by Jean Allen
“Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread.” (Second reading, 1 Corinthians)
Participation in the Body and Blood of Christ was never meant to remain only a ‘me and Jesus’ moment. It beautifully starts out that way as we give thanks to the Lord for this intimate communion with him, but then it is imperative that we become aware of his Body all around us: those who are also partaking alongside of us. We need to realize every time we go to Mass that the bread we are eating is forming us into one body and that through this whole body flows the rich, lifegiving blood of Christ.
It is quite possible that there are areas within the body where the blood circulation is hindered by a clotted vein. That clot starts to form when the ‘me and Jesus’ moment becomes the be all and end all of someone’s life in the Church. That clot grows bigger when the intention is to receive the Eucharist and then get out of the Church as fast as possible without any pesky interaction with anyone else. It’s not just creating poor circulation in the one who holds those intentions; it is creating poor circulation in the whole body.
We are all immensely grateful for the gift of the Eucharist but we need to place it in context with the life of Jesus. When he was alive, his drive was to share his beautiful life with everyone he met. When he spent time alone with his Father, he always came back to the community more invigorated and with more to give. His communion with God was not for him alone.
It doesn’t take much. It might be a warm smile. It could be a thank you. A hug is sometimes very healing, even when it’s from a stranger. I brought my daughter-in-law from Calgary to Mass and a friend of mine, whom she didn’t know, gave her a big hug. My daughter-in-law couldn’t get over how friendly people were. For her, it was a most joyful Mass.
The blood was freely circulating!
P ♰ C
Connecting Catholics in parishes across Vancouver Island
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Dear friends,
We have five items for you,- Bishop Gary shares reflections on Magnifica Humanitas on CBC Radio
Pope Leo’s latest encyclical on AI is making waves across the globe, raising big questions about technology, humanity, and moral responsibility. Here in our own community, Bishop Gary shared his perspective on the encyclical and what this means for us today on CBC radio’s All Points West. https://www.cbc.ca/listen/live-radio/1-93-all-points-west/clip/16217190-pope-leo-xiv-issues-warning-global-leaders-ai
(To read the original Magnifica Humanitas encyclical go to: Encyclical Letter of His Holiness Leo XIV Magnifica Humanitas (15 May 2026)) - Statistics Canada: 2026 Census
The 2026 Census provides an accurate snapshot of people and communities across Canada. This information offers insight into neighbourhoods, schools, families, newcomers, and religious affiliation. Many organizations, including our Diocese, use this data to better understand local needs. Because the religion question is asked only once every ten years, this is an important opportunity for faith communities to be properly represented. If you haven’t already, we encourage you to complete your census using the information received in the mail, or visit census.gc.ca - St. Vincent de Paul “Cram the Van to the Max” event
Help St. Vincent de Paul fill their pantries for families during the summer months! Demand increases significantly at St. Vincent de Paul food pantry on Yates Street in Victoria, as these families visit for food assistance. To ensure the shelves are well stocked to handle the demand, they are holding a “Cram the Van to the MAX” food drive on Saturday, June 6th. Bring your canned food, boxed meals, or cash to Sacred Heart Church in Victoria.
When: June 6th, 11:00am – 2:00pm
Where: Parking lot at Sacred Heart Church in Victoria (4040 Nelthorpe Street) - The Catholic Foundation of Vancouver Island AGMThe Catholic Foundation of Vancouver Island is hosting their Annual General Meeting on Thursday, June 25, 2026 at 1:00 p.m.
The trustees welcome all to attend to learn about the foundation and the work it’s doing in the community.
Where: Pastoral Centre Boardroom, (4044 Nelthorpe Street Victoria, BC) - Employment 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 Rick Ball, the Regional Director (richard.ball@bridgesofcanada.com), for more information.
