Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mount-Royal

NEWS FROM THE SHRINE

RECTOR'S MESSAGE

VISITOR AND PILGRIM SERVICES

PASTORAL CARE

A TOUR OF THE SANCTUARY

SUPPORTING THE ORATORY

Renovation Project

The Great Bee

The Friend of Brother André

français

CONGREGATION OF HOLY CROSS

The Associates of Brother André
Supporting the Oratory > The Associates of Brother André

The Strength of One Big Spiritual Family

Brother André was able to count on associates from the very beginning of Saint Joseph’s Oratory. It was with their help that he was able to enlarge the little chapel built in 1904, finish the crypt in 1919, and begin the construction of the basilica in 1924.

In 1954, Saint Joseph’s Oratory established a special association to recognize its benefactors The Associates of Brother André; the Rector.s Group was created in 2002.

The association’s members are characterized by a willingness to join together in ensuring that Saint Joseph’s Oratory has the human and financial resources it needs to develop its pastoral and liturgical services, and welcome every year two million pilgrims and visitors every year. There are now more than 12,000 Associates of Brother André.

The Associates of Brother André Programme

Your Donation Makes all the Difference

An Associate of Brother André is a donor who contributes $100 annually. The yearly contribution can be made through payment of an Associate of Brother André membership or a donation in support of activities at Saint Joseph’s Oratory.

The Privileges of Being an Associate of Brother André

A membership card;
A subscription to The Oratory (6 issues per year);
A subscription to The Friend of Brother André (4 issues per year);
Discounts at the Oratory’s boutique upon presentation of the membership card;
An invitation to participate in the annual meeting of Associates of Brother André in October. A religious ceremony is followed by a communal banquet. Associates of Brother André can be accompanied by a guest of their choosing;
All members active as of August 31st are invited.

The Associates of Brother André can count on the prayers and gratitude of the pastoral team of Saint Joseph’s Oratory. A Mass is celebrated for them every day.

Become an Associate of Brother André

Father Émile Deguire, CSC, founder of the Associates of Brother André

Photo: The Archives of the Saint Joseph's Oratory

Father Bernard Lacroix, CSC
Director of the Associates of Brother André

Photo: Nathalie Dumas

Bernard Lacroix CSC

Bernard Lacroix has been a priest of the Congregation of Holy Cross since 1961. His first assignment was as a teacher at Holy Cross Seminary in Saint-Laurent (Province of Quebec). He earned a master's degree in religious studies from the University of Ottawa in 1968. He was involved again with young people when he became Director of Pastoral Ministry at André-Laurendeau Tchnical School from 1968 to 1973. Following that, he was employed for 11 yeard by the Diocese of Saint-Jean-Longueuil (South Shore of Saint-Laurence River), working both in schools and in adult faith formation. From 1968 to 1991, he was pastor of Saint-Jacques-le-Mineur parish. He worked at Fides publishers from 1991 to 2007, first as assistant editor for religious books and then as a manuscript reader. Since 2003, Father Lacroix has ministered at Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal.

Information

Father Bernard Lacroix, CSC, Director of the Associates of Brother André
Telephone: 514 733 -8211 ext. 2401
E-mail: associates@saint-joseph.org

Jacques Carrier, Director of Development
Telephone: 514 733-8211 ext. 3131
E-mail: associates@saint-joseph.org

ACTIVITIES

coming soon

A change in the administration of the Associates of Brother André

Thank You and Welcome!

At the end of last January, Father Jean-Guy Gagnon, CSC indicated that he no longer felt up to the task of directing the Associates of Brother André. Father Bernard Lacroix, CSC has generously agreed to replace him. He will officially take up his post on the Feast of Saint Joseph, March 15, 2008.

There have also been other changes in this department responsible for benefactor relations and activities. Jacques Carrier now occupies the post of Director of Giving and Sponsorships. Among other duties, he will be responsible for organizing banquets and other activities connected with the Associates. As Director of the Associates, Father Lacroix will devote himself to relations with members and will conduct their meetings.

I am truly grateful and offer deep thanks to Father Gagnon who has accomplished much during his five years as Director of the Associates. I also wish to thank Father Lacroix and Jacques Carrier for taking on these new responsibilities in serving our friends, the Associates. The administration of Saint Joseph's Oratory welcomes them, offering them its full support and looking forward to their collaboration.

Father Claude Grou, CSC

Rector

Father Jean-Guy Gagnon, CSC

Discover our new document for the Associates of the Brother André

When you contribute, the dream of brother andré grows! the financial campaign of saint joseph's oratory moves forward with your assistance.

Thanks to your gift, the Oratory can continue to:

welcome, listen to and minister to pilgrims;
celebrate with people of diverse horizons and cultures;
offer an atmosphere of calm, peace and quiet;
participate in the social mission of the Catholic church by promoting justice and peace;
present concerts of sacred music and educational exhibits on Saint Joseph, Brother André and the Holy Family;
bring together people of all religions ans spiritual paths in a spirit of friendly dialogue;
care for nature in all its beauty as a setting for human growth;
protect the unique heritage of Mount Royal in the heart of Montréal.

We need you!

Here are four ways to help:

become an Associate of Brother André;

become a volunteer serving pilgrims;

make a donation;

tell your friends, neighbours and fellow parishioners
about the Oratory

To find out more and become involved, contact us at
514 733-8211.

Photo: Paul Simon

Join the big family of the associates of brother andré today!

You are devoted to Saint Joseph's Oratory and the Brother André. A gift of $100 each a year allows you to become an Associate.

Look at these personal benefits:

Annual meeting of the Associates featuring mass and a banquet

Membership card

One year's subcription to the Friend of Brother André newsletter

Discounts at the Oratory gift shop

Call 514 733-8211 and ask for the Office of the Associate