Bulletin: The Resurrection of the Lord, Easter Sunday
Happy Easter to my St. Patrick’s Family; A letter from Father Matthew
Dear Parishioners and Friends of St. Patrick’s,
As we gather this weekend to celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord, I find myself looking around our beautiful church with a profound sense of gratitude. This Easter feels particularly momentous as we continue to celebrate our centenary—100 Years of Home.
Easter is the ultimate homecoming. It is the moment when the darkness of the tomb is traded for the light of a new beginning. I know that for many of us, the journey through Lent may have felt long or wearying, but the joy of the empty tomb reminds us that God’s love always has the final word.
This year, our parish home is growing in a very beautiful way. I am so moved to share that we are welcoming 23 new brothers and sisters into the Church. To those of you joining us for the first time: please know how much of a gift you are to us. You are the newest chapter in our 100-year story, and your “yes” to God brings fresh life and hope to our entire community.
Whether you have been a part of St. Pat’s for decades, are a student at our school, or are simply visiting us for the day, I want you to feel the warmth of this family. A home is a place where you are known, loved, and welcomed exactly as you are. That is what we have strived to be for a century in Maple Ridge, and it is what we promise to be for the next hundred years.
I look forward to seeing you all as we continue our celebrations, especially as we prepare for our 100th Anniversary Mass on April 11th.
May the Risen Christ fill your hearts and your homes with His peace this season. Please know of my continued prayers for you and your loved ones.
Happy Easter!
In Christ,
Father Matthew
Pastor, St. Patrick’s Parish
Please join us for a joyous celebration of the 100 year anniversary of our beautiful home.
April 11, 2026
Mass begins at 4:30pm with Archbishop Richard W. Smith
All are Welcome
–
Invitation to Share your stories
Our parish home is an amazing tapestry woven together of our shared histories.
We invite you to share your pictures, your stories, your history with us (cherished memories with the nuns, with the priests, at the school, funny, tragic, happy, & warming). This is for the archive of the parish; we are also compiling a Parish book, and some of your stories may be featured in that.
Or you can email your story and pictures to our Parish email address: [email protected].
Our parish relies on your generosity. Your donations each year directly impact our ability to minister to those in need, to provide special programs such as Alpha and CGS, to offer small group faith studies, to maintain our buildings, and to grow our parish school.
This Good Friday, support the Church of the Holy Land and help bring hope during these difficult times.
Political and economic instability, poverty, and discrimination make it difficult to live in the lands where Christ once walked. Your tax-deductible gift will enable many social, educational, and parish renewal projects, and permit a measure of peace for Christians who depend on your support more than ever.
The continuing hope and prayer of our brothers and sisters in the Holy Land is for peace and a sense of security. Thank you for making a difference.
Mass Intentions
Monday, April 6
Barbara Penney (INT)
Tuesday, April 7
Gail Estrada (INT)
Wednesday, April 8
Paul Hanlan (+)
Thursday, April 9
Denis & Jennifer Boyer (INT)
Friday, April 10
Dorothea Housworth (+)
Saturday, April 11
Claire Boyer (INT)
St. Pat’s Highlights
Ministry Updates & Upcoming Events
With joyful hearts this Easter, we warmly welcome you into our Church.
Lord,
We give thanks for the gift of new life in Baptism, and we lift up to You these beloved individuals who have received Baptism, Confirmation and are received into full Communion this Easter.
Pour out Your Holy Spirit upon them, and guide their steps as they begin this beautiful new chapter of their life. Grant them courage in times of doubt, deep peace in times of sorrow, and an overwhelming sense of Your presence every day of their lives.
We pray that the Church and this Parish Family will always serve as a safe sanctuary for them, and that our community will truly be a family and a home where they experience Your unending love. Bless their journey ahead, and keep them forever wrapped in Your grace.
Amen.
We hope you will join us for a celebratory Easter Social following the 9am and the 11:15am Masses. What better way to reflect on the resurrection of our Lord than with our friends and family? We’ll have all the usual treats and coffee, friendship and fun. We look forward to seeing you there!
