 Vol. IV no 11 |
March 17, 2010 Catholic Church |
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Development and Peace — |
Development and Peace
Lent has always been a time for conversion, with its call to pray, fast and give alms. In urging us to open our heart and our wallet to those in need, the Church is introducing us to a particular dimension of Church life and of openness to the world. We call it “Share Lent”. The contributions received are sent to an organization that was created by the Canadian bishops: Development and Peace, the official international aid organization of the Catholic Church of Canada.
This is a well-known organization. For 40 years now, Development and Peace has helped people in need throughout the world. It relies upon the general public’s generosity whenever natural disasters wreak havoc on populations and destroy their means of existence. This Sunday, the organization will appeal to the country’s Catholic population through a parish collection.
Development and Peace is, more or less, all of us who make a donation to help improve the lot of our brothers and sisters throughout the world. For 40 years, this organization has sent millions of dollars to support a variety of projects that directly benefit disadvantaged groups in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East. Projects cover many areas: agriculture, community action, and education, promotion of women’s rights, peace initiatives and defence of human rights.
When implementing projects, Development and Peace never works alone. It always collaborates with local organizations, which either involve or represent those destined to benefit from our assistance. Currently, it works with about 200 partners in 28 countries.
And when a natural disaster strikes, as was the case in Haiti, Development and Peace responds quickly with emergency aid. The public responds generously to its various appeals. The organization collected $13.5 million for emergency assistance and reconstruction in Haiti.
Development and Peace does not only collect money. Since its foundation, it “seeks to promote a vision of development that supports the democratic participation of individuals and the role of local communities in assuming responsibility for their development in economic, political, social and cultural matters.”
This organization offers a real school of life. It teaches us about international solidarity. It rouses us from our indifference and makes us more aware of the big picture and great problems that affect our world and that cannot be resolved without the involvement of affluent nations.
I strongly urge you to visit Development and Peace’s website: http://www.devp.org
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Today is St. Patrick’s feast day. I want to wish a happy St. Patrick’s Day to all our Irish friends, who observed this feast last Sunday during the “Green Mass”, held at St. Patrick’s Basilica and at which I presided; it was followed by the traditional parade along St. Catherine Street.
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This Friday, I will celebrate the feast of St. Joseph at the Oratory. Together with St. Brother André, who really knew how to promote this devotion, we will celebrate this feast.
† Jean-Claude Turcotte
Archbishop of Montréal
SUPPRESSION OF JEAN-XXIII,
SAINT-CONRAD AND SAINT-JUSTIN PARISHESFollowing the favourable decision of the Assembly of Parishioners and the Fabrique of Jean-XXIII, Saint-Conrad, and Saint-Justin Parishes, and of the Assembly of the Fabrique of Notre-Dame-d’Anjou Parish, and of the Presbyteral Council, the Archbishop of Montréal has decreed the suppression of Jean-XXIII, Saint-Conrad, and Saint-Justin Parishes on March 8, 2010. For the good of the evangelizing mission in this sector of our Diocesan Church, their Parish territory was annexed to Notre-Dame-d’Anjou Parish.
Msgr Michel Parent, V.É.
Chancellor
March 8, 2010
SUPPRESSION OF SAINT-CHARLES-GARNIER PARISH
Following the favourable decision of the Assembly of Parishioners and the Fabrique of Saint-Charles-Garnier Parish, and of the Assembly of the Fabrique of Saint-Paul-de-la-Croix Parish, and of the Presbyteral Council, the Archbishop of Montréal has decreed the suppression of Saint-Charles-Garnier Parish on March 8, 2010. For the good of the evangelizing mission in this sector of our Diocesan Church, its Parish territory was annexed to Saint-Paul-de-la-Croix Parish.
Msgr Michel Parent, V.É.
Chancellor
March 8, 2010
Upcoming Events
COME AND SEE EVENING
These gatherings are intended for men 18 to 54 years old, who may be discerning a vocation to follow Jesus as a priest. These evenings are an excellent opportunity for those who are discerning a call to the priesthood, to share in fellowship and to explore their call together.
When: March 19, 2010, from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m
Where: St. Willibrord Parish, 351 Willibrord Ave in Verdun
Contact: Diocesan Vocation Office, at 514-925-4348
or vocationsmtl@hotmail.com
Good Friday Blood Drive
Special Mass for our departed priests
