Members of council help celebrate 50th anniversary of St. Richard'

The only church in Côte Saint-Luc, St. Richard’s Parish,   is planning a series of special events to mark its 50^th anniversary.

On Sunday,  September 22, a formal celebration of this milestone took place, officiated by Bishop Thomas Dowd and Father Peter Laviolette, who was installed as the new Pastor.  Mass was celebrated at 10:30 a.m.,  followed by a multicultural luncheon in the Church Hall.   Among those in attendance were Mayor Anthony Housefather, Councillors Dida Berku, Steven Erdelyi, Allan J. Levine, Glenn J. Nashen, Mitchell Brownstein, Ruth Kovac, myself, Liberal Member of Parliament for Mount Royal Irwin Cotler along with his chief of staff Howard Liebman and D'Arcy McGee Liberal MNA Lawrence Bergman.

Here I am with Father Laviolette and Bishop Dowd.

Congratulations to program chairs Doreen Chartier and Brenda Panunto and of course Joseph Panunto, a former member of our council, who has played a leadership role at St. Richard's for many years. I saw many familiar faces, including brothers Patrick and Kevin Shanahan. They grew up in Côte Saint-Luc and played in all of the local minor sports associations.

Those in attendance were entertained by the wonderful Church Choir and  were able to view a photo exhibit featuring family and Parish events, which have taken place over the past 50 years. The lunch was delicious, every dish prepared by members of the church.

Bishop Dowd presided over the formal installation of Father Laviolette, who  now has a commitment to stay on at St. Richard's until August 31, 2019. He has served in this role at the same church from 1996 to 2000.  Bishop Dowd explained to everyone about the evolution of the "pastor," noting that its roots go back to Moses who led his people out of Egypt. Pastors were originally known as "judges,"   

Honoured guests help cut the 50th anniversary cake.

A number of activities  honouring past and present clergy and parishioners have already taken place. “For 50 years we have provided services to the Catholic community of Côte Saint-Luc,” noted Ms. Panunto.

“We are very proud of our achievements,” added Ms. Chartier. “Now it is time to celebrate.”

Ms. Panunto and Ms. Chartier said that they are buoyed by the success and popularity of  events, held so far and they plan to continue to plan new programs through to the end of the Jubilee year.

A Commemorative Jubilee Book, written and edited by Linda Serpone and featuring the history of St. Richard’s Parish and the Catholic Community of Côte Saint-Luc, will be available at the end of the year and include details of the Jubilee celebrations. 

The closing gala dinner-dance will be held on Saturday, November 23 (6 p.m.) at the Centre de Reception Sorrento in LaSalle. There will be cocktails, followed by a four course meal.  Music will be provided by Gregg Inniss. Tickets for this gala ($65) may be obtained by contacting the church office at 514-488-0778.

You can also see Councillor Glenn J. Nashen's blog.