul-II-Pastoral-Unit/983390895019278https://www.facebook.com/stgabrielssthuberthttps://www.facebook.com/parishofstraymondcandiac

The Star of Bethlehem pointed the way to Jesus 2000 years ago. On Monday, December 21st, the planets Jupiter and Saturn will light up the night sky, aligning to form what is referred to as "the Christmas Star". May the gift of this unique light in the heavens joyfully point us all to the "Son of God, Love's pure light", on earth now in the Holy Eucharist!Fr. Javier del Castillo, Bachelor of Electrical Engineering, Doctorate in Philosophy:

CONTEMPLATING THE VOICE OF GOD. In this podcast, Fr. Javier "reflects on the Annunciation of the Lord, as told in the Gospel for the Fourth Sunday of Advent, and invites us to contemplate and imitate Mary’s listening heart. Our expectation, preparation, and contemplation are heightened during these final days of Advent – this is true both as we prepare for the coming of Christ at Christmas and as we prepare to receive Christ in the

Eucharist. Looking to the example of St. Josemaria, Fr. Javier explains that we can prepare to welcome the Lord by repeating brief prayers or aspirations throughout the day, asking Our Lady to help us listen to the voice of God as we wait in joyful hope for the coming of our Lord."Listen to St. Josemaria Institute's Podcast: https://stjosemaria.org/podcast-contemplating-the-voice-of-god/?mc_cid=3ef8152e27&mc_eid=106644fae0&ml_subscriber=1580158052949038337&ml_subscriber_hash=z5l5Bishop Wayne Kirkpatrick, Advent Reflection 2020: “Our task is not to watch out, but to keep watch, not to be alarmed but to remain alert, not to be anxious but to pay attention so we don't miss the presence of Christ with us, even amid difficulty.” "If a change of diet makes a definitive difference in our well-being, how much more important to us and to our well-being is the reception of the Eucharist? ... if we believe, through the miracle of the Mass, that the bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ, then our actions will reflect what we believe. The Blessed Sacrament should always be shown the greatest reverence and respect by our posture and actions at Mass. This is especially true when we receive Holy Communion. When we are able to gather again to receive Holy Communion, let us not forget WHOM we are receiving, and the prayer we offer. ‘Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.'" - Reflection on the Eucharist, May 16, 2020Further Reading: https://click.mlsend.com/link/c/YT0xNTgwMTU4MDUyOTQ5MDM4MzM3JmM9ejVsNSZlPTQ5MjQmYj00ODMzMjMzNTkmZD1nOGQwdzhx.bdDziJRRFzluZfBEPqNJEO--LpxzVD8Uf0yL8hSJmj8Eucharistic Motorcade Processions: More Info: https://click.mlsend.com/link/c/YT0xNTgwMTU4MDUyOTQ5MDM4MzM3JmM9ejVsNSZlPTQ5MjQmYj00ODMzMjMzNzEmZD1oN3UycDNh.lsYJpI8rTGikXwYMREmM_LR0vgcU1Te3dvWdGgKndDkWHAT 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!HOW TO REGISTER FOR MASS. 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.CHRISTMAS EVE & CHRISTMAS DAY - DECEMBER 24 & 25Good Shepherd, 7900 Naples, Brossard J4Y 1Z9Christmas Eve, December 24 at 7:30 pmChristmas Day, December 25 at 9:15 amChristmas Day, December 25 at 11:15 am https://www.facebook.com/mass.saintjohnpauliiTo register, call: 450-676-7577 on Tuesday, December 15 from 9:00 am to 1 pmHoly Cross and St. Francis of Assisi on ZOOMFr. Gerard Lachapelle will celebrate Mass with Holy Cross Parish & St. Francis of Assisi on Christmas Eve, December 24 at 4:00 pm. To register on ZOOM (invitation by: mmuldowney@live.ca)St. Augustine’s, 105 de Cherbourg, St. Bruno J3V 2K8 (entrance, Roberval)Christmas Eve, December 24 at 8:00 pm https://www.facebook.com/mass.saintjohnpauliiChristmas Day, December 25 at 9:15 am https://www.facebook.com/mass.saintjohnpauliiTo register, call: 450-653-4402 on Thursday, December 17 from 2 pm to 4 pmSt. Clare’s, 820 Montarville, Longueuil (Church)Christmas Eve, December 24 at 4:00 pmTo register call: 450-463-3206 on Tuesday, December 15 from 10 am to 12 pm orThursday, December 17 from 10 am to 12 pmSt. Francis of Assisi, 844 Notre Dame, St. Lambert J4R 1N5Christmas Eve, December 24 at 7:30 pmTo register call : 450-671-1042 on Wednesday, December 16 from 2 pm to 4 pm and 7 pm to 8 pmSt. Gabriel’s, 5070 Gilbert, St. Hubert J3Y 2K7Christmas Eve, December 24 at 7:30 pm https://www.facebook.com/stgabrielssthubertChristmas Day, December 25 at 11:00 am https://www.facebook.com/stgabrielssthubertTo register call: 450-656-4433 on Monday, December 21 from 3 pm to 8 pmSt. Mary’s, 125 Grove, Greenfield Park, J4V 2X2 (entrance, Miller)Christmas Eve, December 24 at 5:00 pm https://www.facebook.com/mass.saintjohnpauliiChristmas Eve, December 24 at 7:30 pm (Bilingual)Christmas Day, December 25 at 9:00 amChristmas Day, December 25 at 11:30 am (in French with St. Anastase)To register call: 450-671-0416 on Saturday, December 12 from 10 am to 1 pmSt. Raymond’s, CRVP : 135 chemin Haendel, Candiac, QC J5R 1R7Christmas Eve, December 24 at 5:00 pm https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuKTJ_YPpniJBddIXV7Q6BATo register call: 450-659-6678 on Thursday, December 17 from 5 pm to 8 pmWEEKEND OF DECEMBER 26 & 27Good Shepherd, 7900 Naples, Brossard J4Y 1Z9Saturday, December 26 at 5:00 pmSunday, December 27 at 11:15 amTo register please call: 450-676-7577 Tuesday, December 22 from 9:00 am to 1 pm

