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News and Information

Resources and events from outside of our Parish

Archdiocese of Vancouver Releases 2024/2025 Annual Report

The Archdiocese of Vancouver has released its 2024/2025 Annual Report, celebrating a year of growth, renewal, and hope for our local Church. Highlights include welcoming Archbishop Smith, launching a new Mental Health Ministry, and celebrating a record number of new Catholics entering the Church. The year also saw more seminarians, more couples preparing for marriage, the opening of a new podcast studio, and the completion of major infrastructure projects. All of this took place during the Jubilee Year of Hope, which will be remembered for the renewal God accomplished in the hearts of his people. Read the full report online:  rcav.org/annual-report.

Archbishop Smith’s Pastoral Letter for the Month of Holy Souls

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As the days grow shorter and we approach the final weeks of the Church’s liturgical year, I invite you to remember and pray for the faithful departed during the month of November.

The Church dedicates this month to the Holy Souls in Purgatory, those who have died and are being prepared to enter the fullness of God’s presence. November begins with the Hallowtide Triduum: All Hallows’ Eve, All Saints’ Day, and All Souls’ Day. These days draw our attention to the real spiritual connection we share with all the baptized: those in heaven, those on earth, and those being purified after death.

This is a time to renew our hope in Jesus Christ, especially during this Jubilee Year of Hope. Our prayers for the dead express our hope in God’s promise of eternal life and in the communion of saints, a bond that unites the entire Church across time and eternity.

From November 1 to 8, the Church offers a plenary indulgence for the faithful departed. To receive it, one must visit a cemetery and pray for the dead, while also going to Confession, receiving Holy Communion, praying for the intentions of the Holy Father, and having a heart free from attachment to sin. This tradition is a meaningful way to remember the souls of the departed on their journey to heaven.

To help guide your prayer, Gardens of Gethsemani will offer daily prayers throughout November. Each takes only a few minutes to pray. You can sign up to receive them by email at  rccav.org/november.

I hope you will join me in this spiritual work of mercy. May our prayers bring peace to the Holy Souls and renew our hope in the life to come.

Yours sincerely in Christ,
✠ Richard W. Smith
Archbishop of Vancouver

Rosary for Peace

Archbishop Richard Smith invites all Catholics in the Archdiocese to come together in prayer each month for peace in our world, particularly in the Holy Land, Ukraine, and other areas affected by violence and conflict. Learn more and see the complete schedule at  rcav.org/events.

Annual Mass for Deceased Bishops, Clergy, and Consecrated Men and Women

All are welcome to attend this special Liturgy concelebrated by the priests of the Archdiocese. Remember those who have laboured for the Church in Vancouver and pray that the Lord will send more dedicated men and women to continue their ministry. At Holy Rosary Cathedral on Wednesday, November 5, 2025 at the 12:10 p.m. Mass. Learn more at  beholdvancouver.org/events.

Estate and Memorial Planning Webinar

This free online presentation provides general information for preparing or updating your will, learning about the beauty of the funeral rite, and formulating pre-need arrangements. You’ll be pointed to complementary guides, tools and practical resources. The event is presented by the Gardens of Gethsemani cemetery, a ministry of the Archdiocese of Vancouver. Next session is on Thursday, November 6, at 11:00 a.m. via Zoom. Register via  beholdvancouver.org/events.

Estate and Memorial Planning for Catholics

Ensure your wishes are honoured and your loved ones are cared for with a well-prepared estate and memorial plan. This free, expert-led seminar will guide you through essential topics such as:

• Why every Catholic needs a Will – Protect your family and ensure your assets are distributed according to your values.
• Choosing the right Executor – Select a trusted individual to carry out your final wishes.
• Understanding Probate & Power of Attorney – Make informed decisions that simplify the legal process.
• The tax benefits of charitable giving – Leave a lasting impact through faithful stewardship.
• Preparing for Catholic funeral rites – Discover the beauty of a well-planned funeral and the benefits of pre-arrangements.

The next seminar is on Saturday, November 8, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., at Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in Vancouver. Register at beholdvancouver.org/events.

Weekend Getaway Marriage Conference

November 14–16, 2025 | Fairmont Chateau Whistler

Reignite your marriage with a relaxing and purposeful weekend at the stunning Fairmont Chateau Whistler. Designed to help couples reconnect, rekindle romance, or even start fresh, this retreat offers a warm and fun atmosphere where you’ll hear from real couples living out marriage God’s way.

Registration closes November 11, 2025. Learn more at  beholdvancouver.org/events.

Ecumenism and Interfaith Relations Retreat

Please join us for our annual Ecumenism and Interfaith Relations Retreat on Saturday, November 15, 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at the John Paul II Pastoral Centre in Vancouver. This year’s theme is Fan the Flame of Hope.

Registration is free, with morning refreshments and light lunch provided. Registration deadline: Wednesday, November 12. Learn more and register at  beholdvancouver.org/events.

Unique Call of Women in the Church: Fiat Young Adult Catholic Women’s Group

Join the Religious Sisters of the Archdiocese of Vancouver as we dive into the unique contributions of women saints in a four-part series. The next presentation focuses on St. Catherine of Siena, with discussion, reflection, and a themed dessert to follow.

All Catholic women ages 18-35 discerning God’s will in their lives are welcome! On Friday, November 14, 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia convent (3127 Shaughnessy St., Port Coquitlam). Register at  beholdvancouver.org/events.

Young Adult Ministry Seminar

Do you serve in young adult ministry in our Archdiocese? Come as a team for a training day to equip you with tools to serve well! Topics include accompaniment in ministry, planning for the future, and small group tips. Sessions to be announced.

On Saturday, November 15, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., at St. Matthew’s Parish in Surrey. Cost is $10. Register at  rcav.org/events.

Date Night

All married couples, including mentor and mentee couples under the Witness to Love Program, are invited to join us for a joy-filled dinner of celebration and encouragement.

It’s a time set aside to:

• Have intentional marriage-strengthening conversations
• Learn and laugh with other couples with the same values
• Hit pause and make space for your relationship, allowing the grace of God to shed wisdom and light to see each other in a new way

On Saturday, November 22, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., at All Saints Parish in Coquitlam. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Cost is $45/couple. Registration deadline: Monday, November 17. Learn more and register at  beholdvancouver.org/events.

Advent Retreat 2025: Beauty in Between

If you serve in a parish, ministry, or movement, you know how easy it is to give endlessly without stopping to receive. This Advent, come away for a time of rest, prayer, and renewal in Christ’s presence.

On Saturday, December 6, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., at Sts. Joachim and Ann Parish in Aldergrove. Cost is $35, including lunch. Learn more and register at  beholdvancouver.org/events.