Good communication binds relationships

Empathy helps build bridges

Sarah Ruggier and Clayton Imoo. Josh Tng / The B.C. Catholic.

"You're at the airport and someone greets you," said Sarah Ruggier. "They're saying they're glad you've come, but are displaying a closed body posture: their arms are crossed, they are facing away. You think to yourself, where do I stand with this person? Is something wrong?" For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Dutch cardinal urges Canada's bishops to refute false euthanasia arguments

Dutch Cardinal Willem Eijk, Archbishop of Utrecht, says Canadian bishops should continue to refute false arguments for euthanasia and advance true palliative care. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Car crash survivor wrestles with new challenges

St. Thomas Aquinas graduate overcomes severe injuries to win wrestling national championship

Karah Bulaqui stands on the stairs at Simon Fraser University, which she attends. Bulaqui survived a car accident on the road to the university in October 2014. Josh Tng / The B.C. Catholic.

It's been 23 months since Karah Bulaqui survived a terrifying car crash travelling up Burnaby Mountain. But today, she drives up the mountain to attend Simon Fraser University without letting the accident control her, in part because of her faith and spirit. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Bishops examine challenges of euthanasia

More than 80 bishops gathered in Cornall, Ont. for the annual plenary of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Canada's Catholic Bishops highlighted the impact and challenges of euthanasia at their annual gathering Sept. 26-30. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Farmers perform Latin music for elderly

Guatemalans and Mexicans form band to give back to community

Israel Rabinal (left), Laureano Sen, Eduardo Hernandez, Selvin Ordonez, Lucio Tocohua, Eliseo Gongora, and Rosario Musso perform at Augustine House. Photo submitted.

A seniors' residence in Delta is receiving visits from an unlikely troupe of performers. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Supreme Court Justice speaks on humility to lawyers' guild

Supreme Court Justice Russell Brown speaks to the annual banquet of the Saint Thomas More Lawyers' Guild of Ottawa. Deborah Gyapong (CCN).

Supreme Court of Canada Justice Russell Brown spoke to Christian lawyers Sept. 22 on the importance of humility to find the right balance of mercy and justice. For full story
 see The B.C. Catholic website.

Pro-life supporters to gather together across the Lower Mainland in prayer

Life Chain will be held for the 29th time

From Abbotsford to Powell River, advocates for human life are preparing for a silent, prayerful event. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Supreme Court Justice speaks on humility to lawyers' guild

Supreme Court Justice Russell Brown spoke to the annual banquet of the Saint Thomas More Lawyers' Guild of Ottawa Sept. 22 on the role of humility in finding the right balance between justice and mercy. Deborah Gyapong (CCN)

Supreme Court of Canada Justice Russell Brown spoke to Christian lawyers Sept. 22 on the importance of humility to find the right balance of mercy and justice. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Saint's canonization to be recognized

Holy Rosary Cathedral will have an extra Mass Sunday, Oct. 2

The Archdiocese of Vancouver will celebrate the Sept. 4 canonization of Mother Teresa, now St. Teresa of Kolkata, with a Sunday afternoon Mass. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Gatineau archbishop accepts award in order to build bridges

Archbishop Paul-Andre Durocher of Gatineau said he accepted an award from FutureChurch to build bridges, not because he agrees with all this controversial group's stands. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

St. Mary's Parish plans wedding for 15 couples

New ministry about to host what will possibly be the biggest wedding in the archdiocese

Pope Francis holds a massive wedding for 20 couples in St. Peter's Basilica Sept. 14, 2014. Now a Vancouver parish is a planning similar event for Oct. 15. Paul Haring / CNS.

Wedding gowns, ties, and flowers are about to flood St. Mary's Church for what will likely be the biggest wedding in the history of the Archdiocese of Vancouver. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Pastoral guidelines issued for Catholics considering euthanasia

Father Kevin Regan of the Archdiocese of Washington poses for a demonstration of the granting of absolution that occurs during the sacrament of reconciliation. There must be contrition and a firm purpose of amendment, so those who are not contrite are not "properly disposed" to receive the sacrament, say Alberta's bishops. Nancy Phelan Wiechec / CNS.

