Father Don Larson sprinkles holy water on a furry friend at a blessing of the pets hosted by the Pawsome Helpers Club at Queen of All Saints Elementary in Coquitlam. (Gema Chavez photos)
By Nicholas Elbers When Queen of All Saints teacher Gema Chavez was looking for ways to help students learn about care for God’s creation, the idea of a pet-friendly animal welfare club seemed a natural fit. Now the Coquitlam school’s Pawsome SPCA Helpers Club is not only a hit with the students, it’s been featured...
The disciples find Christ’s tomb empty in the second station of the Stations of the Resurrection designed by Italian artist Giovanni Dragoni. Gardens of Gethsemani Cemetery is acquiring its own set of 14 stations depicting the Via Lucis (Way of Light) a complement to the Stations of the Cross. (CNS photo by Cindy Wooden)
An increasingly popular devotion that celebrates the 50 days of Easter is coming to Gardens of Gethsemani cemetery. Fourteen stations depicting the Via Lucis (the Way of Light) will commemorate Christ’s life from the Resurrection to the descent of the Holy Spirit, said Catholic Cemeteries director Peter Nobes. The prayer stations, which Nobes calls the...
Kamloops Bishop Joseph Nguyen meeting with Pope Francis in 2016. British Columbia bishops paid tribute to Francis on the 10th anniversary of his pontificate. (Diocese of Kamloops file photo)
By Nicholas Elbers On the 10th anniversary of Pope Francis’ pontificate, bishops from across B.C. and Canada offered reflections on the Pope’s significance and the gifts he has given to the Church. Victoria Bishop Gary Gordon touched on a commonly recognized theme, saying he appreciates Pope Francis’ concern for the poor and marginalized. “I have...
Alex Schadenberg of the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition speaks with listeners at a presentation at St. Nicholas. “Most people ask for euthanasia because they are going through a difficult time of life,” he said. (Nicholas Elbers photos)
By Nicholas Elbers Caring and compassion are the most effective solutions we have to combat the growing requests for Medical Assistance in Dying, Euthanasia Prevention Coalition Executive Director Alex Schadenberg told a large gathering at St. Nicholas Church in Langley. The presentation, entitled “How do we talk to our loved ones about euthanasia?,” unpacked the...
Overwhelmed mothers say church Moms and Tots groups are offering mentorship opportunities while addressing a common complaint they have about secular groups and activities: the negativity. (Nicholas Elbers photos)
By Nicholas Elbers Children are a blessing, but parenting can be stressful, and in the modern world many mothers feel lonely and isolated in their vocation. This is where parish Moms and Tots groups can be helpful. During COVID, many groups for mothers and their small children tried to adapt to restrictions by meeting at...
Sister Denece Billesberger, Directress of Novices for the Sisters of the Child Jesus, with Sister Heather Charest, the order’s newest novice. It was during a mission trip to Haiti that her life changed, prompting her to ask herself, “What am I doing?” She will profess her vows with the Sisters of the Child Jesus later this month. (Terry O’Neill photos)
By Terry O’Neill Listen to that voice within. Listen to the voice of God calling you. This is a usual part of the advice given to men and women seeking guidance about a religious vocation. For many on the path of discernment, it’s difficult to hear that voice – to hear it amid the distracting...
By Paul Schratz If the Church in North America is a canvas, Barb Dowding is one of the artists helping to paint it, and that includes capturing all its subtleties, from the abstract to the realist. The special assistant to Archbishop Miller was part of an 18-person synod writing team of individuals appointed by the...
Holy Cross Vice Principal Jeff Cabralda leads student musicians providing music for the Catholic Educators’ Conference and Mass. (Nicholas Elbers photos)
By Nicholas Elbers Catholic School teachers attending the annual Catholic Educators Conference were called to pursue truth first in their work towards reconciliation with Indigenous people as a potentially painful and necessary part of the healing process. “My dream is that our speakers at this year’s conference will further help to inform and transform our...
Pope Benedict XVI at a general audience at the Vatican in 2007. “The life, writings, and Petrine ministry of Benedict XVI were immensely formative for me and for all Catholics of today,” writes J.P. Sonnen. (CNS photo/Paul Haring)
By J.P. Sonnen With profound sorrow and immense gratitude I learned of the impending death of Benedict XVI while on holiday at the iconic Chateau Lake Louise in Alberta. In the breakfast room with my wife and a close friend we discussed the news of his kidney failure and the impending funeral. Looking out the...
