IT masterminds team up to develop golf app

Pat Cash and Joe Galat promote four-step improvement process

Pat Cash

Older golfers who sandblast their drives over the fairway, and plonk! into the water hazards now have an app on their side. Pat Cash, past chairman of the Archdiocese of Vancouver's information technology (IT) committee, and Joseph Galat, a teacher at St. Thomas Aquinas Regional Secondary School, have released the RAFT app. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Filipinos from Holy Land voice excitement about Pope's visit

A priest reads Scripture with Filipino foreign workers in Israel before the start of Mass in Nazareth, Israel. CNS photo / Debbie Hill.

A small community of Filipinos in Israel have expressed their joy that Pope Francis will travel to their country next January, stating they hope his presence will bring peace and restore divisions. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Campaign Life expresses hopes for Maternal Health Summit

Leaders of the Group of Eight nations gather at the table with African outreach leaders at the global economic summit in Huntsville, Ontario, in June 2010. Catholic aid agencies said the summit was weak on maternal and child health care and financial support to meet UN development goals. Host Prime Minister Harper is the first at the table facing the camera on the left side. CNS photo / Jason Reed, Reuters.

Campaign Life Coalition hopes Prime Minister Harper's international summit May 28-30 in Toronto is "successful and life-affirming in its results," says CLC's Ottawa lobbyist. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Youth Day encourages teens to embrace their faith

Speaker Jackie Francois Angel urges young people to ask tough questions of Catholic Church

This year's Youth Day welcomed keynote speaker Chris Padgett, from Steubenville, Ohio, and musical guest Jackie Francois Angel, from Orange County, Calif., to Vancouver for the first time. B.C. Catholic writer Elizabeth Krump sat down with them to discuss their charisms and how they live their faith. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Pope Francis says Holy Land visit aided Christian unity

Pope Francis at his Wednesday audience said his pilgrimage to the Holy Land had fed the desire for Christian unity, and he encouraged Catholics to pray that God may help "heal the wounds" that divide the faithful. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Quebec Premier under fire for violating free vote promise on euthanasia

People cheer at the Quebec Liberal leader Philippe Couillard's provincial election headquarters in St. Felicien, Que., April 7, after winning the election with a majority. CNS photo / Mathieu Belanger, Reuters.

On May 22, Premier Philippe Couillard and the leaders of the other three parties announced there was unanimous consent to bring euthanasia Bill 52 back to the legislative assembly at the stage it had been at prior to the last election. The Belgium-style euthanasia bill had been on the verge of a vote that would make it law. It could be passed by early June. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Ukrainian Catholics rejoice together

New Westminster eparchy to mark 40th anniversary

Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk (left) poses with Edward Shawchuk and Eparch Ken Nowakowski of New Westminster on the occasion of Shawchuk receiving the Benemerenti Medal for his "exceptional service to the Church." Photo submitted to the BCC.

Ukrainian Catholics will flock to Vancouver June 21 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Eparchy of New Westminster. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Scott Hahn explores power of saints, angels, in modern life

Scott Hahn, a professor of theology and Scripture at Franciscan University of Steubenville, and the author of numerous Catholic books, in a 2010 photo. CNS photo / Paul Haring.

Noted Catholic convert and author Dr. Scott Hahn published a new book May 27 exploring the biblical roots and modern-day interventions of the angels and saints. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Quebec Euthanasia Bill 52 could pass in early June

Quebec's Liberal Premier-elect Philippe Couillard smiles during a news conference at the legislative assembly in Quebec City April 8 after winning a majority. CNS photo / Mathieu Belanger, Reuters.

Quebec's legislative assembly is on track to vote in Belgium-style euthanasia early in June, putting the province on a collision course with the federal government. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Ecumenical efforts continue, thanks to positive response

Anglicans and Catholics show enthusiasm about building relationships

The Rev. Richard Leggett and Christophe Potworowski met at the Anglican Holy Trinity Cathedral in New Westminster for prayer and dialogue March 23. Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic.

Local talks between Anglicans and Catholics will continue, thanks to the success of the Meet Your Relatives series. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Canonization of two Popes witnessed by Vancouver clergy

Fathers Alessandro Lovato, Rodney Nootebos, Pablo Santa Maria, and John Horgan. Father Santa Maria exclaimed, "What a great joy to see Pope Emeritus Benedict!" Photo submitted to The B.C. Catholic.