The Bishops of Alberta and Northwest Territories have issued pastoral guidelines for clergy dealing with Catholics who are considering euthanasia or assisted suicide. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Hundreds attend funeral of beloved parishioner

Renee Power, 94, was a mother of 18 and volunteer at St. Francis de Sales for more than 50 years

Patrick and Renee Power pose for a photo on their 40th wedding anniversary. Photos submitted.

A woman who gave her all to her local church and to her family has died at age 94. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Bishops issue pastoral guidelines for the divorced and remarried

All those wounded, including the divorced and separated, must find means of regeneration in the church without fear, said Guinean Cardinal Robert Sarah, prefect of the Congregation of Divine Worship and Sacraments, during his talk at the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia just a year ago. CNS photo / Sarah Webb.

The bishops of Alberta and Northwest Territories have issued pastoral guidelines on how to accompany divorced and remarried Catholics to ensure they are re-integrated into the Church. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Largest Canadian Catholic youth event about to be launched

Archdiocese of Vancouver releases promotional video for Spirit Day

With more than 2,100 participants and 150 volunteers, Spirit Day, the annual rally for Grade 7 students, is about to run for another year.

The theme of this year's Spirit Day is "In Him." "We find joy in our Lord Jesus Christ," Archdiocesan Youth and Young Adult Ministry's Clayton Imoo said. "At Spirit Day, we'll discover that, with hope and strength, we are alive in Him."

Spirit Day will be on November 5 at Chandos Pattison Auditorium in Surrey. For more information, visit the Archdiocesan website here.

Runners sprint for the pro-life cause worldwide

They run to end abortion, which is 'the crown jewel of Satan,' says LIFE Runners founder Pat Castle

LIFE Runners members band together to raise awareness for pro-life issues, such as the rights of babies and the elderly. Photos submitted.

The largest pro-life running/walking team has members all over the world, but is hoping more Canadians will join their ranks. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Universities Canada's proposed anti-discrimination policy may hurt faith-based schools

Cardus president Michael Van Pelt

Universities Canada's proposed anti-discrimination bylaw would marginalize faith-based institutions warns Cardus president Michael Van Pelt. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Missing Catholic priests found murdered in Mexico

Two kidnapped Catholic padres discovered killed in Mexico

Two priests were kidnapped from the low-income neighbourhood in the state of Veracruz, before being found murdered. (Photo Credit: Diocese of Papantla)

Two missing Mexican priests were discovered murdered after being kidnapped from their church in Poza Rica, a northern city within Veracruz, Mexico.

The two men were riddled with bullet wounds after being abducted Sunday. The priests, Father Alejo Nabor Jimenez Juarez and Father Jose Alfredo Juarez de la Cruz, were abducted and slain for unknown  reasons.

More information is available at Deutsche Welle.

Saint's relics tour local parishes

St. Anthony of Padua will visit eight churches

Father Mario Conte blesses a woman before one of the Holy relics of St. Anthony. (Photo credit: Tom Muscatello)

Two first class relics of St. Anthony of Padua will make an appearance in Vancouver from Oct. 5-12. The relics hail from Padua, Italy, and will be accompanied by Father Mario Conte, one of the 52 friars of the Basilica in Padua.

The schedule for veneration and Masses for the relics is as follows:

Wednesday, October 5 - Our Lady of Sorrows, veneration begins at 5:30 p.m.
Thursday, October 6 - St. Luke's, veneration is from 12-8:30 p.m., and Mass will be celebrated at 12 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Friday, October 7 - Our Lady of Fatima (Vancouver), veneration is from 12-8:30 p.m., and Mass will be celebrated at 12 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Saturday, October 8 - Our Lady of Assumption, veneration begins at 3 p.m., and Mass will be celebrated at 5 p.m.
Sunday, October 9 - St. Anthony of Padua, veneration begins at 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and Mass will be celebrated at 8 a.m., 10 a.m., and 12 p.m.
Monday, October 10 - St. Patrick's (Vancouver), veneration is from 9 a.m. to 12 noon, and Mass will be celebrated at 9 a.m.
Tuesday, October 11 - St. Helen's, veneration is between 3-8:30 p.m., and Mass will be celebrated at 7 p.m.
Wednesday, October 12 - St. Anthony's (West Vancouver), veneration is all day between masses, and Mass will be celebrated at 8 a.m., and 7 p.m.

