Diocese On-line Marriage Preparation Course

https://www.rcdvictoria.org/marriage-prep

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March 13, 2025

1) Join the 40 Days for Life campaign to support mothers and children by praying and fasting for an end to abortion. All are welcome to participate in the local vigil at the Helmcken Road Overpass from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm daily. To learn more or sign up for prayer times, please visit: https://www.40daysforlife.com/en/victoriabc

 

2) The Diocese of Victoria is offering a two-day, in-person marriage preparation course on April 5 and 12, from 10:00 am–4:00 pm in Ladysmith (venue TBD), with a remote Zoom option available. Open to all, this course provides essential guidance for couples preparing for marriage. A joint Certificate of Completion will be issued upon completion of all sessions. Please register by March 19 here: https://in-person-marriage-prep-april-2025.eventbrite.ca 

 

3) St. Francis Xavier Parish in Mill Bay invites you to a three-night mission, "Hope in a World of Chaos," presented by Madonna House Staff women from March 18–20, 2025, from 7:00 to 8:30 pm. All are welcome to these evenings of reflection, featuring a simple presentation, Q&A, and a special prayer of blessing on the final night for those who wish to receive it.

 

4) Join Fr. Dean Henderson (Rector of St. Andrew’s Cathedral) for a three-day Lenten Retreat on the “Gospel of Joy & Hope” at Sacred Heart Parish from March 30–April 1, 2025. Each evening will feature a 7:00 pm Mission Mass, with reflections on themes from Pope Francis' The Joy of the Gospel and the Jubilee Year of Hope, focusing on God’s love, transformation, and healing.

 

5) Save the dates for a Lenten Retreat, “Meeting Jesus Along the Way,” with Dr. David Pitt on April 1 and 2, 2025, at 7:00 pm at St. Joseph the Worker Parish. A liturgical scholar and musician, Dr. Pitt will offer insights on Christian initiation, the Eucharist, and liturgical music, inviting us to deepen our faith and journey with Christ—all are welcome! 

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March 6, 2025

1) The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops is hosting a series of videos for Lent titled Journey Through Lent. This series is meant to offer spiritual inspiration and guidance on how to prepare well for the Easter season. New videos will be released each week, you can watch the series here: https://www.cccb.ca/lent/ 

 

2) The Rite of Election Mass will take place on March 9th at 1:30 pm at St. Andrew’s Cathedral. During this liturgical rite, catechumens—those preparing to join the Church through baptism, confirmation, and the Eucharist at Easter—are presented to the Bishop. All are welcome to attend in person or via the livestream at: https://youtube.com/live/dEASwsogC0o?feature=share 

 

3) Listening Circles are now being held across the diocese as part of our Diocesan Permanent Pastoral Synod journey.  All are invited to participate—please contact your parish office to sign up for a Circle.  If you’re unable to participate in a Circle in person, facilitators are hosting online Listening Circles on various dates beginning March 16. Please sign up here:https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/dpps-online-listening-circles-tickets-1263055064699 

 

4) March 16, the Second Sunday of Lent, marks the Jubilee 2025 Day of Action. As people of faith, we are called to act justly and work for change (Micah 6:8). Join the movement for economic and ecological justice by signing the petition to turn debt into hope: https://www.kairoscanada.org/jubilee-2025-canada 

 

5) The Diocese of Victoria is offering a two-day, in-person marriage preparation course on April 5 and 12, from 10:00 am–4:00 pm in Ladysmith (venue TBD), with a remote Zoom option available. Open to all, this course provides essential guidance for couples preparing for marriage. A joint Certificate of Completion will be issued upon completion of all sessions. Please register by March 19 here: https://in-person-marriage-prep-april-2025.eventbrite.ca 

 

6) St. Joseph the Worker Parish is seeking a part-time Secretary to join their team. This role includes working closely with the pastor, staff, and volunteers to create a welcoming environment for visitors while managing administrative tasks and confidential office functions. View the full job description here: https://www.rcdvictoria.org/employment

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February 27, 2025

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The Joyful Hope of the Gospel

A Lenten Mission Retreat – Led by Fr. Dean Henderson

Sacred Heart Parish at 7:00 pm

Theme for each evening

Sunday, March 30th – Being Loved

Monday, March 31st – Being Transformed by God’s Love

Tuesday, April 1st – Being Healing ministers of the Gospel

 

1) Mass times at parishes across our Diocese for Ash Wednesday (March 5) and Holy Week (April 17-20) are listed on the Diocesan website at https://www.rcdvictoria.org/events/2025-lent-easter-mass-times. More service times will be added as they become available.

