by Jean Allen
It is interesting to me that the disciples asked Jesus to explain the parable of the landowner who sowed good seed in his field but an enemy came and sowed weeds, but they didn’t ask about the parables of the mustard seed or the woman who mixed yeast with the flour until the whole lot was leavened. Why did the first parable fascinate them?
Could it have been because of their innate and very human need to see evil punished? Did they want to hear more about how the ‘bad weeds’ were going to be punished? Did they have in mind personal judgements about certain people they thought were weeds and were relishing the thought of them being burned up? Would they personally have the satisfaction of separating the weeds from the wheat?
Jesus put an end to that kind of speculation. He told them the weeds would be gathered and burned at the end of the age and the angels would be doing the gathering and separating. It was none of their business! The fire that will burn the weeds is not the fire of eternal damnation; it is the fire of purification because God wills that all his children be wheat and not weeds. And we all know that purification can be painful.
The disciples ignored the other two parables which actually cemented the point Jesus was trying to make. The Kingdom often flourishes like a weed, which the mustard tree was considered to be in those times, and God does not rest until all of the flour is leavened. In other words, it’s not up to us. It’s not up to us to judge what’s a weed and what’s not, it’s not up to us engage in any kind of separation of what we think is a weed and what we think is a righteous plant, and we are not called to worry and fret over the ‘fact’ that the world seems to be heading to hell in a handbasket and that the Church seems to be losing ground.
Mind your own business. Fear not. Just be yeast.
P ♰ C
Connecting Catholics in parishes across Vancouver Island
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Dear friends,
We have five items to share with you today:
1. Diocesan Permanent Pastoral Synod (DPPS) – Spring Plenary Report
This past June, Over 40 people gathered in a day of prayerful discernment and collaborative discussion for the Diocesan Permanent Pastoral Synod – Spring Plenary. The Synod leadership team has prepared a 2026 Spring Plenary Report, summarizing the discussions and outcomes of the day. Bishop Gary Gordon has also written a pastoral message reflecting on the importance of this plenary in our ongoing diocesan synodal journey. Please see both of these here: https://www.rcdvictoria.org/news/bishop-gary-gordons-message-for-the-2026-dpps-spring-plenary2. Diocesan Family Camp this August
Calling all families across the Diocese! Join us for the 12th Annual Diocese of Victoria Family Camp and Conference. Families are invited to gather for a fun, faith-filled weekend of fellowship, play, and prayer taking place August 20-23 at beautiful Nanoose Bay Camp.
Details are at: 12thAnnualVictoriaDioceseFamilyCampandConference.eventbrite.ca3. Mount St. Mary Hospital’s 6th Annual Summer Fair
The Diocese is a proud sponsor of Mount St. Mary Hospital’s Summer Fair taking place on Saturday, July 25. The fair is a free, family friendly community event featuring live music, a BBQ, pop up boutiques, a silent auction, kids’ activities, free trishaw rides, and much more. This year’s fundraiser is supporting the renovation of our fifth-floor resident care unit to improve comfort, safety, and quality of life of residents.4. Support Earthquake Victims in Venezuela
Many of you are familiar with the catastrophic earthquakes that have hit Venezuela. Following Wednesday’s devastating earthquakes, Development and Peace – Caritas Canada has launched an emergency appeal, calling on Canadians to give generously to help the Venezuelan people. To learn about the work being done and how to donate, please see: https://devp.org/en/venezuela-earthquakes-you-can-help-now/5. Job Opportunities
Appeal Administrative Assistant
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Victoria is seeking an Appeal Administrative Assistant with strong data entry and communication skills. This role is a full-time (37.5 hours per week) temporary role from September 15, 2026, to February 12, 2027. The hourly salary range is $23.00 to $25.00. See the full job on our website here: https://www.rcdvictoria.org/employmentMany thanks,
Communications Office
Diocese of Victoria
