| MENS CLUB |
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| In the 40th Anniversary Parish (album) directory, and in the February parish newsletter, we touched on some general points of the history and profile of the parish. In the last newsletter, we looked at a snap shot of the Ladies' Club activities over the years. In this newsletter, we would like to show three historical actiivities that profile the men and family involvement in our parish. After establishing a parish, it was decided the parish needed to move from a school to its own site. The wardens and several men of the parish made a concerted effort to find a good one. Our land, which we continue using today, was purchased on April 21st , 1963 from the City of Montreal with the help of Gerry Snyder. Lawrence Hannigan and Lucien Saulnier; all members of Jean Drapeau Civic Party. The measurements of the property are 197 feet on Dudemaine and 375 feet on Filion. Since there was a creek running through the east portion of the land, this resulted in a price of $1.00 per square foot for a total of $ 73 875. These parishioners and the other families of the parish were proud of their accomplishment as is shown in pictures that still exist from the sod turning celebration. Another group no longer in existence, but remembered with pride was the Blessed Oliver Plunkett Hockey Association which existed from 1955 to 1981 and included house leagues in hockey and soccer as well as teams in City Hockey leagues in our district. In the 1970's, we even had girls' hockey teams in the city leagues. Unlike today where Civic and social associations provide recreation, in the 1960's local sports and recreation activities had to be encouraged by the people. Several men, parents, families and youth from the parish organized, coached, and refereed hockey and soccer. At its peak, almost 300 youngsters participated in these programs. They cleaned and shoveled the snow, drove to outdoor rinks and raised funds. Some of the players today are doctors, lawyers, dentists, geologist, veterinarians and a variety of other successful business and family people (men and women). Back in 1973, it was decided that it would take forever to pay off the parish debt and mortgage. As a result the Bingo Committee came into existence. Each Sunday night, Bingo took place in our Church hall. There were three teams of men who worked very hard until June 1987 when the target of $ 400 000 was reached and the mortgage was burned. Many parishioners still remember with pride the spirit of teamwork that was created and today continues to exist in the Men's Club. Regular meetings of the Men's Club take place the last Thursday of each month in addition the regular Thursday afternoons. (ALL ARE WELCOME - 1 to 4 pm.) This was a quick glimpse of the involvement of the men and their families in our parish history. This participation continues in our 40th year through the different liturgical, social, cultural, and recreational and maintenance groups that exist and a quick glance at our bulletin will attest to that. |