 

2) Bishop Gary Gordon has written a message to the people of the Diocese of Victoria regarding the 2025 Share Lent campaign. The message may be read online at: https://www.rcdvictoria.org/news/bishop-gary-gordons-message-for-share-lent-2025

 

3) Cardinal Parolin is leading a daily Rosary for Pope Francis' health in St. Peters Square. Faithful from around the world can participate via livestream at 12:00 pm PDT at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_W3ppj-Umg 

 

4) His Holiness Pope Francis accepted the resignation of the Most Reverend J. Michael Miller, C.S.B., as Archbishop of Vancouver, and appointed the Most Reverend Richard Smith, presently Archbishop of Edmonton, as his successor. The press release from Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops may be read at: https://www.cccb.ca/media-release/episcopal-resignation-and-appointment-for-the-archdiocese-of-vancouver/ 

 

5) The second 2025 Women of Faith and Fellowship Prayer Breakfast will take place on March 8th from 8:00–10:30 am at the Horseshoe Club of Victoria. This special event features guest speaker Katherine Babcock, who will share insights on Artistic Restoration and its parallels to how God restores us and makes us new through the sacraments. Please register by March 6th by emailing victoriawomensbreakfast@gmail.com. 

 

6) Would you like to help remove invasive plants and restore an important Garry Oak ecosystem? Beginning on March 8, and running 2nd and 4th Saturday from 1–4 pm, rain or shine, all are invited to come and help remove invasive species from our property on the slopes of Chrismas Hill. Please meet in the Sacred Heart parking lot (4044 Nelthope Street, Victoria). Pruners and shovels will be provided, but please bring your own gloves, safety glasses, and water. For more information and to sign up, email jseale1234@gmail.com or visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/garry-oak-ecosystem-restoration-project-2025-tickets-1254795821079

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February 20, 2025

1) The Catholic Bishops of British Columbia have released a Pastoral Letter on Catholic Schools that highlights Catholic education's key role in evangelization and whole-person formation. It calls for Catholic schools to maintain their identity, integrate faith with learning, and work with families, educators, and pastors to build a Christ-centred community serving both students and society. The letter may be read online at: https://www.rcdvictoria.org/news/pastoral-letter-on-catholic-schools

 

2) The Vatican has released Antiqua et Nova, a document on the relationship between artificial intelligence and human intelligence. It highlights the distinction between AI and human intelligence and calls for ethical guidelines to ensure AI respects human dignity and serves the common good. To read the full document, please visit:https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cfaith/documents/rc_ddf_doc_20250128_antiqua-et-nova_en.html 

 

3) Father Frank Fanz is offering a talk about his journey to the priesthood, promoting vocations in our Diocese on Tuesday, February 25 at 6:00 pm in the basement hall at Our Lady of Fatima. This event is organized by the Serra Club in formation, which seeks to promote vocations to the priesthood and religious life. All are welcome!

 

4) St. Joseph's Elementary School is performing Sister Act Jr. from March 6-8. Everyone is welcome to attend—tickets are available now on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/sister-act-junior-tickets-1028419990877 

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Wednesday, February 19, 2025

Message by the Most Rev. William T. McGrattan, Bishop of Calgary and CCCB President, praying for the health and recovery of Pope Francis

As President of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB), I wish to assure the faithful of Canada that I am united with my brother Bishops in praying for the full recovery of the Holy Father, Pope Francis, as he continues to lead the Church with courage and a generosity of spirit.

I invite individuals, families, parishes, and all Catholic movements and associations in Canada to join their local Bishops in lifting up Pope Francis in their prayers and intentions.

May the Lord, through Our Lady’s powerful intercession, grant him renewed strength, health, and energy in his vocation to serve the Church as the Successor of Peter and the Vicar of Christ on earth.

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February 13, 2025

1) A huge thank you to the people of the Diocese of Victoria for surpassing our 2024 Bishop's Appeal goal! Bishop Gary Gordon shares his heartfelt gratitude in a special message, which you can read on the Diocese website here:https://www.rcdvictoria.org/news/message-of-gratitude-for-the-2024-bishops-appeal 

2) St. Andrew’s Roman Catholic Cathedral is seeking a dedicated Director of Musical Worship to uphold and enhance its legacy of musical excellence, inspiring and engaging the worship community through a vibrant and dynamic music ministry. A detailed job description can be viewed here: https://www.standrewscathedral.com/post/job-opportunity-director-of-musical-worship 

3) The national Indigenous Reconciliation Fund (IRF) has released Sacred Fire Stories, a powerful new video highlighting inspiring stories of hope from IRF-funded projects. Watch the video here to see the meaningful impact the IRF is making in Indigenous communities: https://irfund.ca/en/welcome/ 

The first project featured is from our own Diocese—the Michif Language Revitalization Circle (MLRC), which supports Métis in reclaiming self-identity through learning the Michif language. As a reminder, the next application deadline for the local Indigenous Reconciliation Fund is coming up on February 15. For more information and the application package, please visit https://www.rcdvictoria.org/irf or call 250-800-3167.

