March 2020
Zimbabwe Project
The generosity of our donors to the Zimbabwe Project enabled us to send US$ 8,583 to the Franciscan Missionary Sisters for Africa in Mutare, Zimbabwe recently. These donations helped the many victims of the terrible cyclone which hit Mozambique, Malawi & the Eastern part of Zimbabwe in late March. Sister Eunice told us “your loving support, concern & care gave us the courage to reach out to the most vulnerable. Gives me great hope and joy. Every blessing to you & all your friends.”
If you would like to help with this project, please write a cheque to “Franciscan Missionary Sisters for Africa”, give to Marianne Czerwinski, or to Michael Redding. Alternatively, contact Marianne or Michael through the parish office. Thank you very much for your support.
Our Common Home: Let us please Save the Amazon – the Lungs of the Earth”.
Due to Coronavirus concerns, this campaign has been moved online.
Watch the Solidarity Sunday (29-Mar-2020) appeal here:
Read the letter from Serge Langlois, Director for D&P Caritas Canada.
To make a donation to support Development and Peace’s work, call 1 888-664-3387 or donate online here.. Please email the parish if & when you made an ONLINE donation to D&P
Our Common Home: Let us please Save the Amazon – the Lungs of the Earth”
Second Sunday in Lent: March 8 – International Women’s Day.
Yesica: a voice that reverberates from the Amazon to the Papal Synod.
Yesica Patiachi Tayori of the Peru’s Harakbut Indigenous community, at the Synod of Bishops for the Pan-Amazon Region in October 2019, said, “We, the Indigenous peoples, have been, are and will always be the guardians of the forest. But caring for our common home is everyone’s responsibility, not just that of Indigenous peoples.” Development and Peace’s partner, the Amazonian Centre for Anthropology and Practical Application (CAAAP), helps the Indigenous peoples of the Amazon ensure that their rights and territories are respected.
On this International Women’s Day, let us salute the courage of women like Yesica, who bravely lead the defence of the land, water and people. Watch Yesica’s testimony at devp.org/campaign/yesica.
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Sat March 7, 2020, “My God! My God!” – Lenten Retreat
Explore times when we cry out to God and take time to listen for God’s response.
– Coffee and registration at 8:30 am, retreat 9 am – 12 pm, catered lunch 12-1 pm.
– Before Feb 29: $35 ($20 students)
– After Feb 29: $45 ($25 students).
– Register via Eventbrite here or with the parish office.
February 2020
Development and Peace Caritas Canada – 2020 Share Lent Workshop ‘For Our Common Home’.
Answer to Pope Francis’ deep concern expressed in the 2019 Pan-Amazonian Synod “for …. the crisis of the Amazonian forest, ‘Lung of the Earth’, for our planet”.
In keeping with the spirit of Lent (starting this coming Ash Wednesday), come to this Workshop to reaffirm our commitment For Our Common Home – hear testimonies from the Indigenous and traditional communities of the Amazon and gain knowledge of concrete actions that can be taken to preserve the future of the region and our
earth, for present and future generations.
Date and time: Saturday, Feb 29, 9:30am – 12:30pm.
Venue: St. Augustine Parish, 2018, W. 7th Ave., Vancouver.
Event is free. Coffee & Refreshment.
All are welcome. Bring a mug & a friend! Email Pinky: pinky.devpeace AT gmail.com
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Wed Feb 26, 2020, Ash Wednesday Choir Retreat
4:00-5:30 pm Retreat, 5:30-6:30 simple supper, mass at 7pm
February 26 is Ash Wednesday Mass Services: 12:10pm & 7pm at St. Mark’s Chapel
St. Mark’s Parish Dinner for International Students
– Sunday Feb 9, 2020; 5pm. To all UBC students who have travelled from outside Canada, join us on Sunday, Feb 9 at 5pm for a delicious dinner at Plato’s Cave. Take a break from you studies, and come to meet us at St. Mark’s Parish: your “new home away from home”.
For a head count, please contact Kevin Eng at parish.smark@rcav.org if you plan to attend & inform us of any food allergies. We are excited to meet you (or welcome you back)!
