Diocese of Victoria
Diocese On-line Marriage Preparation Course
https://www.rcdvictoria.org/marriage-prep
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August 11, 2022
A new article has just been posted on the Diocesan website with Pope Francis’ reflection on his visit to Canada. It also includes a link to the Vatican website that has pictures, videos, and the words that Pope Francis spoke while he was here.
You can find it online at https://www.rcdvictoria.org/indigenous/pope-francis-reflects-on-his-visit-to-canada.
July 28, 2022
A new article has just been posted on the Diocesan website about Pope Francis’ penitential pilgrimage to Canada that’s happening this week. It includes a link for those who wish to donate towards the logistical costs of the visit. The text of the article is copied below, or you can find the article online at https://www.rcdvictoria.org/indigenous/the-popes-penitential-pilgrimage-continues.
May 13, 2022
Following the information from Rome about the Pope’s visit to Canada in July, the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops have issued a press release welcoming the announcement. The text of the press release can be read online at https://www.rcdvictoria.org/indigenous/popes-healing-and-reconciliation-visit-to-canada-scheduled-for-july
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
Diocese Update on COVID Restrictions
As announced on March 10, the Province is further easing Covid-19 restrictions. The Memo from Bishop Gary Gordon is posted below.
To summarize:
1. Capacity limits on attendance at worship services or other gatherings in church buildings are no longer required. It is highly recommended that parishes continue to encourage physical distancing.
2. The use of face coverings is now optional in church buildings. However, the continued use of face coverings is highly recommended as a prudent and wise choice to ensure the safety of all. This is especially true during higher-risk situations such as while singing or while distributing Communion.
A message from Pope Francis
A post has just been added to the Diocesan website about Pope Francis’ new video message urging people to get vaccinated against Covid-19:
https://www.rcdvictoria.org/news/pope-francis-urges-people-to-get-vaccinated-against-covid-19
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.