P ♰ C

Dear friends,

We have six items for you today:

1. CCCB The Collection for the Needs of the Church in Canada
   The Collection for the Needs of the Church in Canada will take place next weekend. It helps support the mission of our diocese and joins the gifts of Catholics across the country in supporting the shared work of the Bishops of Canada – from providing catechetical resources for families, young people and parishes, to promoting respect for human life and the dignity of every human person, and accompanying migrants and refugees. Your gift helps strengthen the Church here at home and supports its mission across Canada. Please give prayerfully and generously next weekend.
   To donate online visit cccb.ca/donate
2. CCCB Plenary Assembly
   Next week the members of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) will gather for the annual meeting of the Plenary Assembly. This meeting is bringing together members of the CCCB from across Canada for discussion on a broad range of topics affecting the Catholic faithful in Canada. Please keep Bishop Gary Gordon and all the bishops of Canada in your prayers during this important gathering. May the Holy Spirit guide their discussions and decisions, granting them wisdom, unity, and courage as they seek to respond faithfully to the needs of the Church in Canada.
3. 2026 National Gathering for Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
   The Diocese of Victoria is delighted to be hosting the 2026 National Gathering for Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Oct. 23 and 24 at St. Patrick’s parish in Victoria. This year’s theme is Praying with Children with keynote speakers Fr. Kevin Belgrave and Anna Boyagoda from the Archdiocese of Toronto. You are cordially invited to discover this beautiful method of faith formation for children based on Sacred Scripture and Liturgy with a Montessori foundation. Saturday, Oct. 24 is open to parishioners who are interested in learning about CGS as it continues to unfold throughout our Diocese. Registration link: https://www.cgsac.ca/national-gathering
   For more information, please contact Joelle Dressler at jdressler@rcdvictoria.org.
4. The Catholic Way of Dying With Dignity: A Day of Faith, Accompaniment, Preparation, and Love
   St. Andrew’s Cathedral invites the whole Diocesan community to come for a day of reflection and conversation about approaching the end of life with faith, compassion, dignity, and hope. Hear personal testimonials and practical details about this important topic. Please see the poster here for registration and further information.
5. 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 Bishop Gary and others on October 3 at the Union Club of Victoria (805 Gordon Street, Victoria, BC) for a memorable evening of fundraising featuring a three-course dinner, musical entertainment, guest speakers, and silent and live auctions.
   Limited tickets available at: https://www.hibid.ca/events/hearts-for-homes
6. St. Francis of Assisi Dinner and Presentation
   All are invited to a special Mass in commemoration of the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis.  The Mass will be celebrated on Sunday, October 4th at 4:00 pm at St. Patrick’s Parish in Victoria (2060 Haultain).  Bishop Gary will preside. Mass will be followed by dinner and a presentation on St. Francis of Assisi.  Space is limited for this part of the evening, so you must register in advance at http://www.rcdvictoria.org/StFrancis800

Many thanks,

Communications Office
Diocese of Victoria

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…and a couple extra notes from us at Parish♰Connections:

• Remember to check the Bulletin Board for notices of the latest upcoming events
• UVic Food Insecurity Project: Collections for Back to School -School is back in session! The SEJC is asking for food donations for UVic students in need. Items donated in August were delivered to students in September at the Multi-Faith Centre. The green donation bins are back in the foyer. This month’s theme is canned fish, meat, beans, pasta or sauce.
• Monthly Mixed Social Bridge – Another year of Sunday Bridge is planned at Holy Cross for the first Sunday of each month. The emphasis is on social bridge in a relaxed atmosphere. If you have any questions please contact Tony Southwell at 250-882-8695 / tony_southwell@hotmail.com. Inquiries from members of any Parish in the Diocese are welcome