4) On February 14, Abbey Church and Emmaus Community (932 Balmoral Road, Victoria) will host an ecumenical prayer session in The Way of Taizé at 6:00 pm. All are invited to join in this evening of prayer and song.

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February 6, 2025

1) Development & Peace is hosting two in-person Share Lent workshops: Saturday, February 15, in Victoria and Sunday, February 16, in Nanaimo. The Victoria workshop is at St. Patrick's Parish from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM, followed by lunch (RSVP to Nancy Stuart at nancystuart7@gmail.com). The Nanaimo workshop is at Holy Trinity Parish from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM (any questions can be sent to robertson@aquinas.org).

2) Pope Francis has released a poignant message for World Day of the Sick on February 11 that reflects on suffering as an opportunity for a transformative encounter with God. He highlights the importance of presence, gift, and sharing as essential aspects of compassionate care. To read his full message, please visit: https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2025/01/27/250127f.html 

4) The Parish page on the Diocese website now includes an interactive map to help people find nearby parishes more easily. We hope this also encourages parishioners to learn more about other parishes across the Island and surrounding areas. Discover the map here: https://www.rcdvictoria.org/parishes 

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January 30, 2025

On the first anniversary of their Pastoral Letter on social media, “Let Your Speech Always Be Gracious”, the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops has launched a video series and resources to explore its pastoral and moral insights. These materials are available for personal or group use and can be found on a new webpage dedicated to the Pastoral Letter: https://www.cccb.ca/media-release/launch-of-video-series-and-resources-for-the-pastoral-letter-on-social-media

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January 9, 2025

1) WINTER 2025 PASTORAL CARE TRAINING SESSION

“God calls us to touch the lives of our aging, lonely, ill, palliative and dying sisters and brothers

with accompaniment, kindness and compassion as the hands and face of Christ. In these

sessions, you learn basic tools necessary to accompany those who are in need of the healing

ministry of Christ.” – Most Reverend Gary Gordon, Bishop of Victoria

The valuable and free Pastoral Care Outreach Training series will be offered online again this

winter. Nine sessions will be held via Zoom on Saturday mornings from 9:30 – noon, starting

on February 1 and running until April 5, 2025 (with no session on March 8 for spring break).

Participants who attend all sessions will receive a Certificate of Completion. Participants will

require a phone number and email address, a computer, tablet or Smart Phone with speakers,

microphone and webcam, a reliable Internet connection, and access to Zoom. Please register

through your local parish by January 21, 2025. For further information, please email

moiraking@shaw.ca​

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October 3, 2024

1) On September 30, the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops released a statement on the occasion of the 2024 National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, reaffirming its commitment to walking with Indigenous Peoples on their healing and reconciliation journey.  To read the statement, please visit https://www.rcdvictoria.org/special-announcements/on-the-occasion-of-the-2024-national-day-of-truth-and-reconciliation

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February 22, 2024

February 24 marks the second anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. National representatives of Orthodox, Catholic, and Protestant communities, in collaboration with the World Evangelical Alliance’s Peace and Reconciliation Network, the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada, and the Canadian Council of Churches, have signed a Pastoral Letter on Ukraine, Canada, and the Church, inviting all to join in praying for peace.

 

“Without in any way minimizing or ignoring the suffering and sorrow caused by war and violence in other areas of the world, we stand together in inviting Christians and all people of good will to prayerfully consider how we are all called, and might contribute to, the achievement of peace in and for Ukraine.”

– excerpt from the Pastoral Letter.

 

Endorsed by 45 leaders, the Letter identifies six meaningful ways by which to foster peace:

1. Pray

2. Support Ukrainian Refugees

3. Urge diplomatic steps towards a just and sustainable peace in Ukraine

4. Seek cooperative relationships of humanitarian support

5. Remember February 24, 2022

6. Hope for reconciliation

 

The President of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Most Rev. William T. McGrattan, Bishop of Calgary, supported by the CCCB’s Executive Committee, is one of the aforementioned signatories to the Letter, now available in English, French and Ukrainian. You are invited to share these links to pray and work together for peace.

