Upcoming events for this holiday season

Local events and services that are soon to take place this winter

DEC 13 - 15

The Tenth Church will be hosting their annual Christmas Concert. The five shows will run from Friday, Dec 13 at 8 p.m., followed by two shows on Saturday, Dec 14 at 3 and 7:30 p.m., and also on Sunday, Dec 15 at 3 and 7:30 p.m.

Tenth Church is located at 11 W 10th Avenue, Vancouver. Admission is free.

A link for more information.

DEC 17

The Westside Church will be having their monthly "Dinner of Love" on Dec 17 at the Russian Community Center located at 2114 W 4th Ave, Vancouver.

A link for more information, and how to join the Bridging the Gap Group

DEC 21

The Broadway Church is collecting donations for the 2013 "Boxes of Love" campaign. Boxes will help to provide 350 families with food and gifts for the holidays.

People are invited to volunteer to help pack boxes on Saturday Dec 21, at Broadway Church located on 2700 E Broadway,Vancouver.

Donations can be made through three different ways:

1) Writing a cheque (payable to CityReach Care Society - memo: Boxes of Love.)
2) Phoning the office (604-253-2700) or visiting in person for debit or credit options.
3) Donating online through Canadahelps on the CityReach website (with a note that it is for Boxes of Love.)

A link for more information.

DEC 22

The Westwood Community Church will be holding a candlelight service on Sunday, Dec 22 at 10:30 a.m. The day will include carols and fellowship followed by a light refreshment afterwards.

Westwood Community Church is located at 1294 Johnson St., Coquitlam.
12941294
A link for more information.

DEC 22

An opportunity to join in Christmas caroling on Dec 22 at the Vancouver Art Gallery from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

"We sincerely invite you to join us in Christmas Caroling this year again to glorify our LORD Jesus Christ and to spread the gospel to our community in this very special season. We will be singing traditional Christmas hymns and distribute gospel tracks."

For more information, contact Joshua Chan 604-303-5778 or Jeffrey Ma 604-763-8018. Or email imak0805@gmail.com.

DEC 24

Coastal Church will be hosting two candlelight services on Tuesday, Dec 24. They will take place at 4:00 p.m. and 5:15 p.m. and will include special music, classic Christmas carols, and sounds from the pipe organ.

Coastal Church is located at 1160 W Georgia st., Vancouver.

A link for more information.

Upcoming mass for students to take place

Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB , invites those attending university to a special service

University students are invited to a special mass in honour of Our Lady, this Saturday at Holy Rosary Cathedral. Photo: RCAV website.

On Saturday Dec 7, there will be a special mass for University and College students in honour of Our Lady.

The mass is open for all Catholic students, parents, and staff from public and private post-secondary institutions and will take place at Holy Rosary Cathedral.

There will be time available for confessions starting at 6:30 p.m. after which the mass will take place at 7:30 p.m. There will also be a reception following the Mass, at Rosary Hall.

A link to the Facebook event.

Renovated location will soon be blessed

The Door is Open will hold a mass and lunch for new space and for volunteer appreciation

The new site, located within close proximity to the original building (pictured here), will soon be blessed by Archbishop J. Michael Miller CSB. Photo: The Door is Open website.

Along with a blessing for their newly renovated space, The Door is Open will hold a mass and volunteer appreciation lunch on Dec 10, 2013 at from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB will be in attendance to perform mass and bless the newly renovated space.

The Door is Open organization works with the poor, homeless, and single room tenants of Vancouver, and uses their resources to work with the Church under the mandate of Catholic charities. They provide necessities such as food and clothing for those who find themselves in a difficult position.

The new site is located near the original site at 373 Cordova St E., Vancouver and will help provide aid for many in need.

A link to The Door is Open website.

Seafarers will receive support this Christmas

An opportunity presents itself to brighten the lives of sailors this December

The Port of Vancouver's Mission to Seafarers delivered gifts by water taxi last year to sailors away from home during the Christmas season. This year, donations are requested to purchase gifts.
Photo: Alistair Burns / The B.C. Catholic.

The Mission to Seafarers organization is collecting donations to buy presents for seamen away from home this Christmas.

Many ship workers will find themselves away from home and at the Port of Vancouver this Christmas. Life on the sea is difficult, as being away from their families can take a large emotional toll on the sailors.

The gifts help provide comfort for the workers.

Workers come from all corners of the globe, from countries such as Panama, Egypt, Greece, Norway, Egypt, Malta, China, Singapore, and the Philippines, to name a few.

