Each year the Church of Saint John the Evangelist offers a special Mass to commemorate World AIDS Day, December 1. The Mass is normally held on the Friday prior to the day itself.
Originally an initiative of those in the parish who had lost friends or loved ones to the disease, the AIDS Mass has become a larger event, attracting many from the wider community. It affirms our Christian hope in the face of what remains one of the most frightening and mysterious diseases of our day. Because of the fear it engenders, many who live with HIV/AIDS suffer not only the pain and uncertainty of the disease itself, but also increasing isolation by friends and relatives. In addition, the connection between the disease and our sexuality often makes it seem a direct attack on who we are as human persons. By celebrating this Mass, the Church affirms her own calling to be a caring community even when human society fails, and her compassion for all who suffer.
In the past few years The “AIDS Mass” has become a Mass of Healing and Remembrance. We are grateful for the progress in treatments which have helped many people control this infection, and we offer prayers both for the repose of the souls of those who have died of AIDS, and for strength and healing for those who are living with HIV as part of their daily lives. Opportunity is offered in the side chapel immediately after the Mass for anyone who wishes to receive the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick.
Please join us. All are welcome.
Bulletin - Requiem Mass for World AIDS Day 2006
Homily - Requiem Mass for World AIDS Day 2006
To commemorate World AIDS Day 2009:
14th Annual Solemn Requiem Mass in memory of those who have died of AIDS will take place on Friday November 27th, 2008 at 6:00 PM.
The theme of this year's bilingual mass will be healing and remembrance. The sacrament of healing will be administered to all those who desire the solace and comfort of this rite.
In keeping with the theme of remembrance and healing, the music of the mass will be Missa pro defunctis - Antonio Lotti; Russian Contakion for the Dead; 412, Dies irae, 500, 354, 134; Fugue in c BWV 582 - J.S. Bach
Names of those whom you wish to remember can be left with the parish secretary during the year, by e-mail or telephone at (514) 288-4428. You may also write to: The Church of St. John the Evangelist - 137 President-Kennedy Avenue, Montreal, Quebec
The collection will be donated to local AIDS community projects.
There will be a reception following the mass in the parish hall.
Bishop Barry Clarke and members of the sanctuary party at 11th Annual World AIDS Day Mass