Archbishop Miller speaks to Circles of Support and Accountability volunteers. Their work with former sex offenders is “a magnificent manifestation of what we are called to as people of God,” he said at the organization’s 20th-anniversary banquet. (Nicholas Elbers photos)
By Nicholas Elders Convicted sex offenders struggling to find a place in the world outside of prison often wonder if it’s even possible, and many don’t shy away from difficult conversations about their pain with what they have done, or how they ended up in prison. At the Circles of Support and Accountability’s 20th-anniversary banquet,...
Rendering of the future St. Vincent’s Heather long-term care home. The Archdiocese of Vancouver and Providence Health Care are contributing the land for the 240-bed residence on the former St. Vincent’s Hospital site. (Providence Health Care photo)
By Paul Schratz When St. Vincent’s Hospital was shuttered in 2004, Catholic health officials promised it wasn’t the end of Catholic health care on the site. On Wednesday that vision became a reality with the long-awaited news that a 13-storey long-term seniors residence will be built on the former hospital property. The new St. Vincent’s...
Rendering of the future Zappone Manor at 5956 176A St. in Cloverdale, one of two Catholic-supported housing projects announced last week. The Archdiocese of Vancouver and Providence Health Care are also contributing land for the new St. Vincent’s Heather long-term care home. (Columbus Homes photo)
By Nicholas Elders The Lower Mainland’s critical housing shortage received a Catholic infusion last week with the Knights of Columbus, Providence Health Care, and the Archdiocese of Vancouver contributing land and money to senior housing projects that will deliver more than 300 beds. In their first new senior housing project in decades, the Knights announced...
Pope Francis visits the crypt of St. Peter’s Basilica and prayed for the souls of the deceased popes who are buried there on All Souls’ Day, November 2. VATICAN MEDIA
By Nicholas Elders A keen pastoral ingenuity, mixed with a renewed emphasis on our responsibilities to the poor and marginalized, are the hallmarks of Pope Francis’ papacy, Archbishop J. Michael Miller says. In an interview with The B.C. Catholic to discuss Francis’ 10 years as Pope, Archbishop Miller said Francis’ chief contribution to the Church...
Lisa Rumpel’s book Arise Shine & Live: On Resilience, Faith, and Bipolar Disorder is a collection of reflections about living life with mental illness and the healing that is possible with time and faith. (Submitted photos)
By Nicholas Elbers Finishing a book is a major milestone for any writer, let alone someone who has struggled with mental illness throughout her life. B.C. Catholic columnist Lisa Rumpel has done just that. Drawing from her five years of B.C. Catholic columns, Rumpel’s book Arise Shine & Live: On Resilience, Faith, and Bipolar Disorder is a...
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...