The Mission to Seafarers also provides support for seaman through the Flying Angels Club. With a location on Waterfront Road, and another at Robert's Bank, the Flying Angels Clubs provide homesick seafarers with spiritual support.

Alistair Burns's story on last year's gift distribution can be found on The B.C. Catholic website.

More information on The Mission to Seafarers is available on their website.

A message sent to typhoon victims

Manila cardinal reaches out to survivors saying "You are not alone"

People pray at the Quiapo Church in Manila where Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle called for a day of silence and fasting for solidarity with those affected. Photo:Antonio Gonsalves/CNA.

Antonio Gonsalves of the Catholic News Agency writes a story about a Manila cardinal's reaction to the disaster of Typhoon Haiyan, known as Typhoon Yolanda in the Philippines.

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle called for a day of silence and fasting for their fellow brothers and sisters affected by the storm. His "Day of Lament and Hope" with the theme of "Solidarity in Prayer" is set to be held on Nov. 16.

Cardinal Tagle continued to stress solidarity as he insisted "We are one with our suffering brothers and sisters.”

In his message addressed to the priests, religious and laity in the archdiocese of Manila, he asked that the day be observed through penance, prayer and fasting, as a way to be united with those suffering in the storm’s aftermath.

The cardinal will lead a Prayer Service and Holy Hour at 8 p.m. at the San Fernando de Dilao Parish church, in Paco, Manila, which is temporarily serving as the official church of the Archdiocese of Manila. The Basilica of the Immaculate Conception remains closed for restoration efforts that began last year.

The prayer service will be held for victims of Typhoon Haiyan, one of the strongest storms in recorded history, which struck the Philippines on Nov. 8, leaving destruction in its wake.

The full story is available at the CNA website.

R-rated movies lessen importance of religion

Baylor University study finds that certain films affect faith for youth

A University in Waco, Tex. conducted a study showing that watching R-rated movies cuts down on church attendance, and decreases importance of faith for young people. Photo: Baylor University website.

A recently conducted survey by Baylor University in Waco, Tex., shows that viewing R-rated movies  leads to decreased church attendance as well as lower influence of faith among young people.

The survey included over 2000 subjects with varying degrees of faith and took place over the years 2003-2008.

A doctoral candidate at the university, Phil Davignon, said that "watching R-rated movies also did not have any effect on their 'selective acceptance' of their faith -- that is, whether they thought it was all right to 'pick and choose' teachings without accepting the faith as a whole." 

The article also includes statistics from the study.

Only 13.2 percent who indicated that their faith is "extremely important" to them claimed that none of the movies they watch are R-rated, while nearly 21 percent of those whose faith was "extremely important" said that most movies they view are rated R. Of those whose faith was "very important," 31 percent claimed that most of the movies they view are rated R.

While those percentages are lower than those whose faith is "not at all important," it still represents a sizable percentage of the respondents whose faith is important to them, Davignon said.

"Watching R-rated movies is prevalent among religious and non-religious young people," he said. "Nearly everyone watches them."

The  full story is available on the Baylor University website. 

NSA accused of pre-conclave espionage

The National Security Agency faces claims of spying at Vatican conclave

Pope Francis delivering a speech to the world's cardinals. The NSA is being accused of spying on the Pope before and during the conclave earlier this year. Photo: The Telegraph website.

Nick Squires writes an article for The Telegraph regarding the accusations being faced by the American National Security Agency.

An Italian weekly news magazine, Panorama, claims that the NSA monitored numerous phone calls made to and from the residence in Rome of the then Archbishop Jorge Mario Bergoglio during the Vatican conclave last spring.

The information was provided by Cryptome, a website that gathers intelligence on surveillance and national security.

 
Archbishop Bergoglio was of interest to U.S. diplomats and intelligence agencies as far back as 2005, when he was mentioned as a possible candidate for the papacy after the death of John Paul II.

According to U.S. State Department cables released by WikiLeaks in March this year, the U.S. embassy to the Holy See drew up a profile of him, describing him as a “wise pastor” who had been praised for his “humility."

Brent Hardt, the embassy’s charge d’affaires, discussed the future Pope as one of 16 possible candidates, noting that he “has been reluctant to accept honours or hold high office and commutes to work on a bus.”

The full story is available on The Telegraph website.