More information can be found at the Saint Anthony of Padua website here.

Sisters of St. Ann complete mission at LFA

Women religious pass the torch at all-girls school after 89 years

Sisters of St. Ann celebrate Little Flower Academy's 90th anniversary Sept. 8. Photo submitted.

The Sisters of St. Ann have passed on the torch after nearly 90 years of running and owning Little Flower Academy. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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NET Ministries Canada to open offices in Montreal and Vancouver

NET Ministries Canada plans to open two new offices, in the Vancouver and Montreal archdioceses, to give its ministry to evangelize high school-age students a national reach. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Relics of St. Anthony to be displayed in Vancouver

Saint's life shook the world

Vancouverites will have the opportunity to see and venerate first-class relics of St. Anthony of Padua in eight local churches. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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CNEWA sends out appeal to help drought-affected children in Ethiopia

The Catholic Near East Welfare Association (CNEWA) Canada has renewed its emergency appeal for funds to help children remain in school in drought-stricken Ethiopia. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Bishops welcome new colleague to their ranks

'Ordination was a splendid occasion,' Franciscan prelate says

Bishop Joseph Nguyen's "ordination was a splendid occasion," one bishop said. "I thought it was remarkable, the number of people at the gathering, it was such a marvellous display!" For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Sponsors frustrated by delays keeping Mideast refugees out of Canada's reach

Syrian refugees cross into Turkey to escape the fighting in their homeland. Michael Swan / The Catholic Register (CCN).

In just 100 days beginning last Sept. 8, the Archdiocese of Toronto raised $3.7 million and formed 105 volunteer groups in the hope of sponsoring at least 100 refugee families from the Middle East. Those sponsorship committees actually launched 154 applications to bring refugee families to Canada. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

New shepherd pledges to serve Kamloops flock

Bishop Nguyen gave these remarks after his episcopal ordination Aug. 25.

For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

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Estate of dead man files lawsuit against Ottawa archdiocese

Phil Horgan, the president of the Catholic Civil Rights League. Deborah Gyapong (CCN).

The Archdiocese of Ottawa has no comment about a $2 million lawsuit launched by the estate of a man who told his wife on his death bed he was sexually abused by a priest in the 1960s. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Priests share personal stories about Bishop Nguyen

Archbishop Miller praises his former vicar general, calling him 'truly humble and a great man'

Bishop Stephen Jensen (right), served alongside Bishop Nguyen at Corpus Christi Parish in Vancouver years ago when both were priests. Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic.

Wine, pasta, and personal anecdotes about Bishop Joseph Phuong Nguyen were on the menu at a banquet in his honour Aug. 25. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Augustine College commences its 20th year as ecumenical Christian venture

Doctor John Patrick, President of Augustine College. Deborah Gyapong (CCN).

A little over 20 years ago, a group of Christian professors from several Ottawa-area universities drew up a vision for a college that would strengthen both intellects and Christian faith. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Ordination news surprised Bishop Nguyen's family

Religious life runs in the family; several of his relatives are priests or consecrated sisters

One of Canada's newest prelates comes from a family that truly honours religious life. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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The four last things 'tie in beautifully' with Jubilee Year of Mercy

A focus on the four last things to be ever remembered: death, judgment, hell, and heaven, may seem odd in the Jubilee Year of Mercy, but Father Wade Menezes says the teachings "tie in beautifully." For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Priests, religious, and laity offer a warm welcome

Kamloops First Nations chief thanks new bishop for invitation

Chief Fred Seymour of the Tk'emlups te Secwepemc First Nation welcomes the new bishop. Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic

The welcome Bishop Joseph Nguyen received from his new flock was as warm as the weather that summer day in Kamloops. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Religious statues making a comeback in Ottawa

Pauline Winogron works on restoring a crucifix. Photo by Steve Winogron (CCN).