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Dear friends,
We have six items to share with you today:- Sea Sunday 2026
Every year, on the second Sunday of July, Catholic communities around the world celebrate Sea Sunday, honouring the often invisible and isolating work of seafarers. Learn more about this occasion and see the message from Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development (DPIHD), Cardinal Michael Czerny SJ, here: https://www.rcdvictoria.org/diocesanblog/sea-sunday-2026 - Diocesan Family Camp this August
Calling all families across the Diocese! Join us for the 12th Annual Diocese of Victoria Family Camp and Conference. Families are invited to gather for a fun, faith-filled weekend of fellowship, play, and prayer taking place August 20-23 at beautiful Nanoose Bay Camp.Details are at: 12thAnnualVictoriaDioceseFamilyCampandConference.eventbrite.ca - 2026 CWL Provincial Convention
The Diocese was happy to support the Catholic Women’s League Provincial Convention that took place in Sidney this June. See our recap blog post to learn about this special event and the important work the CWL does for the community. https://www.rcdvictoria.org/diocesanblog/catholic-womens-league-provincial-2026-convention - Mount St. Mary Hospital’s 6th Annual Summer Fair
The Diocese is a proud sponsor of Mount St. Mary Hospital’s Summer Fair taking place on Saturday, July 25. The fair is a free, family friendly community event featuring live music, a BBQ, pop up boutiques, a silent auction, kids’ activities, free trishaw rides, and much more. This year’s fundraiser is supporting the renovation of our fifth-floor resident care unit to improve comfort, safety, and quality of life of residents. To learn more and to donate go to: 6th Annual Summer Fair - Support Earthquake Victims in Venezuela
Many of you are familiar with the catastrophic earthquakes that have hit Venezuela. Following Wednesday’s devastating earthquakes, Development and Peace – Caritas Canada has launched an emergency appeal, calling on Canadians to give generously to help the Venezuelan people. To learn about the work being done and how to donate, please see: https://devp.org/en/venezuela-earthquakes-you-can-help-now/ - Bursaries and Awards Applications Open
Applications are now being accepted for bursaries and awards offered by the Diocese of Victoria to outstanding students and educators. The deadline for applications is July 15th. More information and application forms are available at the following links:
> The Jawl Bundon LLP Bursary ($2500): for a grade 12 Catholic student who has been accepted to a post-secondary institution. Preference will be given to Indigenous students, and to students who live outside of Greater Victoria and Nanaimo.https://www.rcdvictoria.org/jawl-bundon-bursary
> The Char Deslippe Memorial Award ($500): for a teacher working in Island Catholic Schools or a parish catechist serving in children, youth or adult ministry.https://www.rcdvictoria.org/char-deslippe-award
Many thanks,
Communications Office
Diocese of Victoria - Sea Sunday 2026
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The Knights of Columbus are riding in their 2nd annual Cancer Fundraising Ride on Vancouver Island. On July 25th, 2026 the Knight Riders team will ride 100km from Sidney to Metchosin and back to raise money for cancer research. Click on the link below and then click on one of the team members to donate to this worthy cause. BC Cancer will issue a tax receipt immediately for your donation. Thank you for your support and wish the team a safe and successful ride.
Knight Riders 2026 – Workout to Conquer Cancer | BC Cancer Foundation
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by Jean Allen
“For those who have, more will be given and they will have an abundance; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away.” These words sure make Jesus and the spiritual life sound harsh, don’t they? To get a clearer understanding of these words, we need to revisit what I said last week about the yoke of Jesus and how being under his yoke will give us rest.
When you actively receive the blessings of the yoke of Jesus, you are a ‘have person’. Your heart is open and soft. You have received the seeds of love, affirmation, respect and dignity that you found in Jesus and in that soil of gentleness and humility the seeds flourish with lush abundance. It’s not because you are so good; it’s because you are so loved.