Bishop Gagnon appointed Archbishop-elect

Pope Francis makes decision after a resignation early Monday morning

The Most Reverend Richard Gagnon has been appointed the Archbishop-elect of Winnipeg by Pope Francis. The appointment comes after the age-related resignation of former Archbishop Weisgerber. Photo: CCCB website

His Holiness Pope Francis newly appointed the Most Reverend Richard Gagnon the Archbishop-elect for the city of Winnipeg. The decision came soon after the resignation of the former Archbishop Weisgerber, who offered his required resignation after turning 75 years old.

Archbishop-elect Gagnon previously served as the bishop for the diocese of Victoria since 2004.

He recently released this letter addressed to the faithful of Victoria, thanking them for their love and support over the past nine years.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, 

The news of my appointment as Archbishop-Elect of Winnipeg is something I accept with humility and total reliance on the Grace of God. I believe very much that Christ is present among us and that he enlightens our path if we open our hearts to his transforming Grace. I wish to open my heart to all of you, the Faithful of the Diocese of Victoria and simply express my deep gratitude for the love, kindness and support that I have experienced over these past nine years. It was a great privilege for me to serve as your bishop in spite of my many shortcomings. I also acknowledge our dedicated Clergy, Religious, and Pastoral Centre staff, for their support, collaboration and friendship. As a community of Faith, we have lived through many joys and challenges together and we can be certain that the Lord will help us to look to the future with hope. As I prepare to take on my new appointment, I realize what a great honour it is to be called by Pope Francis to serve the People of God in the Archdiocese of Winnipeg and I pray that
the Lord will give me courage and wisdom to serve him in love and to build up the Body of Christ.
 
Brothers and Sisters, I ask for your prayers and I assure you that I will remember you to the Lord.


Yours in Christ,

Most Reverend Richard Gagnon
Administrator of the Diocese of Victoria
Archbishop-Elect of Winnipeg

Letter released in hopes of clarity

Address looks to prove misinterpretation of papal statements

Auxiliary Bishop of Edmonton, Gregory J. Bittman releases a letter to his fellow colleagues about how the media mistakes the meaning of Pope Francis's statements in various question and answer sessions, interviews, and letters. As well as providing examples of other people's displeasure with the media's misinterpretation. Photo: Archdiocese of Edmonton website.

In a recently released letter, Bishop Bittman of Edmonton outlines how the media skews the intended meaning of many Papal statements.

The following is the letter from Bishop Bittman:

Dear Colleagues,

In Pope Francis we have a spiritual leader who is like none of his predecessors. He speaks with candour and informality, and he is an inspirational pastor to the world. His words are always refreshing; some might even call them revolutionary. Media outlets around the world are as enamoured by the Pope as everyone else. But in many of their reports about Francis, the media have taken his words out of context and suggested that they indicate radical departures from Catholic belief, doctrine and Tradition. When considering the words of the Pope and speaking to others about him, it is especially important for those of us serving the Church to read what he has said in credible sources with full context, and not judge on the basis of a newspaper/website headline or broadcast sound bite.

Here are some examples:
Pope Francis speaks about gay people and the situation of divorced and remarried persons.
This is the question and answer session he held with journalists on papal flight back from Rio; here is the full text from Vatican Press Office.
http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/francesco/speeches/2013/july/documents/papa-francesco_20130728_gmg-conferenza-stampa_en.html

Pope Francis on Church reform, ministry to the divorced and remarried, same-sex couples, abortion, contraception, ecumenism, role of women, and much more.
This interview with Pope Francis took place over the course of three meetings during August 2013 in Rome. The interview was conducted in person by Antonio Spadaro, S.J., editor in chief of La Civiltà Cattolica, the Italian Jesuit journal.
http://www.americamagazine.org/pope-interview

Pope Francis on the role of Bishops and priests As reported on Vatican Radio.
http://en.radiovaticana.va/news/2013/09/19/pope_to_new_bishops:_tend_the_flock_of_god/en1-729871

Father Penna on Pope Francis
Father Stefano Penna of Newman Theological College was a recent interview guest with Michael Coren of Sun News Network, who introduces the piece with his own complaints about mainstream media coverage of Pope Francis.
http://www.sunnewsnetwork.ca/video/papal-interpretation/2683486248001

Pope Francis on salvation for atheists
Francis wrote this letter in response to one by Eugenio Scalfari of the Italian newspaper La Repubblica, who described himself as an interested “non-believer.”
http://www.repubblica.it/cultura/2013/09/11/news/the_pope_s_letter-66336961/

Pope Francis on atheists, converting others, ecumenism, and how he hopes to change the Church Pope Francis is unique in his willingness to speak directly to journalists. He followed up his letter to Scalfari with a personal interview. La Repubblica published this dialogue.
http://www.repubblica.it/cultura/2013/10/01/news/pope_s_conversation_with_scalfari_english-67643118/

In closing, I ask once again that you discern carefully before believing, and propagating, some of the misinformation that appears in the media. For accurate sources on papal news, Vatican Information Service <http://www.vis.va/vissolr/index.php?lang=en>  (you can subscribe to this service via email), Vatican Radio <http://en.radiovaticana.va/index.asp>  and  Zenit <http://www.zenit.org/en>  (also offers subscriptions) are excellent places to start. Thank you for your consideration and, as always, for your faithful service.