On April 27, 2014, Divine Mercy Sunday, 1 million people gathered in Rome to witness the canonization of Pope St. John XXIII and Pope St. John Paul II. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

'Saint of Dawson' to be commemorated

A famous Yukon priest will be immortalized in bronze this summer. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Many religions value the Holy Land

Interfaith group bonds over shared affection for Israel

Rani Theeparajah, a member of St. Ann's Anglican Parish, touches the Western Wall during a trip to the Holy Land this Easter season. Theeparajah met with other Christians and Jews to talk about their shared interest in the Holy Land May 15. Photo submitted to The B.C. Catholic.

As Pope Francis prepared for his historical trip to Israel May 24-26, a local group of Jews and Christians bonded over their shared interest in the Holy Land. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Death sentence for Christian in Sudan draws global criticism

Sister Joana Mai Hla Kyi, a nurse and member of the Sisters of Our Lady of the Missions, demonstrates prenatal massage therapy to two apprentices in Riimenze, South Sudan, in this Nov. 17, 2010, file photo. CNS file photo / Paul Jeffrey.

A pregnant woman who was raised a Christian has been sentenced to execution by a Sudanese court that contends she has apostatized from Islam, drawing worldwide condemnation. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Nuncio says God is present in Vancouver

Archbishop Luigi Bonazzi, apostolic nuncio to Canada, pictured in the John Paul II Pastoral Centre. Alistair Burns / The B.C. Catholic.

In January, Archbishop Luigi Bonazzi arrived in Ottawa to take up his duties as the Vatican's nuncio, or ambassador, to this country. The prelate has decades of diplomatic experience as a nuncio to many states, including Haiti, Cuba, and the Baltic States. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB, addresses his flock

Pastoral Letter on a Grave Social Issue
May 23, 2014

Dear Brothers and Sisters:
I am writing to you, the Catholic faithful of the Archdiocese of Vancouver, about a serious threat to the moral fabric of Canadian society: the possible decriminalization of sexual exploitation through prostitution by its buyers and profiteers. This Pastoral Letter examines what we can do as a community and a nation to answer the needs of girls, youth, and women who are prostituted.
For full letter see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Teenage girl recounts terror, violence of Boko Haram attack

A man carries a victim of a bomb attack in the market district in Jos, Nigeria, May 20. Back-to-back bombings killed at least 118 people and wounded 45 in the crowded business district of the central Nigerian city. CNS photo / Reuters.

A teenage girl whose family members were murdered by members of the militant Islamist group Boko Haram is sharing her story in hopes that it will spur action against the Nigerian terrorist organization. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Vandals desecrate Ottawa Catholic church and steal tabernacle

Pastor Father Francis Scott hopes the theft of the Tabernacle at St. Martin de Porres can become a teaching moment for the precious nature of the Eucharist. Deborah Gyapong / CCN.

Vandals broke into St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church in Ottawa's Bell's Corners district May 15, stole the tabernacle, and desecrated the altar with a satanic symbol. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Recent Christian movies captivate audiences

Brother John O'Brien, SJ, views film through Ignatian lens

Jesuit scholastic John O'Brien. Agnieszka Krawczynski / BCC.

A sudden burst of Christian-themed movies has hit theatres in the last three months. "Son of God," "Heaven is for Real," "God's not Dead," and "Noah" are currently placed in the 20 top-grossing movies of 2014. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Gift of knowledge attunes us to vision of God, Pope says

A woman from Kenya holds an image of Pope Francis as the Pope arrives to lead his general audience in St. Peter's Square May 21. CNS photo / Paul Haring.

During his general audience address Pope Francis spoke on the Holy Spirit's gift of knowledge, explaining that it enlightens our human perspective and helps us to see God in the whole of creation. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Justin Trudeau dismisses Cardinal Collins's letter

Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau. Deborah Gyapong / CCN.

Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau has dismissed an open letter from Toronto Cardinal Thomas Collins, instead asserting a Charter "right" to abortion which legal experts say does not exist. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Enderby faithful pray for 700 residents affected by mudslide

Beaver dam enlarged by the formation of ice burst

St. Ann's Church, Enderby. Diocese of Kamloops photo.

