There is nothing quite so beautiful as a full church! Yes, Our Lady’s church was packed to the rafters for last Sunday’s 11am Mass & Commissioning of school staff. There was a palpable sense of joy, gratitude and excitement as teachers, parents and children all joined in the lively celebration of the Eucharist. This was followed by a delightful barbeque in the school courtyard. It was a nice occasion for parents and teachers to meet and mingle.
There was another item on the ex-liturgical agenda last week.
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Are You Thinking of Becoming Catholic?
Have you been wondering what it means to be Catholic? Have you thought about how to support your child who’s going to Catholic school? Have you wondered if life’s difficult questions can really be answered by religion? Find out more in RCIA (the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) which starts on Sunday September 10. Gathering sessions are from 9am – 10:30am. Go to https://olphchurch.ca/join/become-catholic/ to sign up. You can also simply email rcia.olphbc@gmail.com for more information.
Accompanying RCIA Inquirers
If you would like to spend a little time once or twice a month sharing your faith or simply being present to someone who wants to know Jesus better, sign up to be an RCIA supporter. Please email rcia.olphbc@gmail.com to express your interest in sharing your faith.
Family Eucharistic Summit
Saturday Aug 26, 1 pm | St. Francis de Sales Parish
6610 Balmoral Street, Burnaby, BC V5E 1J1
The Family Eucharistic Summit is a one-day event for families to enter into the wonder and awe of the Most Blessed Sacrament.
Program includes Eucharistic Adoration and Procession, Mass with Archbishop Miller, CSB, Host Making, Eucharistic Miracles Exhibit
BBQ Dinner (No options for special diets.)
Registration: $50 flat rate/family OR $20/adult $10/youth
FREE for children 12 and under
OLPH Centennial Celebration: Inaugural Mass and Dinner
Our Centennial Inaugural Mass and Dinner is on Saturday January 14. Fr Charles Duval, Provincial Superior of the Redemptorists of Canada will be here for the Saturday evening Mass and dinner. It will be an evening of good food, excellent music, great company and a film about OLPH!
Tickets are available at $20 for an individual, $30 for a couple (from one family) and $40 for a family. If a grandparent is joining you, they can buy an individual ticket and if two grandparents are coming they should get the couple’s ticket. Please use this Event Brite Link to book your tickets early!
Dear Parishioners,
The Archdiocese of Vancouver has launched its annual Project Advance Appeal. As most of you are aware, Project Advance is a very important means of supporting the evangelizing and mission efforts of our Archdiocese. The parish also benefits directly from the appeal when you participate.
The theme of this year’s appeal is Gather Us, Lord. The message of gathering in Jesus’ name is critical for our development as better Christians as well as for the growth of the parish and larger diocesan communities. Your gift to Project Advance is a witness to this active participation as One Body in Christ. When we gather in the Lord’s name, to worship and evangelize, he blesses us with abundant graces which we in turn share with those around us.
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Lenten Retreat & Penitential Service
Sat March 26: 9:30 Coffee | 10am Retreat – The Cross & Small Sins Presented by the Redemptorist Associates| 11am Penitential Service | 11:30 Outdoor Stations of the Cross. Free Admission.
Lenten Retreat: La Cruz y los Pequeños Pecados
Sat April 2: 10am – 12pm Retreat – La Cruz y los Pequeños Pecados.Followed by Confessions & Stations of the Cross. Presented by
Fr Alfredo Ramos in Spanish. Light refreshments during break. Free admission.
No Greater Love: Lenten Faith Study
Fridays Mar 4 – Apr 1, 7-8pm In-Person in Church Hall | Wednesdays Mar 9 – Apr 6, 10:30am -11:30am via Zoom
Experience a deeper understanding and appreciation of God’s immeasurable and unconditional love for you—grow closer to Jesus than you ever have before. Authored and presented by Edward Sri, No Greater Love also features Fr. Mike Schmitz, Jeff Cavins, Jennifer Fulwiler, Curtis Martin, Teresa Tomeo, Fr. Josh Johnson, and Elizabeth Sri. Attendance is free.
Attend in-person 5 Fridays 7-8pm March 4 – April 1 in the parish hall following 6:30pm Stations of the Cross. Or attend online 5 Wednesdays March 9 – April 6, 10:30AM – 11:30am
Click here to sign up for the online gathering.
PASTOR’S MESSAGE:
Dear Parishioners,
Pope Francis has officially announced the Consecration of Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. This timely consecration will take place on the feast of the Annunciation this Friday March 25, at special Masses not just in Rome but all over the world. At our Archdiocese, the Mass of Consecration will be celebrated by Archbishop Miller at Holy Rosary Cathedral at the 12:10pm Mass. A special prayer of consecration will also be offered at all parishes celebrating Mass that day. You may wish to read more about the background and significance of this consecration.
This weekend is Laetare Sunday. This means, “rejoice!” Easter is almost here. We have selected this day for a luncheon celebration after the 11am Mass to bid farewell and welcome our resident priests in their new postings. Fr Joseph is returning to Calcutta a few days after Easter. You will have a chance to thank him and wish him well for his years of dedicated service to our parish. Our new Associate Pastor is Fr Alfredo Ramos who has been with us for a couple of months and settling well into his new role. If you haven’t met him yet, this would be a great time to come by and say hello.
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PASTOR’S MESSAGE:
Dear Parishioners,
With the close of the Christmas season comes the next season in the church calendar – Ordinary Time. The name “Ordinary Time’ may not sound particularly inspiring compared to the other liturgical seasons – Lent, Easter, Advent and Christmas – all seasons which involve lights, candles and elaborate rituals of preparation and celebration both at church and at home. Next to these, Ordinary Time seems blah. But it doesn’t have to be.
The green vestments used in Ordinary Time are a reminder this is a time for growth….extraordinary growth. This is the season when we delve into Jesus’ earthly ministry, his proclamation of God’s kingdom, his teachings on the bread of life, his healing and miracles and his example of caring and compassion.
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The OLPH Music Ministry is planning an Advent prayer service next Saturday Dec 4 at 7pm with music and meditation on the coming of the Christ child. The readings are inspirations from Fulton Sheen and writings of Henri Nouwen.
The event will close with the Christmas light-up of the church. Hot chocolate and cookies will be served. A free will offering will be taken up during the service for the Icon of Love Scholarship Fund to promote liturgical music among young musicians.