In Christ,
Gregory J. Bittman
Auxiliary Bishop of Edmonton 

Feminists lack fight

Brother Ivo claims activists fight like girls regarding sex-selective abortion

Feminists are called out by Brother Ivo for turning a blind eye to sex-selective abortion. Photo: Archbishop Cranmer blog.

A blog created by someone writing with the pseudonym Archbishop Cranmer, included a statement from Brother Ivo discussing feminists in Britain and their failure to deal with the presence of sex-selective abortion.

In the statement, Brother Ivo outlines the current practices of sex-selective abortion, or having an abortion based on the gender of the child.

He also brings to light the fact that many mothers are forced or pressured into having an abortion because the child is a female.

This issue is one that is not being fought by feminist activists in Britain, which does not sit well with Brother Ivo. Whether it be cultural or because of lack of rights, Brother Ivo makes clear that sex-selective abortion is alive in our world today.

He calls the lack of protest from many feminists across Britain "absurd."

"British feminists may talk a good fight - but when it comes down to it, they fight like girls."

Link to the full story.

Edmonton bishop sets the record straight

Auxiliary bishop provides clarity for misinterpreted papal statements

Bishop Gregory J. Bittman of Edmonton looks to explain the intended meaning of Pope Francis' various statements in question and answer sessions, interviews, and letters. As well as providing examples of other people's displeasure with the media's misinterpretations . Photo: Archdiocese of Edmonton website.

In a letter to priests, parish, and archdiocesan staff, Auxiliary Bishop Gregory J. Bittman outlines the injustice he sees in the way the media interprets various statements from Pope Francis.

"...the media have taken his words out of context and suggested that they indicate radical departures from Catholic belief, doctrine, and tradition," explained the bishop. "...it is especially important for those of us serving the Church to read what he has said in credible sources with full context, and not judge on the basis of a newspaper/website headline or broadcast sound bite."

In his letter, Bishop Bittman gives a list of instances in which Pope Francis's statements have been interpreted in a different or incorrect way.  He explains that we should not be quick to judge what Pope Francis says, as he speaks with "candour and informality" unlike any other Pope before him.

The letter also includes links to various examples of when the media misinterprets statements by Pope Francis.

The letter concludes by urging people to discern cautiously before acknowledging what the media says as fact.

Here is the list of the links provided:

http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/francesco/speeches/2013/july/documents/papa-francesco_20130728_gmg-conferenza-stampa_en.html

http://www.americamagazine.org/pope-interview

http://en.radiovaticana.va/news/2013/09/19/pope_to_new_bishops:_tend_the_flock_of_god/en1-729871

http://www.sunnewsnetwork.ca/video/papal-interpretation/2683486248001

http://www.repubblica.it/cultura/2013/09/11/news/the_pope_s_letter-66336961/

http://www.repubblica.it/cultura/2013/10/01/news/pope_s_conversation_with_scalfari_english-67643118/

'Mary of Nazareth' to premiere Nov. 16

Parish is set to host first showing of movie about Our Lady

Holy Family Parish will host the first Vancouver screening of the Mary of Nazareth film.

On Nov. 16 Holy Family Parish will be showing the Mary of Nazareth movie for the first time. There will be two showtimes: 3 and 7 p.m. at the Chandos Pattison Auditorium (in Pacific Academy) at 10238 168 St., Surrey.

Mary of Nazareth is an Ignatius Press film that outlines the story of Mary's life. The film shows what life was like for Mary from childhood to the Resurrection of Jesus.

Tickets are $15 at the door, $12 online, and $10 if you order 15 or more. Admission is free for priests and religious.

More information is available on their website.

Podcast for parents

Burnaby parent looks to shed some light on the topic of Catholic parenthood

The Flailing Dad podcast and blog discusses the topic of being a Catholic parent in the modern day.

Burnaby parishioner Rob Maxwell is bringing the ins and outs of Catholic parenthood to a new light.