Our Lady of the Rosary Parish – Part-Time Event Hall Coordinator (Short-Term)
Our Lady of the Rosary Parish is seeking someone with marketing experience to help launch and promote their Event Hall and meeting rooms for rentals (events, weddings, community use) as a source of revenue to support parish needs. This flexible side-project role focuses on building awareness through social media, local advertising, and other marketing efforts, along with handling inquiries and coordinating bookings. Approximately 5 hours per week at $25/hour, with additional commission and earning potential based on successful bookings, for a 6 to 9 month project. Please send a resume to whann@rcdvictoria.org.
Many thanks,
Communications Office
Diocese of Victoria - Bishop Gary shares reflections on Magnifica Humanitas on CBC Radio
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Looking for ways to serve those in need? This just in from the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Vancouver Island: six more ways to help.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
South IslandHere are meaningful ways to serve our neighbours in need in our area.
Please consider volunteering and adding these to your conference’s Menu of Vincentian Activities for current and new members.
1. Come As You Are Job Fair
The Society is holding a low barrier job fair for folks who may need the very first stepping stone to explore vocation and who may not feel comfortable or safe to attend a normal job fair. Please volunteer! Reach out to Norma Bogart at nbogart@svdpvictoria.com if you are interested.2. Social Concern Office (SCO)
Located in downtown Victoria, the Social Concern Office is the central hub for our Choices Food Pantry and other relief services. We often need food pick up volunteers, greeters, and shopper’s assistants. Please get in touch with Norma Bogart at nbogart@svdpvictoria.com for more details.3. Conference Archives
The Archives Committee collects, organizes, and preserves the historical records, minutes, photographs, and memorabilia of our Conference and its charitable works. Kindly reach out to Kathy Weswick at weswickkathryn@gmail.com to volunteer.4. Seniors Social Tea
Our West Saanich Seniors’ Housing is seeking friendly volunteers to join our weekly social tea and spend time with residents. Interested? Contact Norma Bogart at nbogart@svdpvictoria.com.5. Cloverdale and Langford Thrift Stores
Our thrift stores are often in need of volunteers. Please email Norma Bogart at nbogart@svdpvictoria.com if you are interested.6. Second Stage Transition Program
We need volunteers to support social and leisure activities in our Second Stage Transition Program. We provide this program, funded by BC Housing, to support women—with or without children—who are fleeing violence. For more info, email Norma Bogart at nbogart@svdpvictoria.com.Thank you!
from SSVP Particular Council of Vancouver Island
P.S. Have an inspiring story or photo? We’d love to feature it in our newsletter: ipicazo@svdpvictoria.com. -
by Jean Allen
I love the Trinity, which could rightly be called ‘The Forgotten Trinity’ along with the Holy Spirit’s ‘The Forgotten Paraclete’. In spite of the fact that every time we make the sign of the cross we are invoking the Trinity, Trinitarian awareness is generally reserved for Trinity Sunday. The mystery of the three in one is not an easy concept to grasp, despite attempts to explain it with shamrocks or water in its various states. It’s easier for us to just mostly forget about it and carry on.
Why do I love the Trinity? Because I don’t have to completely understand theological concepts in order to know that I am not excluded from this completely loving and always laughing circle of light. It is not something ‘out there’ having a great time while I am designated to be ‘down here’ in the gloom. The only reason I might remain down here in the dark is if I choose to exclude myself from the circle of light. The Trinity never excludes any of us from joining the circle. We were made to be part of this circle and of this wonderful community.
If I choose to exclude myself from the Trinitarian Circle, as Jesus said in the Gospel, I am condemned already. Condemned by me. The Father doesn’t condemn, Jesus doesn’t condemn and the Holy Spirit doesn’t condemn. They simply honor my choice and they don’t push themselves where they are not wanted. But they are not above arranging circumstances that encourage me to seek and enter the circle. They’re crafty that way!
There’s an open invitation to join the Trinitarian circle. There are no prerequisites. You don’t have to clean up or make yourself worthy to join. It’s a ‘Come As You Are’ party. Oh. Hold on. There actually are some prerequisites. You need to leave that grudge behind. You need to abandon your righteous judgements. You need to be willing to love without condition. The door is always wide open and the invitation is never withheld.
