The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB), gathered in Plenary Assembly this week, agreed upon a series of next steps related to the painful legacy of residential schools. This work builds on previous commitments to promote access to records, educate clergy on Indigenous cultures and spirituality, and contribute $30 million to healing and reconciliation initiatives across Canada.

Please see the attached poster for what we are collecting here at St Edward's for this Service Day. We appreciate your donations brought to the church that will then be delivered all together to Warmland.

A Parish Mission, to be held on October 4th-6th. The Mission will be held at two different parishes: St. Andrew's Cathedral at 12:10pm or St. Joseph the Worker Parish at 6:00 pm. CLICK for details.

The Diocese of Victoria is searching for a dynamic individual for the position of Superintendent of the Catholic Independent Schools of the Diocese of Victoria.

In February 2022, Bishop Gary invited all people to participate in Synod 2021-2023. Over the months that followed, nearly 500 people from across our diocese took part in the Synod process. Here are the FULL results.

At his weekly audience on Wednesday, August 3, Pope Francis reflected on his recent visit to Canada.

The Bishops of Canada are thankful for Pope Francis’ historic visit to our country. He came in fulfilment of his promise to manifest by his very presence his closeness to the Indigenous Peoples of this land. This visit represents a significant milestone on the path of healing and reconciliation.

This year’s theme for the 2nd annual World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly is the Holy Father’s invitation to reconsider and value a group that is too often kept on the margins of families, civil, and ecclesial communities. Their experience of life and faith can contribute to building societies that are more aware of their roots, and capable of dreaming of a future based on greater solidarity. The invitation to listen to the wisdom of their years is also particularly significant in the context of the synodal journey we are on. The PRAYER for Grandparents is found under "Resources."

"Stella Maris" - On the second Sunday in July every year Christian communities celebrate Sea Sunday. Today we call to mind the essential work of more than a million seafarers who work on ships transporting goods around the world every day of the year. PRAYER - found under "Resources"

Please pray for our dear Pope Francis, Bishop Gary Gordon, Priests, Deacons, Religious, Lay Communities and Seminarians in the Diocese of Victoria.

“Great Big Beautiful World” invites children to see the ways God cares for the earth and challenges them to be part of caring for and preserving the created world - living Laudato Si'. Join us at St Edward’s, August 22-26. To register click for details.

June 23, 2022 – Canada’s Catholic Bishops welcome today’s announcement from the Holy See providing further details of the itinerary of Pope Francis’ historic visit to Canada, July 24 – 29, 2022. The Holy Father’s pilgrimage will focus on Indigenous healing and reconciliation while also providing the shepherd of the world’s 1.2 billion Catholics an opportunity to encounter the faithful in Canada. Due to his advanced age and limitations, it is expected that participation by Pope Francis at public events will be limited to approximately one hour. The visit, drawing on the theme of “Walking Together”, will include a combination of public and private events, with an emphasis on Indigenous participation throughout the visit. Ticketing (free) for public events will be announced in the coming days. A volunteer portal for those wishing to share their time and talents, as well as continuing information on the historic visit, can be accessed through this link.

This live Zoom event takes place on Father’s Day, Sunday, 19 June 2022, at noon PDT.  Featuring different families and voices from across the country, it is an opportunity to gather in prayer with other faith-filled families.

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.