Holy Cross and St. Francis of Assisi on ZOOMFr. Gerard Lachapelle will celebrate Mass with Holy Cross Parish and St. Francis of Assision Saturday, December 26 at 4:30 pm. To register on ZOOM (invitation by: mmuldowney@live.ca)St. Augustine’s, 105 de Cherbourg, St. Bruno J3V 2K8 (entrance, Roberval)Sunday, December 27 at 9:15 am https://www.facebook.com/mass.saintjohnpauliiTo register please call: 450-653-4402 Wednesday, December 23 from 2 pm to 4 pmSt. Clare’s, 820 Montarville, Longueuil (Church)Saturday, December 26 at 4:00 pmTo register please call: 450-463-3206 Tuesday, December 22 from 10 am to 12 pmSt. Francis of Assisi, 844 Notre Dame, St. Lambert J4R 1N5Sunday, December 27 at 9:30 amTo register call: 450-671-1042 Wednesday, December 23 from 2 pm to 4 pm and 7 pm to 8 pmSt. Gabriel’s, 5070 Gilbert, St. Hubert J3Y 2K7Sunday, December 27 at 11:00 am https://www.facebook.com/stgabrielssthubertTo register please call: 450-656-4433 Tuesday, December 22 from 3 pm to 8 pmSt. Mary’s, 125 Grove, Greenfield Park, J4V 2X2 (entrance, Miller)Saturday, December 26 at 5:00 pm https://www.facebook.com/mass.saintjohnpauliiSunday, December 27 at 9:00 amSunday, December 27 at 11:30 am (in French with St. Anastase)To register please call: 450-671-0416 Tuesday, December 22 from 3 pm to 6 pmSt. Raymond’s, CRVP : 135 chemin Haendel, Candiac, QC J5R 1R7Sunday, December 27 at 9:15 amTo register please call: 450-659-6678 Wednesday, December 23 from 5 pm to 8 pm

NEW YEAR’S EVE & NEW YEAR’S DAY - DECEMBER 31 & JANUARY 1Holy Cross will celebrate Mass on ZOOM and all Masses indicated with a link will be livestreamed on Facebook and YouTube. Good Shepherd, 7900 Naples, Brossard J4Y 1Z9 New Year’s Day, January 1 at 11:15 am https://www.facebook.com/mass.saintjohnpaulii To register, call: 450-676-7577 on Tuesday, December 22 from 9:00 am to 1 pm Holy Cross and St. Francis of Assisi on ZOOM Fr. Gerard Lachapelle will celebrate Mass with Holy Cross Parish & St. Francis of Assisi on New Year’s Eve, December 31 at 4:00 pm To register on ZOOM (invitation by: mmuldowney@live.ca) St. Augustine’s, 105 de Cherbourg, St. Bruno J3V 2K8 (entrance, Roberval) New Year’s Day, January 1 at 9:15 am https://www.facebook.com/mass.saintjohnpaulii To register, call: 450-653-4402 on Wednesday, December 23 from 2 pm to 4 pm St. Clare’s, 820 Montarville, Longueuil (Church) New Year’s Eve, December 31 at 4:00 pm To register call: 450-463-3206 on Tuesday, December 22 from 10 am to 12 pm St. Gabriel’s, 5070 Gilbert, St. Hubert J3Y 2K7 New Year’s Day, January 1 at 11:00 am https://www.facebook.com/stgabrielssthubert To register call: 450-656-4433 on Monday, December 28 from 3 pm to 8 pm St. Mary’s, 125 Grove, Greenfield Park, J4V 2X2 (entrance, Miller)

New Year’s Eve, December 31 at 5:00 pm https://www.facebook.com/mass.saintjohnpaulii New Year’s Day, January 1 at 9:00 am New Year’s Day, January 1 at 11:30 am (in French with St. Anastase) To register call: 450-671-0416 on Saturday, December 19 from 10 am to 1 pm St. Raymond’s, CRVP : 135 chemin Haendel, Candiac, QC J5R 1R7 New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31 at 5:00 pm https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuKTJ_YPpniJBddIXV7Q6BA

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.

WEARING MASKS IN THE CHURCH IS MANDATORYDISPENSATION 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.

ANNUAL ELECTION OF CHURCH WARDENSPresent church wardens Marianne Hinger and Anne-Marie Armeni complete their terms of office on December 31st, 2020. Their positions must be filled for a period of three years. To be eligible for election the candidate must be eighteen years or older, a member of St. Francis of Assisi Parish, living in St. Lambert, willing to enter the election process and serve the Fabrique if elected.

Please use the form below and return it to the parish by December 31st or email it to the office at stfrancis@videotron.ca

Nomination Form for the Office of Warden

Name____________________________________________

Phone__________________________

Address: ____________________________________________________________________________

Proposed by: _______________________________________________________________________

Seconded by: _______________________________________________________________________

Signature of the candidate:_____________________________________________

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.comFacebook 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 at450-445-0372 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 - VIRTUALWe 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!