But our baggage just won’t fit through. -
Dear friends,
We have four items to share with you today
1. Pope Leo XIV’s First Encyclical Letter: Magnifica Humanitas
Pope Leo XIV’s Encyclical Letter, Magnifica Humanitas, was released this week. It focuses on safeguarding the human person in the time of artificial intelligence. The letter is dated 15 May, to commemorate the 135th anniversary of Pope Leo XIII’s Encyclical Letter, Rerum Novarum.
See the Canadian Council of Catholic Bishops full media release, including a link to the encyclical, and a collection of resources on the topic of artificial intelligence here:
https://www.cccb.ca/media-release/pope-leo-xivs-first-encyclical-letter-magnifica-humanitas/2. Holy Family Notre Dame – Silent Auction for St. Peters Cemetery
Holy Family Notre Dame is holding a silent auction in support of St. Peter’s Cemetery in Port Alberni; bidding is open from May 22 to June 1. There are a variety of items to bid on, including some beautiful handmade wood pieces, as well as a large amount of jewelry. Payment can be made via EFT or credit card (service fee applies), and shipping of items is available. Access the auction at https://new.biddingowl.com/stpeterscemetery Please contact Rebecca at 250-723-8912 or hfnd@rcdvictoria.org with any questions.3. St. Vincent de Paul “Cram the Van to the Max” event
With the school year ending in June, most breakfast and lunch programs for children stop. This makes it especially challenging for those in need over the summer months. Demand increases significantly at St. Vincent de Paul food pantry on Yates Street in Victoria, as these families visit for food assistance. To ensure the shelves are well stocked to handle this increased demand, they are holding a “Cram the Van to the MAX” event on 2 Saturdays from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm:
May 30th at the Sticky Wicket in Victoria (919 Douglas Street)
June 6th in the parking lot at Sacred Heart Church in Victoria (4040 Nelthorpe Street).4. Employment 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 Rick Ball, the Regional Director (richard.ball@bridgesofcanada.com), for more information.
Our Lady of the Rosary Parish – Part-Time Event Hall Coordinator (Short-Term)
Our Lady of the Rosary Parish is seeking someone with marketing experience to help launch and promote their Event Hall and meeting rooms for rentals (events, weddings, community use) as a source of revenue to support parish needs. This flexible side-project role focuses on building awareness through social media, local advertising, and other marketing efforts, along with handling inquiries and coordinating bookings. Approximately 5 hours per week at $25/hour, with additional commission and earning potential based on successful bookings, for a 6 to 9 month project. Please send a resume to whann@rcdvictoria.org.Many thanks,
Communications Office
Diocese of Victoria
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Yesterday’s CWL meeting at St. Joseph the Worker in Victoria, BC was much more interesting than usual: our Faith presenter was special guest Jean Allen, author of our ParishConnections weekly blog postings and of the acclaimed book, Manna Gathering. Jean spoke about our priestly call to share the Gospel with others in the way that we are called to do so: possibly serving at Church or visiting those in need or parenting children or any of the other myriad ways we joyfully share His love with others.
Jean’s book, a series of reflections on a three year cycle of Sunday Gospel readings, is available in store at Christian Book & Music and online at https://www.indigo.ca.
Thank you, Jean, for all that you do and for speaking at our CWL meeting.