The Flailing Dad is a podcast and blog that deals with the issues faced by Catholic parents in the modern age. The podcast covers topics such as discipline and social issues as well as providing feedback to curious listeners.

The podcast talks of the elements of Catholic parenthood, as well as the concept of "flailing."

"Flailing means to 'struggle uselessly,' and I don't know about you, but I struggle uselessly a lot," explains Maxwell. In his various podcasts, Maxwell describes life from his point of view: he has to juggle his family duties with his responsibilities as a father.

The Flailing Dad website includes opportunities for booking Rob as a speaker at congregations or gatherings, as well as links to his blog and podcast. Titles of his podcast installments include "The "Cool" Diatribe," "Brotherly Torture and Hypnosis: Raising Kids of Character," and "Getting Off the Hamster Wheel."

All topics featured on the podcasts are discussed from a standpoint faithful to the teachings of the Church, hoping to "entertain and discuss fatherhood from a humorous light." The blog features advice as well as general thoughts on parenthood.

There are currently 15 podcasts and counting. 

Ever show up to Mass with PB&J hand prints on the back of your pants? Do people recognize you not by your face, but the spit-up on your shoulder? Wondering if you can pursue sanctity as a parent and still have a sense of humour? Flailing Dad Podcast discusses all the important questions of Catholic Parenthood and provides some laughs in the process. The show is free to download on iTunes. Check it out!

Link to the Flailing Dad website.

CCCB hails upcoming canonizations

Blessed John XXIII and Blessed John Paul II to receive utmost of honours

The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) release a statement regarding the canonization of the two Blessed Pontiffs.

A statement has been released written by Archbishop Paul-Andre Durocher of Gatineau, the president of the CCCB, about the April 27 canonizations of Blessed John XXIII and Blessed John Paul II as well as their impact on the Catholic community.

The statement outlines the success each of the Pontiffs had throughout their papal careers. As well, Archbishop Durocher recalls his own memories and past stories dealing with both John XXIII and John Paul II.

The canonizations will be a monumental occasion as many people have close emotional connections with both Pope John XXIII and Pope John Paul II.

I clearly remember June 3, 1963, when the church bell rang throughout our village for almost an hour. I was 9 years old. The principal of our little school came into our class and announced, “Children, kneel down. The Pope has died.” Even though young, I understood a great man had departed, “the good Pope John,” as people called him.

Later, I came to understand that he had reached out to all men and women of good will, to love, to understand, and to teach how to work for peace. Throughout his pontificate, John XXIII always showed deep concern for the suffering and needs of the world. His famous visit to the inmates of Regina Coeli Prison in December 1958 is an excellent example of his style of pastoral care. Looking into the eyes of the prisoners, he said, “I have put my eyes in your eyes; I have placed my heart next to yours.”

For full story see the CCCB website.

Providing hope for the suffering

Newly released video highlights struggles of Christians living in the Holy Land

This is the first of a series of videos released by the Franciscan Foundation for the Holy Land (FFHL).

The new video includes testimony from FFHL president Father Peter Vasko about the challenges faced by Christians living in the Holy Land today. These problems include the lack of a worshiping presence in the region, as well as the absence of support for those living there.

According to Father Vasko, the Christian community in the Holy Land is gradually diminishing and without action it will not be long before it disappears alltogether. The video aims to solicit aid for FFHL programs that provide financial support for those living in the area.

In conclusion Father Vasko asks his viewers to tell others of the difficulties faced by Christians in the Holy Land. He hopes that increasing awareness will ultimately lead to greater support for those suffering.

Planned Parenthood on the decline

Abortion clinics across North America continue to close at a remarkable rate

Closure of a Planned Parenthood clinic in Bryan, Tex.  Photo Credit: 40 Days for Life / Coalition for Life.

Tom Strode from the Baptist Press has written an article about the increasing rate of abortion clinic closures.

The speed and frequency of abortion clinic closures across the continent, he says, is escalating as pro-life laws take effect. Each closure is a victory for pro-lifers. 

The article also speaks of the transformation of a former abortion clinic director into a pro-life activist. Abby Johnson, the director of an abortion clinic in Bryan, Tex., decided to leave the clinic after a personal struggle with her role after she helped to perform one woman's abortion.

The increasing rate of abortion clinic closures provides evidence of the effectiveness of new pro-life laws. With the number of closures so far in 2013 greatly outweighing the total number last year, it is clear that the pro-life ideology is strong and spreading, Strode says.