Calling the ladies in grades 8-12 to join our Bibles & Brownies night on Friday, April 10th at 6:30pm. Please come with open minds and willing hearts for a fun evening discussion and friendship.
Please RSVP so our organizers can prepare enough for everyone.
Please join us in celebratory prayer for the baptism of Aria Vida Myrna De-Mesa Wendt
May God’s grace guide you, protect you, and shower you with endless blessings.
Resources for Reflection
Movies, Online learning, Meditations, Seasonal Resources, and more
Way of Light: Sign-up for Daily Prayers During Easter
The Way of Light, or the Stations of the Resurrection, follow key events in the life of Jesus following His Resurrection. This prayer is an opportunity for us to reflect on the truth of the Christian mystery: That Christ has conquered death, and in conquering death, He gives us hope in the Resurrection and the life to come. Starting on Easter Sunday, you can receive short, daily prayers right to your inbox. Sign up at https://rccav.org/light/
News and Information
Resources and events from outside of our Parish
Easter Message from Archbishop Smith
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Christ is risen! Alleluia!
Today the Church rejoices, for Jesus Christ has conquered sin and death. The Resurrection of the Lord is the heart of our faith and the source of our hope.
The joy of Easter does not ignore the reality of suffering in our world. We know well the weight of grief, anxiety, violence, and loss. Yet the Resurrection speaks a truth the world needs to hear: death does not have the final word.
This does not remove the trials we face in this life. But it does mean that sorrow is not final, darkness is not ultimate, and death is not the end. The risen Lord draws near to us and speaks His peace to our hearts. He reminds us that He is with us, that He is faithful, and that nothing (not even death) can separate us from His love.
My prayer for you this Easter is that the truth of the Resurrection will take deeper root in your hearts. If you are carrying burdens, may the risen Lord console you. If you are weary, may He strengthen you. If you are afraid, may He renew in you the confidence that comes from knowing He has triumphed over death.
May the peace of the risen Christ fill your hearts and homes this Easter.
Yours sincerely in Christ,
✠ Richard W. Smith
Archbishop of Vancouver
Birthright Volunteers Needed
Birthright of Vancouver is urgently seeking daytime office volunteers to support women facing unplanned pregnancies. Volunteers are asked to commit to three hours per week between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday to Friday. We are looking for individuals who are good listeners and can offer a caring, positive, supportive, and non-judgmental presence to every woman. Training is provided. Please email us at [email protected]
Take Action to Support Bill C-218
Write your Member of Parliament Today! Visit HelpNotHarmCanada.ca
You’re invited to visit HelpNotHarmCanada.ca where you can e-mail your Member of Parliament (MP), asking for their support of Bill C-218 (The Right to Recover Act), which would amend the Criminal Code to prevent Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) from being provided when mental illness is the sole underlying condition. Without this change, MAiD will be available for those suffering from mental illness alone beginning in March 2027.
Chances are you know someone struggling with mental illness — a family member, friend, or colleague. As Catholics and Canadians, we are called to offer care, hope, and protection — not death — to those who are suffering and most vulnerable. Visit HelpNotHarmCanada.ca today and ask your MP to support Bill C-218.
Seasons of Hope Bereavement Group
Grieving is a sacred process, and expressing loss is essential to healing. You are invited to participate in the upcoming Seasons of Hope Bereavement Group at Gardens of Gethsemani. This is a free, 6-week series that runs every Saturday from April 18 to May 30. Come and be comforted by one another by receiving Christ’s love and consolation. Please register by Monday, April 13 at beholdvancouver.org/events.
Memorial Service for the victims of the Lapu-Lapu Tragedy
This memorial service is intended to honour the victims and remember their lives, while offering comfort and solidarity to their families, loved ones, and all those who continue to grieve. Your presence would be a meaningful sign of support as we gather in remembrance, prayer, and healing. The service will be led by Archbishop Richard Smith and will take place at Holy Rosary Cathedral on Wednesday, April 29, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Learn more at rcav.org/announcements/memorialservice.