In gratitude,
Katherina -
– from the Chancery, Diocese of Victoria
Dear friends,
We have seven items to share with you today,
1. 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-award2. Grief to Grace Retreat Grief to Grace is hosting their next retreat in Canada on September 22 – 27 in Kelowna. This is a program rooted in our Catholic faith. Designed to express the healing ministry of Jesus Christ, it is an integrated healing process of the body, mind, and spirit using the principles of trauma-informed care. It helps those who have endured abuse to find healing for neglect, abandonment, physical, emotional, sexual, clerical, and spiritual abuse, whether in childhood, adolescence, or as an adult. The deadline for the intake process is June 15. For more info visit: http://www.grieftogracecanada.org Email: grieftogracekelowna@gmail.com Or confidential call at: 250-808-6403
3. Katesismong Pilipino (KP) – Flores de Mayo Filipino Mass Filipino Catechism of the Catholic Church here in Victoria are inviting the Diocese community to their 2nd Quarter Filipino Mass on Saturday, May 30, 2026 at 6:00 PM, at Holy Cross Catholic Church. This Eucharistic celebration forms part of Flores de Mayo (“Flowers of May”), a beloved Filipino devotion celebrated throughout the month of May in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is a meaningful expression of faith that brings together families and communities in prayer, cultural tradition, and Marian devotion.
4. Invitation: World Youth Day Seoul 2027 Pilgrimage We are excited to begin exploring interest in forming a group from across our diocese to attend World Youth Day 2027 in Seoul, South Korea! World Youth Day (WYD) is a powerful international gathering of young Catholics, offering an opportunity for prayer, cultural exchange, and a meaningful encounter with Christ and the universal Church alongside the Holy Father. It is often a life-changing experience that deepens faith and builds lasting friendships. At this early stage, we are reaching out to parishes to gauge interest from youth, families, and leaders who may wish to participate in this pilgrimage. We have received preliminary travel proposals that include youth hostel accommodations for: -7 nights in Seoul with roundtrip transfers -9 nights in Seoul with roundtrip transfers and a full-day tour If you have anyone interested that may want to see the preliminary travel proposal, please have them email Fr. Joseph Thomas who is organizing at: jthomas@rcdvictoria.org
5. KAIROS Blanket Exercise at Sacred Heart Parish In the spirit of Truth and Reconciliation, the Catholic Women’s League of Sacred Heart Parish is pleased to announce the KAIROS Blanket Exercise in the Parish Hall on Saturday, May 23rd from 9:30-12noon. The blanket exercise is a powerful interactive and experiential activity that walks people through 500 years of historic and current relationships between indigenous and non-indigenous peoples in Canada. This educational exercise guided by trained facilitators is great for members of parish councils and finance councils to deepen their learning. After a coffee and goodies break, the session will conclude with a debriefing, conducted as a “talking circle”.
6. St. Vincent de Paul “Cram the Van to the Max” event With the school year ending in June, most breakfast and lunch programs for children stop. This makes it especially challenging for those in need over the summer months. Demand increases significantly at St. Vincent de Paul food pantry on Yates Street in Victoria, as these families visit for food assistance. To ensure the shelves are well stocked to handle this increased demand, they are holding a “Cram the Van to the MAX” event on 2 Saturdays from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm: -May 30th at the Sticky Wicket on Douglas Street. -June 6th in the parking lot at Sacred Heart Church, 4040 Nelthorpe Street
7. Our Lady of the Rosary 50/50 Raffle Fundraiser Our Lady of the Rosary Parish is excited to launch their own online 50/50 raffle fundraiser to support their new childcare and early learning facility. This centre will nurture children, support families, and serve our growing community for generations to come, while helping address gaps created by recent changes to provincial ELCC capital funding. • Tickets on sale now • Ticket sales end: June 30, 2026 (PDT) • Draw date: July 4, 2026 (PDT) Get your ticket here: https://www.rafflebox.ca/raffle/oltrp
Many thanks,
Communications Office
Diocese of Victoria -
by Jean Allen
Finally, sisters, fill your minds with everything that is true, noble, good and pure, everything that we love and honor, and everything that can be thought virtuous or worthy of praise…then the God of peace will be with you. (Philippians 4:8)
This text is not in the readings for Pentecost but, if one is preparing one’s heart for the presence of the Holy Spirit, it is a critical text. We often go to Mass on Pentecost Sunday determined to allow the Spirit to take up a deeper residence in our hearts but come Monday, not a lot has changed. Same old, same old and, indeed, it’s so easy to forget Pentecost and the Holy Spirit in the midst of all the other tasks, worries and plans that assail us on Monday morning.