When a landslide cut off 700 residents of the B.C. Interior city of Enderby May 2, parishioners reacted with prayer. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Catholic religious in South Sudan plead for peace

Jesuit Father Michael Schultheis distributes Communion during Mass in a camp for internally displaced families in a UN base in Juba, South Sudan. CNS photo / Paul Jeffrey.

The Catholic religious congregations of South Sudan have urged their countrymen to reject violence, calling on the country's leaders to honour the terms of a recent peace agreement. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Catholics in public life must adhere to Catholic teachings, Ottawa archbishop teaches

Archbishop Terrence Prendergast at the Prolife Mass at Notre Dame Cathedral May 8 in conjunction with the National March for Life. Deborah Gyapong / CCN.

Catholics in public life must take positions coherent with the Catholic faith, said Ottawa Archbishop Terrence Prendergast, SJ, and that includes not only what they believe but how they vote. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Professor argues for a profound rethinking of conscience rights

Mary Anne Waldron offers three solutions for legal quagmires

Doctor Jim Lane introduces Mary Anne Waldron. Alistair Burns / BCC.

An argument in favour of changing how citizens approach freedom of conscience and religion was presented May 2. Mary Anne Waldron, a professor of law at the University of Victoria, spoke to an audience of 80 in Holy Name of Jesus Parish Hall in Vancouver. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Catholic bishops voice hope for India's new government

Supporters celebrate the election results in Calcutta, India, May 16. CNS photo / Piyal Adhikary, EPA.

Catholic bishops in India have said they have nothing to fear from the country's new government following the landside success of the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party and its allies. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


MP Lizon's Pope John Paul II Day no longer stalled in Senate

Conservative MP Wladyslaw Lizon's private member's Bill C-266 is now headed for third reading in the Senate after being stalled for a year. Deborah Gyapong / CCN.

Conservative MP Wladyslaw Lizon's Bill C-266 to designate April 2 Pope John Paul II day finally passed through a Senate committee May 12 and is expected to come to a vote in the fall. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Catholicism came naturally to former Anglican minister

Father Shier reached out to Father William Ashley to find out procedure

Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB, ordains Father Michael Shier in Holy Rosary Cathedral March 15. Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic.

For one former Anglican minister, the journey to the Catholic priesthood was a long one. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Calls for late-term abortion ban mark Gosnell anniversary

Dr. Kermit Barron Gosnell is pictured in an undated mug shot from the Philadelphia Police Department. Gosnell is on trial in Philadelphia and has been charged with murder and other offences related to illegal, late-term abortions. CNS photo / Handout from Philadelphia Police Department.

The May 13 anniversary of the murder convictions of Philadelphia abortionist Kermit Gosnell brought renewed calls for a federal ban on late-term abortions. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

CCODP continues to press for mining ombudsman

"Our campaign will continue," CCODP director of in-Canada programs Josianne Gauthier told a crowd of several hundred supporters on the steps in front of Centre Block. "We are not going away. We have to keep this issue on the agenda." Deborah Gyapong / (CCN).

The Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace (CCODP) dropped 80,000 postcards off on Parliament Hill May 14, demanding an ombudsman for the mining industry. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Nun came home to the Church

Sister Glenys Symons urges parents to support a child's vocation

Sister Glenys Symons demonstrates her signing. Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic.

One local nun warns parents mustn't deter their children from pursuing religious life. "I would say to parents: do not stop your child who feels a vocational call," Sister Glenys Symons, ESEH, explained. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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EWTN honoured as religious TV station of the year

This edition of the National Catholic Register shows a photo of Pope Benedict XVI on the front page. Eternal World Television Network announced Jan. 19, 2011, that it had acquired the newspaper. The paper's first national edition appeared in 1927. It has been operated by the Legionaries of Christ since 1995. CNS photo / Nancy Wiechec.

EWTN Global Catholic Network and its news show EWTN News Nightly have won two Gabriel Awards in recognition of their uplifting work, including one for religious television station of the year. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Liberals and NDP promote pro-abortion agendas to reopen debate

NDP MP Niki Ashton introduced Motion 510 the same day thousands rallied on Parliament Hill for the National March for Life. Deborah Gyapong / CCN.