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October 12, 2023

The president of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, Bishop William T. McGrattan has issued a statement in response to the escalation of the conflict in the Holy Land.  The statement may be found online at https://www.cccb.ca/announcement/statement-by-the-most-rev-william-t-mcgrattan-bishop-of-calgary-and-cccb-president-to-the-catholic-faithful-in-canada-on-the-recent-escalation-of-conflict-in-the-holy-land/.

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August 17th, 2023

1) A post has just been added to the Diocesan website with photos from our delegation’s pilgrimage to World Youth Day 2023.  The post can be viewed at https://www.rcdvictoria.org/diocesanblog/world-youth-day-2023.

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The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops has released four Pastoral Letters – to the First Nations, the Métis, the Inuit, and the People of God. The Bishops of Canada decided to write these letters after being updated on discussions with Indigenous partners during their plenary meeting last September.  They outline a set of specific commitments which are meant to guide local reconciliation.

These letters can be viewed at: https://www.cccb.ca/indigenous-peoples/that-we-may-walk-together-series-of-pastoral-letters-2023/

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Working Towards Freedom: Study guide on human trafficking now available

“Working Toward Freedom” is a new study guide created in response to a call to mission: to reduce the harms of human trafficking in our local communities and uphold the dignity of every child of God.

The guide was developed jointly by the Diocese of Victoria, the Archdiocese of Vancouver, and the Diocese of Saskatchewan. Based on the CCCB's recent Pastoral Letter on Human Trafficking and Sexual Exploitation in Canada, it delves deeper into the letter and animates it in each specific community's context.  Through prayer and education, the guide leads participants to become more aware of the human trafficking that is occurring in our midst, and helps them learn how to bring to light situations where people may be in danger.  The authors of the guide are Evelyn Vollet, Sr. Nancy Brown, Barbara Renaud, Myron Rogal and Annette Turgeon.

The guide will be launched this month with a one-hour webinar.  All are invited to join and learn more about the guide, either on Thursday, November 24 at 9:00 am PST, or on Saturday, November 26 at 10:00 am PST.  The webinar will provide an overview of each section and recommendations on how to use the guide.  The webinar is free, but advance registration is required at https://form.jotform.com/222704961965262.

Pope Francis describes the Church’s mission as a permanent state that calls us to go to the peripheries of society.  No one is exempt from being able to do something about this horrific crime taking place within our communities.  For more information, please contact Annette Turgeon at tcrmi1@telus.net.

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April 1, 2022

The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops has released a statement welcoming the apology made by Pope Francis today in Rome to Indigenous Peoples.  The statement can be read at https://www.rcdvictoria.org/indigenous/canadas-catholic-bishops-welcome-popes-apology-to-indigenous-peoples

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Canadian Reporting System for Sexual Abuse or Cover-Up by a Catholic Bishop

 

On Thursday, May 6, 2021, the Bishops of Canada launched a national, bilingual service for reporting situations of sexual abuse either committed or covered-up by a Bishop.  This service furthers their commitment to responsibility, accountability and transparency in matters of clergy sexual abuse and their commitment to facilitate healing and justice for victims-survivors.

 

Individuals can access the reporting system online (BishopReportingSystem.ca) or by calling toll-free 1-866-892-3737 from anywhere in Canada, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days per year.

 

The reporting system was developed by ClearView Strategic Partners, a Canadian provider of an independent reporting platform.  ClearView’s technology benefits anyone wanting to make such a report by providing them with a secure and confidential platform, allowing them to remain anonymous if they so choose, and ensuring all communications are documented and preserved.

 

The Catholic Bishops of Canada condemn the sin and crime of sexual abuse in the strongest possible terms. No one should ever have to endure the pain, humiliation, and long-term suffering it causes, nor should anyone have to doubt that serious consequences await a perpetrator of sexual abuse or cover-up. With this reporting system, the Bishops make themselves accountable to live with integrity and to address reports of sexual abuse according to Church and civil law. The Church grieves with victim-survivors and profoundly regrets the tremendous harm caused. The Bishops of Canada wish to reach out and accompany victims-survivors along the path that restores justice and promotes healing.

 

Reports of current or historical sexual abuse by any other member of the Diocese of Victoria (clergy, religious, employees or volunteers) may be made by calling 1-800-968-3146.  This number connects to an independent reporting service which can assist in contacting the appropriate authorities and help access counselling services. For more information about Responsible Ministry and Safe Environment in the Diocese of Victoria, please visit https://www.rcdvictoria.org/responsible-ministry.

 

Thank you for your prayers and the support you provide to victim-survivors in the ongoing work of healing.

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