When you resist Jesus’s yoke and refuse to let go of your defenses, aggressions and neediness, you are a ‘have not’ person. Your inner soil is hard and the rain of love cannot penetrate. You had nothing and you’ll end up with even less. It is not God or Jesus taking away your inner abundance; it is your refusal of the yoke that takes it away. The rain of God always falls on you but that inner stubbornness creates a hard crust that nothing can penetrate.
A lot of scribes and Pharisees in Jesus’s time had that inner stubbornness. Jesus’s words of grace and hope could not penetrate their hard hearts because they refused to believe they were ‘have nots’. They thought they had it all, especially wisdom and intelligence. Last week we heard Jesus say, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent and have revealed them to infants.” So, while being very learned about the faith can be helpful, it’s not what creates the fertile soil. It is the Father’s gracious will to reveal himself to the unlearned, the small, the gentle and the humble…
…those with beautiful gardens ready to produce more.[image produced using Google and Nano Banana AI image generation]
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Dear friends,
We have five items to share with you today:
- Graduation Mass and Commissioning Ceremony 2026
In this final week of celebrating our high school graduates, we highlight the Graduation Mass and Commissioning Ceremony held at St. Andrew’s Cathedral. See reflections from the day here: https://www.rcdvictoria.org/diocesanblog/graduation-mass-and-commissioning-ceremony-2026 - Diocesan Family Camp this August
Calling all families across the Diocese! Join us for the 12th Annual Diocese of Victoria Family Camp and Conference. Families are invited to gather for a fun, faith-filled weekend of fellowship, play, and prayer taking place August 20-23 at beautiful Nanoose Bay Camp.
Details are at: 12thAnnualVictoriaDioceseFamilyCampandConference.eventbrite.ca - Support Earthquake Victims in Venezuela
Many of you are familiar with the catastrophic earthquakes that have hit Venezuela. Following Wednesday’s devastating earthquakes, Development and Peace – Caritas Canada has launched an emergency appeal, calling on Canadians to give generously to help the Venezuelan people. To learn about the work being done and how to donate, please see: https://devp.org/en/venezuela-earthquakes-you-can-help-now/ - Society of Saint Vincent de Paul Vancouver Island: Hearts for Homes Gala
The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul Vancouver Island warmly invites you to the Hearts for Homes Gala — an evening of compassion, community, and impact in support of affordable housing on Vancouver Island. Join them on October 3 at the Union Club of Victoria (805 Gordon Street, Victoria, BC) for a memorable evening featuring a three-course dinner, musical entertainment, guest speakers, and silent and live auctions. For tickets https://www.hibid.ca/events/hearts-for-homes - Job Opportunities Across the Diocese
Correctional Chaplain, William Head Institution
The Correctional Service Canada (CSC) Bridges of Canada Inc. is hiring a full-time Correctional Chaplain in the Pacific Region for 125-165 hours per month (subject to change based on monthly requirements). The Correctional Chaplain will be responsible for providing religious and spiritual services to federal offenders of all faiths residing in William Head Institution. Read the full job posting here. Anyone interested in this paid ministry position needs a mandate letter from Bishop Gary Gordon and can contact either the Bishop (bishop@rcdvictoria.org) or Tapiwa Gusha (tgusha@bridgesofcanada.com), for more information.
Many thanks,
Communications Office
Diocese of Victoria - Graduation Mass and Commissioning Ceremony 2026
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by Jean Allen
“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls.” In Jesus’s time, a yoke meant the teachings of a particular rabbi. Jesus is inviting us to be followers of his teachings and he is still dealing with being of equal weight and value as him. If you follow his precepts and truly make them an integral part of your heart’s journey, you will also become as gentle and as humble in heart as he was – and still is.
His promise is this: if you really do learn from him, you will find the beautiful rest that comes from being gentle and humble in heart.