Though the Harper government has vowed not to reopen the abortion debate, the Liberals and the New Democrats have re-ignited the issue by promoting pro-abortion agendas. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Knights join CWL to push for control of prostitution

Organization will support resolutions on 'criminalizing purchase of sexual services'

Apostolic nuncio Archbishop Luigi Bonazzi shares a laugh with Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB, and state deputy Edward Shawchuk (far right). "I really feel at home," the nuncio said during the convention. Alistair Burns / The B.C. Catholic.

The Knights of Columbus were joined at their convention by the Catholic Women's League April 26 in announcing a campaign to push for control of prostitution by criminal law and to increase awareness of the issues. This news came during the 103rd state convention of the B.C. and Yukon Knights in Richmond. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Gift of fortitude not just for 'extraordinary circumstances': Pope

Rescuers carrying a dead miner pause for people looking for their relatives after a mine explosion near Soma, Turkey, May 14. More than 225 people died in the explosion. Pope Francis said during his weekly general audience May 14 that his prayers were with those killed in the disaster. CNS photo / Togla Bozoglu, EPA.

During his weekly general audience address Pope Francis spoke on the gift of fortitude, explaining that it helps us to remain faithful not only with the big things, but also in our daily activities. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

IMFC looks at impact of abortion on relationships and mental health

IMFC executive director Andrea Mrozek. Deborah Gyapong / CCN.

The Institute of Marriage and Family Canada (IMFC) has released a study that examines the secondary effects of abortion on relationships, families, and mental health. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Hearts burn with Gospel joy

Youth Day offers engaging talks, praise, and worship

Some 450 students and youth leaders raise their hands in affirmation. Derek Juneson / Special to The B.C. Catholic.

Youth Day, held at Archbishop Carney Secondary School May 3, lived up to its theme: "Our hearts burning within" taken from St. Luke's account of two disciples' encounter with Jesus on the road to Emmaus. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Religious leaders can help counter Boko Haram, U.S. bishops say

A woman holds a sign during a May 5 protest in Lagos, Nigeria, to demand the release of abducted high school girls. The Islamist militant group Boko Haram claimed responsibility for the abduction of 276 schoolgirls during a raid in the village of Chibok in April. CNS photo / Antunde Akinleye, Reuters.

Denouncing the "heinous" kidnapping of schoolgirls in Nigeria, the U.S. bishops have urged their government to partner with both Christians and Muslims in the country to counter Boko Haram. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Eliminate the crisis, not the pregnancy, says Bishop Riesbeck

Auxiliary Bishop Christian Bishop Riesbeck of Ottawa delivered the homily at the pro-life Mass at Notre Dame Cathedral in conjunction with the National March for Life. Deborah Gyapong / (CCN).

When Ottawa's new auxiliary bishop, Christian Riesbeck, became the pastor of a parish in Houston, Tex., he soon faced a difficult pastoral challenge: the pregnancy of a young lady. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

US Supreme Court says prayer does not violate constitution

5 to 4 ruling upholds prayer at city council meetings

Father Peter Enyan-Boadu, pastor of St. John the Evangelist in Greece, N.Y., prays at the beginning of
a Greece Town Board meeting May 5 at the Greece Town Hall. (Sam Oldenburg / Catholic Courier / CNS)

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled May 5 that starting a meeting with prayer does not violate the constitution. Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote that it doesn't amount to government officials endorsing a certain religion.

"Legislative prayer has become part of our heritage and tradition, part of our expressive idiom, similar to the Pledge of Allegiance, inaugural prayer, or the recitation of ‘God save the United States and this honorable Court’ at the opening of this Court’s sessions,” Kennedy wrote.

He said there was no evidence that Greece town council members “allocated benefits and burdens based on participation in the prayer.”

Read more from the Washington Post here.

Archdiocese opens Redemptoris Mater seminary

Six Neocatechumenal Way members come to Vancouver for education and formation opportunities

Father Joseph Nguyen, vocations director of the Archdiocese of Vancouver (left) and Father Vittorio Scomparin pose at Domus Galilaeae, a Neocatechumenal Way centre in Israel, in April. Photo submitted.