This year, 42 clinics that provided surgical abortions have shut their doors, and two that offered chemical abortions by drugs also have closed, according to Operation Rescue, which monitors closings and health and safety violations by clinics nationwide. That number far surpasses the 25 surgical clinics shutdown last year and the 30 in 2011, by Operation Rescue's count. While others estimate a smaller number of closings, the pattern is clear.

Some of the shutdowns have been of major clinics. For instance, Virginia's No. 1 abortion provider closed, The Washington Post reported in July. NOVA Women's Healthcare in Fairfax, Va., shut down after state and local governments enacted regulations the abortion provider appeared unable to meet. The northern Virginia clinic performed 3,066 abortions in 2012 and 3,567 in 2011.

 The full story is available at Christianity Today. 

Ancient town uncovered

Archaeologist team uncovers Biblical era remains along the Sea of Galilee

Historians think this Sea of Galilee boat, uncovered in 1986, must have a link to a nearby newly revealed town.
 Photo credit: Berthold Werner

Owen Jarus, a contributor to the website live science, has written an article about a newly found town near the Sea of Galilee.

Catholics and historians are excited about the discovery of an ancient town along the shores of the Sea of Galilee in the Ginosar valley of Israel. A team of archaeologists from the University of Reading came across the ancient remains during a recent field survey.

Evidence found at the site is causing people to speculate that the ancient town is the Biblical city of Dalmanoutha. In the Gospel of Mark, Dalmanoutha is the place Jesus sailed to after feeding 4,000 people through the miracle of multiplying fish and loaves of bread.

Besides the Sea of Galilee boat, there were many other artifacts not only uncovered, but also found spread across the modern town that now occupies the area. Pillars, pottery, and large basalt blocks have also been found.

Whether their findings turn out to be Dalmanoutha or not, this groundbreaking discovery is expected to provide an idea of life during biblical times.

Some of the most impressive finds, however, were not made in the fields but rather in modern-day Migdal itself. The archaeologists found dozens of examples of ancient architectural remains, some of which the modern-day townspeople had turned into seats or garden ornaments, or simply left lying on the ground. In one instance, the researchers found more than 40 basalt ashlar blocks in a single garden.

After talking to the local people, and trying to identify the source and date of the findings, the researchers determined that many of the architectural remains came from the local area and likely were part of this newly discovered town.

The full story is available at live science.

The TRC takes steps forward together with archbishop

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada plan a Mass followed by a 2 km walk on Sunday September 22 at 8am.

An aboriginal girl at an event in 2008 in Ottawa promoting the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. The goal of the commission is to support those who have suffered through residential schools. CNS photo / Art Babych.

Socks are being pulled up and laces being tied in preparation for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) Mass and walk with Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB. The walk will begin after Mass at Holy Rosary Cathedral on Sunday Sept. 22 at 8 a.m. It will stretch from its starting line, Queen Elizabeth Theatre, along the streets of downtown to Science World, marking the end of a week-long event.

The walk will be "a great wind up to the TRC, not the end of the process, but the beginning of a new one" says Rennie Nahanee, First Nations Ministry coordinator for the Archdiocese of Vancouver.

Starting September 18, The Archdiocese of Vancouver is hosting the TRC's national event for the reconciliation after the tragedies associated with residential schools. Beginning in 1870, native children were forced out of their homes and sent to boarding schools that were being funded by the government and run by churches.

The Mass and walk are the conclusion to a week of cultural celebration for the TRC and all those affected by residential schools, with all participants of the Mass invited to join the archbishop for the walk on Sunday.

Through sharing past stories, and collective remembrance the TRC looks to provide reconciliation as well as awareness to all those effected by residential schools, with the event's exclamation point being the Mass and walk with Archbishop Miller.

Groundbreaking for archdiocesean project

                 The new John Paul II Pastoral Centre is scheduled for completion in November of 2014.

This is the architect's rendering of the new John Paul II  Pastoral Centre for the Archdiocese of Vancouver. Picture submitted.

Agnieszka Krawczynski writes a story about the plans and further construction of the new John Paul II  Pastoral Centre on 33 Avenue.

After more than 50 years in an aged-brick building on Robson Street, the offices of the archdiocese are going to move to part of the former St. Vincent Hospital site.

A groundbreaking ceremony marked the start of construction for the Archdiocese of Vancouver's new John Paul II Pastoral Centre Aug. 29 on 33 Avenue in Vancouver near Willow Street. The new centre will contain offices, a chapel, meeting rooms, and nine suites for retired priests.

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