Cowichan Hospice House opened in the depths of the pandemic in November of 2020. Though the house has served the community for over a year, one significant piece was still to come—a series of three stained-glass windows inspired by the natural beauty of the Cowichan region.

Please note that the application deadline is July 15, 2022.

The Canadian Council of Churches, in collaboration with the Canadian Bishops of the Ukrainian Catholic and Ukrainian Orthodox Churches, has issued an invitation to Christians in Canada to pray for peace in Ukraine and to ring church bells at noon local time on April 24. Prayers are linked.

As a sign of God’s mercy at work in the world, Bishop Gary Gordon encourages all people of the Diocese of Victoria to read Pope Francis’ apology for the Catholic Church’s role in Canada’s residential school system. The story and apology are linked.

Shalom Ministry invites you to the program “Jesus Heals”, a unique opportunity to receive physical and spiritual healing. May 5th at St. Edward's Duncan, starting at 6:30pm. Poster linked.

The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops has released a statement welcoming the apology made by Pope Francis today in Rome to Indigenous Peoples.

Attached you will find a schedule of the visit. Some parts of the visit will be livestreamed by Salt & Light Catholic Media Foundation on their website, https://www.slmedia.org/, as indicated on the schedule.

For over 50 years, Development and Peace – Caritas Canada has been organizing its Share Lent campaign. This year’s campaign theme, People and Planet First, is inspired by the message of love for our neighbour and the protection of the environment in Pope Francis’ letter Laudato Si’.

As announced on March 10th, the Province is further easing Covid-19 restrictions. Please find attached a Memo from Bishop Gary regarding these changes, and a corresponding updated version of the Music Ministry Covid-19 Prevention Plan, to be followed by all parishes in the Diocese.

A Statement of Appreciation from the Ukrainian Catholic Church in Canada has just been added to the Diocesan website.

Together with people of good will around the world, Bishop Gary Gordon urges all those in the Diocese of Victoria to pray for peace in Ukraine. Click for the article.

To summarize: · Wedding receptions, funeral receptions and gatherings for the purpose of acknowledging or celebrating a significant event (eg, baptism receptions) are now permitted, and may be held according to the requirements for worship services if the reception immediately follows the service · The requirements for other non-worship gatherings, essential gatherings, and worship services remain the same

Today marks the beginning of Catholic Schools’ Week in the Victoria Diocese. The theme this year is One Family, One Hope In Christ. Each and every year, Catholic schools join together to share a message about the importance and value of Catholic education to the Church and society as a whole.

Bishop Gary Gordon invites you to help chart a course for our journey together, now and in the future, as the people of God.

The KAIROS Blanket Exercise is an experiential teaching tool based on participatory popular education methodology and the major themes and findings of the 1996 Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples. Contact the office to register.

The Canadian Bishops have established a new charity to manage a national Indigenous Reconciliation Fund, governed by a Board consisting of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.

We remain committed to walking toward healing and reconciliation and very much look forward to the opportunity for Indigenous Elders, knowledge keepers, residential school survivors, and youth to meet with Pope Francis.

Registration for the 2022 Bishop Lobsinger Bursary has just opened.  This bursary offers 14 - $1,000 bursaries to post secondary Catholic students up to the age of 25. Click for the information.

All people of the Diocese of Victoria are invited to attend a free online workshop on Thursday, February 10 from 3:00 – 5:00 pm. Click for more information.

Update on non-worship church gatherings, with a link to the full directives inside the Memo.