Why is that restful? It is because when we are not gentle or humble, we are defensive, aggressive, anxious, possessive and ego driven. We are always looking for everything to go the way we think they should go and have anger issues when they don’t. We need to be recognized as being right. We need validation and respect from others. We need, we need, we need…
What an exhausting way to live! However, simply refraining from outward actions that would indicate this neediness isn’t what will bring us rest. Part of Jesus’s yoke is understanding how absolutely loved we are by him and the Father and knowing in our depths that forgiveness and compassion have been gifted to us without measure. It is in grasping that part of Jesus’s yoke that we find the ultimate rest because we are not seeking to demand from the world, which includes our spiritual community, that which we can only find in Jesus.
Did you get that? We can only find love, respect, dignity and purpose in Jesus. Finding it all there makes you gentle. It makes you humble.
What an amazing yoke! -
[amplifying a post from the Chancery]
Dear friends,
Many of you are familiar with the catastrophic earthquakes that have hit Venezuela. Following Wednesday’s devastating earthquakes, Development and Peace – Caritas Canada has launched an emergency appeal, calling on Canadians to give generously to help the Venezuelan people.
To learn about the work being done and how to donate, please see: https://devp.org/en/venezuela-earthquakes-you-can-help-now/
Many thanks,
Communications Office
Diocese of Victoria -
We need your support!
The right to adequate housing is a fundamental human right for everyone in Canada.
Our Society on Vancouver Island passionately supports this right by offering affordable, supportive and transitional housing solutions that meet the unique needs of our community. By offering affordable and transitional housing, we help people move beyond obstacles, fostering hope and empowering them to create a better future for themselves and their loved ones.
To support our housing initiatives, on October 3, 2026 we will be hosting the Hearts for Homes Gala at the Union Club of Victoria (805 Gordon Street, Victoria). It will be a memorable evening featuring a three-course dinner, musical entertainment, guest speakers, and silent and live auctions.
Our fundraising goal for the Gala is $200,000.
To purchase a ticket (or a few) for the October 3rd event or donate towards the goal, click the link. Click here If you would like to become a sponsor for the event, or know of someone who might like to be a sponsor to support this fundraising goal.
Access to affordable housing provides more than just a roof over someone’s head – it offers a pathway to stability, dignity and opportunity. Immense gratitude for all your efforts to support our housing initiatives!
With blessings,
Ron Johnson
President, Vancouver Island Particular Council
Society of Saint Vincent de Paul
ssvp.vipc@gmail.com
ssvpvancouverisland.ca -
by Jean Allen
“Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me;” The Greek word for ‘worthy’ in this text is ‘axios’ and axios translates generally into what we expect: ‘fitting or suitable’. But another definition that fits this text even better is: “of equal weight or value’.
Are you of equal weight or value as Jesus? If you immediately say, “Of course not!” then I ask you, “Why not?” We are absolutely called to have an equal weight with Jesus. Paul tells us in Corinthians that we have the mind of Christ in order to see things from his perspective and in Philippians he says, “In your minds you must be the same as Christ Jesus.” Just before that, he says, “Always consider the other person to be better than yourself, so that nobody thinks of his own interest first, but everybody thinks of other people’s interests instead.”
Being of equal weight or value as Jesus means not thinking of your own interests first. Jesus isn’t talking about rejecting your families and becoming a lonely, self-flagellating individual in order to be worthy of his love. He’s asking us to be of equal weight and value as him. Jesus didn’t allow the members of his family, the ones who thought he was crazy mad, to hold him back from his mission but we know he loved and cared about his Mother, Mary. Jesus didn’t seek a comfortable lifestyle and surround himself with material goods but he did surround himself with those who loved and supported his mission. He didn’t seek out crosses to bear; he sought out those who were already bearing heavy crosses and tried to alleviate their burdens.
He simply asks that we share his mind and his heart. Anything less than that makes us of unequal weight, just people involved in stuff that does not further the Kingdom and not people who share in his perspective, a perspective of love and compassion. When we share in his mind and heart, those we touch and who touch us back receive more than we give; they receive the rewards of prophets and righteous people…no matter who they are.
It’s the Kingdom economy.
P ♰ C 