An Ottawa couple has discovered a calling restoring and re-painting religious statues, as statues are "making a comeback" after falling into disuse in the years after Vatican II. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Youth pilgrimage teaches legitimate worth of love

World Youth Day improves appreciation of Christ

Ania (left), Magda, Olek, and Monika Neyman gather for a family photo with Jacob (top) and Joshua Tng. Josh Tng / The B.C. Catholic.

My experience at World Youth Day (WYD) taught me a profound lesson about love. For full story
 see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Companions of the Cross elect new superior general

The Companions of the Cross elected their former vocations director, Father Allan MacDonald, their new superior general Sept. 2 . For full story
 see The B.C. Catholic website.

Parents of healthy twins praise God for miracles

Young boys survived many health complications, thanks to intercession of Our Lady of Guadalupe

Parents bring the thriving twins to the Divine Mercy and Our Lady of Guadalupe shrines at Holy Rosary Cathedral to thank God for His miracles Nov. 22. AshMac Photography.

In February 2015, I e-blasted all my family, relatives, and friends, appealing to them to pray for the survival of my daughter Gemma's twin boys. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Churchgoing Canadian Catholics least likely to hold negative views of Muslims

Muslim scholars and leaders of Eastern churches attend the conference "Azhar in the face of terrorism and extremism" in Cairo in December 2014. CNS photo / Al Youm Al Saabi, Reuters.

A new book, Canada's Catholics, by Reginald Bibby and Angus Reid, shows Canadian Catholics who attend church once a month or more are least likely to hold negative views of Muslims. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Parish uses Pokemon Go craze to evangelize

Pastor discovers new ways of reaching out in popular game

Parishioners Mildred Moy (left), Trisha Ignacio, and Jewel Mendoza pose with a new sign outside their church. Photo submitted.

St. Mary's Parish in Vancouver has been using the Pokemon Go fad to draw people to the faith. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Churchgoing Canadian Catholics least likely to hold negative views of Muslims

Reginald Bibby

A new book about Canada's Catholics by Reginald Bibby and Angus Reid shows Canadian Catholics who attend church once a month or more are least likely to hold negative views of Muslims. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Teachers say new curriculum presents new opportunities

English teacher says these are 'exciting times for Catholic schools'

Students at St. John Brebeuf Regional Secondary will be getting lessons under the new B.C. curriculum this fall. BCC file photo.

It is now officially mandatory for all B.C. teachers in K-9 classrooms to use the Education Ministry's new curriculum. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Father Reilander has been in the mission trenches

A priest who has seen the importance of Catholic Missions In Canada first-hand is now about to lead the organization. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Pastor reaches out to vibrant, 'hip' neighbourhood

St. Patrick's Church is on Main Street, named one of the 'top 15 coolest streets' in North America

A survey has confirmed what residents of the Mount Pleasant neighbourhood already know: Main Street is one of the top 15 "cool streets" in North America. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Millennials delaying marriage, home ownership, and parenthood

Cardus Family senior researcher Peter Jon Mitchell. Deborah Gyapong (CCN)

Millennials, people born between 1980 and 2001, are delaying getting married, buying a home, and having children, says a Cardus Family study released Aug. 24. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Author to ask locals to foster grace

Charisms, vocations must be fostered

The author of a popular program that helps Catholics understand their unique gifts will visit Vancouver. Sherry Weddell, the mind behind the Called and Gifted program and a co-founder of the Colorado-based Catherine of Siena Institute, has made a career of helping people know their charisms and become disciples. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Class action lawsuit threatens free speech

Bill Whatcott at the Supreme Court of Canada in 2012. Deborah Gyapong (CCN).

A $104-million class action lawsuit against anti-gay activist Bill Whatcott threatens anyone defending traditional Christian sexual morality, warned lawyer Tom Schuck. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.