P ♰ C

Connecting Catholics in parishes across Vancouver Island

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  • From the Chancery

    From last week (yikes):
    Dear friends,

    We have six items to share with you today:

    1. Celebrating our St. Andrews High School Grads this June
      June is a big month in our Catholic schools as we reach the end of the school year. We want to take some time to specifically recognize our Grade 12 graduates at St. Andrews Regional High School who are fulfilling the milestone of completing high school and embarking on a new chapter with Catholic school as their foundation. Over the next three weeks we are going to spotlight the graduating class and the importance of Catholic Schools in our community.

      This week: Hear from three students of diverse backgrounds as they reflect on the value of Catholic education in their lives.
      See link here: https://sarhscircuit.wordpress.com/2026/06/09/2026-grads-are-grateful-for-st-andrews/
    2. Bishop Gary Speaking on Synodality in the Diocese of Victoria
      How is the Church called to listen, discern, and walk together today? In this 2026 Sherlock Lecture during the annual conference for Canadian Catholic Campus Ministry in Vancouver, Bishop Gary Gordon shares the Diocese of Victoria’s experience of building a Permanent Pastoral Synod—an ongoing process rooted in communion, participation, and mission. If you are still trying to understand what the Permanent Pastoral Synod (“On The Way Together”) is and why it’s important, listening to this talk will be very informative.
      See link here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4uNzTR8wIDA
    3. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament at Our Lady Queen of Peace
      Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish would like to send a warm invitation to all the people of our Diocese to participate in the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, happening every Friday from 1-2pm at their parish. They hope everyone will join them for this time of prayer and adoration.
    4. CCCB Statement on the 10th Anniversary of Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide (“MAID”)
      Please see the statement from the CCCB that marks the 10th anniversary of the legalization of euthanasia and assisted suicide in Canada. In its statement, the CCCB reiterates its opposition to euthanasia and assisted suicide, while calling for renewed commitment to authentic palliative care across the country. The statement also summarizes key statistics and raises concerns about the continued expansion of “MAID” legislation and its impact on vulnerable Canadians. See statement here: https://www.cccb.ca/letter/statement-by-the-standing-committee-for-family-and-life-to-the-catholic-faithful-in-canada-and-all-people-of-good-will-voicing-concern-and-calling-for-prayers-on-the-10th-anniversary-of-euthanasia-and/
    5. Holy Spirit Festival at Our Lady of Fatima Parish
      All are invited to Our Lady of Fatima Parish on Sunday, June 21st for the Holy Spirit Festival. Mass will be at 12:00 noon (in Portuguese), and then a procession around the parking lot. Following the procession, there will be a gathering in the hall for traditional Portuguese food, bouncy castle and face painting for children, performance by our folklore group, Folclore Alegre de Victoria, and then music by Os Primos (The Cousins).
    6. Job Opportunities Across the Diocese

    Parish Administrative Assistant, St Francis Xavier Parish
    St Francis Xavier Parish in Mill Bay is looking for a parish administrative assistant. Approximately 18 hrs a week. The successful candidate will be a flexible, goal-oriented team player, with computer expertise, willingness to learn, and understanding of the whole Church as the Body of Christ.
    Detailed job description available here.  Salary Range: $19.56 – 32.50/hr
    To apply, please send a cover letter along with your resume/CV to sfx@rcdvictoria.org.
    Deadline for applications June 30, 2026.

    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.

    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

  • Volunteers Needed

    The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul’s Thrift Store at 2784 Claude Road in Langford is in urgent need of volunteers. Duties include sorting donations, pricing items and stocking the shelves By volunteering you are directly supporting local community programs such as food assistance, advocacy, women’s and seniors programs. Volunteering is fun and stress free, suitable for all in our community – including young adults.

    To learn more please contact Norma Bogart at 250.727.0007, extension 3224 or email Norma at nbogart@svdpvictoria.com.

    Please join us in creating a more compassionate society – one volunteer hour at a time.

    Susan Nawrocki
    Secretary, Vancouver Island Particular Council
    Society of Saint Vincent de Paul

  • Times and Seasons

    Times and Seasons

    by Jean Allen

    Last week we heard about Jesus sending his apostles out to heal the sick and raise the dead etc. The Gospel for this week is a continuation of his instructions and it would seem he was not only instructing them as to what to do in the mission he had just given them but also in their whole lifelong missions as apostles. Just previously to this week’s text, Jesus was telling them that they would be “handed over to local councils and be flogged in the synagogues on my account”. We know that in this present mission that didn’t happen – at least it was not recorded. The apostles came back flying high from their successes. But we do know that, in their lifetimes, they were brought before the authorities and were flogged, stoned and crucified.

    When these things occurred, they no doubt remembered Jesus’s words of instruction about how things would go for them but, at the same time, they would have now been baptized in the Holy Spirit and empowered by him. When Jesus initially spoke the words, they may have created consternation and some fear within the apostles but, when filled with the power of the Spirit, the words would have been comforting and enabling. The apostles would have felt the presence of Jesus within them and felt emboldened and re-commissioned and they would have known that they were indeed in the powerful hands of the living God.

    It is critical in the spiritual life to not feel that every single word spoken by a priest or read from the Gospels pertains to us immediately. The scripture says that for everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven. The main thing to realize is who is in control – and it’s not you. Yes, there may be times when your spiritual walk is dangerous or creates great suffering but it’s not your responsibility to decide when those times will or might be.

    Wait for the season and grace will be yours.

  • Starting Small

    Starting Small

    by Jean Allen

    Are you ever afraid Jesus will ask you to do something you’re not ready for? The disciples may have been a little dismayed that Jesus was sending them out to cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers and cast out demons. Easy stuff, right? Jesus had anointed them with the authority to do those things but they must have felt overwhelmed to be given this authority. At the very least, they must have worried about the Jews they encountered asking, “Who do you guys think you are??” Their worst fears probably centered around trying to do these things, completely failing and looking like idiots.

    Jesus would have known their fears and he would have known he was giving them no small task. But he did take into consideration that they were neophyte labourers in this metaphorical harvest. In the text he says, “Go nowhere among the Gentiles, and enter no town of the Samaritans but go, rather, to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” These instructions weren’t instructions indicating exclusivity; they were the mercy of Jesus. We know from later texts that Jesus did, indeed, include the Samaritans and Gentiles in God’s plan of salvation, so why did he seem so exclusive in today’s reading.

    Jesus knew his disciples would be nervous and overwhelmed by the task he set them so he didn’t want to have them face extra difficulties. The Samaritans were viewed by the Jews as racially impure and had religious differences as to where God’s Temple should be: Mount Gerizim vs Jerusalem. There were many points of conflict and sending the disciples into the midst of religious controversy that even scribes and Pharisees could not settle was beyond them. The disciples were uneducated, simple men. Jesus had a way of cutting through peripheral religious issues to reach a person, Samaritan or Gentile, but this was beyond his disciples. Later, yes, but not now.

    Jesus knows what we can handle even if we don’t.
  • Poor Circulation?

    Poor Circulation?

    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!

  • News from the Chancery

    Dear friends,
    We have five items for you,

    1. 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))
    2. 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
    3. 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)
    4. 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)
    5. 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

  • Ways to Serve

    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 Island

    Here 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.

  • Trinity!

    Trinity!

    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.

  • News from the Cancery

    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

  • Manna Gathering — author talk

    Manna Gathering — author talk

    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