At the Archbishop's Dinner in October, Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB, announced his intention of setting up a new seminary in Vancouver. His dream is now reality: Redemptoris Mater (Mother of the Redeemer) Seminary has been temporarily established in Blessed Sacrament Parish with six seminarians. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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New film illuminates Catholic view on same-sex attraction

A woman opposed to same-sex marriage holds a placard outside the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh in February. CNS photo / Russell Cheyne, Reuters.

Catholics with same-sex attraction talk about their personal struggles and the comfort they find in Church teaching in a new documentary that shows Christian love as the "third way" in controversies about homosexuality. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Former abortion provider reveals money-making motivation behind industry

Carol Everett, a former abortion provider in Texas, is founder of the Heidi Group, a network of that helps pregnant women make life affirming choices. Deborah Gyapong / (CCN).

Carol Everett operated four abortion clinics in Texas from 1977-1983 until an encounter with Jesus Christ turned her into a pro-life advocate. "I sold abortions," Everett told the annual Rose Dinner May 8 following the National March for Life. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Knights draw attention to this year's successes

State Deputy Edward Shawchuk aims for more pro-life work in coming year

Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk (left) stands with Edward Shawchuk and Bishop Ken Nowakowski of the Eparchy of New Westminster. Shawchuk received the Benemerenti Medal in 2012 for his "exceptional service to the Church." BCC file photo.

For 18 years, the B.C. and Yukon Knights of Columbus have held the record for being the most generous givers in the whole order. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Nigerian cardinal urges action to free kidnapped girls

Women holding signs take part in a May 5 protest in Lagos, Nigeria, to demand the release of abducted high school girls. The Islamist militant group Boko Haram claimed responsibility for the abduction of 276 schoolgirls during a raid in the village of Chibok in April. CNS photo / Akintunde Akinleye, Reuters.

Cardinal John Onaiyekan of Abuja has called for "concrete action" to save the hundreds of girls kidnapped by Boko Haram, saying his country is "ashamed" by its failure to find them. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Pope Francis sends greetings to participants in National March for Life

Cardinal Lacroix reads the Pope's message to the National March for Life. Deborah Gyapong / CCN.

Pope Francis sent greetings to the thousands of prolife marchers who participated in the National March for Life here May 8. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Breakfast Club feeds less fortunate in church hall

Anglicans and Catholics unite to serve the needy

Carole Neilson of Holy Trinity Cathedral and Erin O'Hara from St. Peter's Parish serve eggs, hash browns, and toast. Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic.

Catholics and Anglicans in Greater Vancouver have recently made ecumenical strides with their initiative Meet Your Relatives, but some of their parishes have been cooperating for years. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Critic says UN risks credibility with Catholic torture charges

Archbishop Silvano Tomasi, the Vatican observer at UN agencies in Geneva, said the Holy See signed the anti-torture convention for its territory, Vatican City State, not the entire Catholic Church, which it does not own. He is pictured in Rome in a 2012 file photo. CNS photo / Paul Haring.

Insinuations at a UN committee hearing that Catholic teaching against abortion may violate an international anti-torture convention has raised questions about the impartiality of the body. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Abortion crusader spent 10 years behind bars

Standing outside the Back Porch, Linda Gibbons looked harmless enough. A 64-year-old grandmother, diminutive in stature, she was bundled up in her winter jacket, and also wore a scarf and mitts. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Irish Jesuit snapped iconic photographs of doomed liner

Francis Browne, soon to be a priest, sailed on RMS Titanic

Browne's last photo was of the Titanic leaving Cobh (Queenstown), Ireland, April 12. He had been left behind.

Last month mariners remembered a solemn date that evokes a grim reminder of the cruelty of the sea. In the wee hours of April 15, 1912, the "unsinkable" RMS Titanic sank to the bottom of the Atlantic. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Pope Francis: gift of counsel illuminates the will of God

A Swiss Guard is seen as Pope Francis arrives for his weekly audience in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican May 7. Thirty young men were sworn in as new Swiss Guards May 6. CNS photo / Tony Gentile, Reuters.

During his Wednesday general audience, Pope Francis reflected on the Holy Spirit's gift of counsel, explaining that through it we learn to be docile to the Lord rather than attached to our own ideas. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Sri Lankan immigrant wins social justice award

Catholic Social Services will honour Oblate Father Brian Jayawardhana with its Msgr. Bill Irwin Award of Excellence at the agency's annual meeting in June. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.