However, if there is a deep desire for a renewed presence of the Holy Spirit in your life, then those words above are the first thing to look at and contemplate. You see, it’s not that the Holy Spirit isn’t with us always and everywhere but when our minds are focussed first on the false, the ignoble, the things in our lives and in society that we deem bad and tainted and we keep turning to chew on the deeds of unvirtuous people or leaders (political or otherwise) and the situations that we cannot praise or condone, we are creating an environment inside ourselves where the Holy Spirit is not welcome. The Holy Spirit does not intrude upon us if he is not welcome and when we are mulling on the negative all the time, we are basically indicating that the Holy Spirit is pretty much a non-entity in our lives – a presence that is not really welcome or thought of as having anything to offer.
Paul tells us to ‘fill our minds’ with goodness. For some of us, that means a whole change of mental priorities and that’s difficult because, for some odd reason, we feel like when we focus on and label the negative, we are more in control – and how we love to be in control. If you don’t believe me, believe Paul. He knew the dynamism of the Spirit within a yielded heart that is filled with thoughts and perspectives of the lovely goodness of God.
It is then that the God of peace – and the Holy Spirit of power – will be with you.[This is a special edition, written for us at Parish♰Connections. Thank you, Jean. We love you! P & K]
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Hello South Island Leaders,
With the school year ending in June, most breakfast and lunch programs for children stop. This makes it especially challenging for those in need over the summer months. Demand increases significantly at our SSVP food pantry on Yates Street in Victoria, as these families visit for food assistance.
To ensure our shelves are well stocked to handle this increased demand, we are holding a “Cram the Van to the MAX” event on 2 Saturdays from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm:
• May 30th at the Sticky Wicket on Douglas Street.
• June 6th in the parking lot at Sacred Heart Church, 4040 Nelthorpe Street.
The Particular Council has sent the attached poster in PDF and jpeg formats to the Victoria Diocese and Parish administrators in Greater Victoria – and we asked if they could put up in church halls, include in bulletins/newsletters, post on websites and social media. Plus any additional ways available in your communities.
You will hear more about this important event at the AGM on May 23rd (and we’ll have printed posters you can take) – but in the meantime if you could share with your Conference, family, friends and anyone in your network. We need lots of help to get the word out – so thank you in advance for your support!
With immense gratitude and blessings,
Susan Nawrocki
Secretary, Vancouver Island Particular Council
Society of Saint Vincent de Paul
ssvp.vipc@gmail.com
778.433.0199
ssvpvancouverisland.ca
To serve Christ in the poor with love, respect, justice, hope and joy. -
Just in from Church of the Ascension about their two upcoming events. If you are in or around Parksville late May and/or early June, check these out:
The Catholic Women’s League of Ascension Parish cordially invites you to attend:
- Annual Used Clothing Sale in support of local charities. It takes place on Saturday, May 30, 9:00 am to 2 pm, in the Church Hall, 887 Wembley Road, Cash or Card Accepted. Please bring your own bags. Free Parking.
- Drive-Though Baby Shower in support of Crossroads Pregnancy Centre. It takes place on Saturday, June 6, from 10 AM – 2PM in the Church of Ascension parking lot, 887 Wembley Road, all baby items needed, diapers, wipes, clothing – newborn to 12 months, formula and monetary support is accepted.
Check out these posters from the bulletin board for more information!
Church of the Ascension: Used Clothing Sale 
Church of the Ascension Drive-through Baby Shower in support of Crossroads Pregnancy Center - Annual Used Clothing Sale in support of local charities. It takes place on Saturday, May 30, 9:00 am to 2 pm, in the Church Hall, 887 Wembley Road, Cash or Card Accepted. Please bring your own bags. Free Parking.
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