TGIFF First Friday Mass and chili lunch ; 12:10pm Feb 7, 2020
January 2020
The Spiritual Exercises Retreat
This is an intensive Retreat offered in the Archdiocese by JSAV. It lasts 9 months. It is individually directed.
Each person’s retreat is personalized. Composed by St Ignatius Loyola, it was approved by Pope Paul III (1548). It is a compilation of classical Catholic spirituality, applying it to each person’s actual situation & needs.
By praying through one’s own life and the life of Christ, one discerns & experiences God’s Presence, Healing, and Call to salvation and vocation, including any major life decisions.
Application deadline: January 15, 2020. Registration fee: $100 (bursaries available).
For information (& important dates): http://jsav.ca/ or registration, email retreat director
Download a detailed schedule and retreat information here.
Caritas Canada Solidarity Phase 1 Sign-in Campaign ― To Save the Amazon: A Future for us All
Your local D&P reps and Fr. Rob wish to express our humble thanks for the wonderful support you, the parishioners, gave to this effort.
We collected an amazing 227 signatures on the Solidarity Letter, which will be sent to Ottawa and Brazil in our united effort to preserve the Amazon ― The Lungs of the Earth. In particular, the struggling indigenous people of Amazonia will know that we are joined in their struggle! Thanks for caring!
Felix and Jenny
Feb 1, 2020; St. Mark’s Parish Volunteers Retreat
This year’s theme is “Watching Trees Grow” with Fr Michael Harter, SJ. 9am registration and coffee. Retreat starts at 9:30am till 3pm and includes a mid-morning coffee break. Lunch at 12:45pm at Carey Centre.
The retreat is FREE for all parish volunteers. Please register at parish.smark@rcav.org or call 604 822 0261
Development and Peace – Caritas Canada: Climate Change
Let us together Save the Amazon At the conclusion of the November 2019 Papal Synod on the Amazon as a central part of the Vatican’s Climate Change strategy, Pope Francis declared “The Future of the Amazon is the Future for All”. The Amazon produces 20% of the world’s oxygen and contains 50% of the Earth’s fauna and flora. It is a major absorber of our planet’s green house gases, which produce global warming. Yet the Amazon area and its 380 indigenous peoples are being wantonly destroyed by indiscriminate mining, oil exploration, deforestation, hydroelectric dam building and targeted killings. In the last few years alone, 20% of the forested areas have been eliminated. Please join us at Development and Peace – Caritas Canada – by signing our Solidarity letter of support to save the Amazon and its peoples in their struggle to sustain the Amazon – the “Lungs of the Earth”.
The signature letters will be received in both Ottawa and Brazil. Covenant House Vancouver Plea: Make a one-time gift for homeless and at-risk youth.
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“Abe” – File Screening.
– Abe is a 12 year old boy from Brooklyn who cooks to unite his half Jewish and half Muslim family, but everything goes wrong. Monday, Jan 20; 7-8:30pm. More info here…
Jan 22, 2020, 5:30pm; Ecumenical Worship Service (Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2020)
Listen to the sermon by Rev. Dr. Jason Byassee here:
[sc_embed_player fileurl=https://www.stmarksparishvancouver.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Dr_Jason_Byassee_Ecumenical_Prayer_22Jan2020.mp3]
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TGIFF (“Second” Friday actually)- Mass and chili lunch ; 12:10pm Jan 10, 2020
Gifts of the Little Magi (Sunday, Jan 5, 2020).
When we celebrate the Feast of Epiphany on Sunday, January 5, we would like to encourage the young children to bring a birthday gift for baby Jesus and present this during the Offertory.
This is a wonderful opportunity for the children to wrap a present for baby Jesus and give Him homage like the Magi. An item of baby clothing or toiletries like baby wipes and diapers would be most appreciated. The presents gathered will be given to BirthRight
Vancouver in support of their ministry to women and their infants.
Jesus thanks you! Please contact the Parish Office at parish.smark@rcav.org if you have any questions.
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December 2019
Christmas Liturgies at St. Mark’s Parish 2019
– Family (Children’s) mass: Tues, Dec 24: 5pm
– Night mass : Tues, Dec 24: Caroling at 10:30pm, Mass at 11pm
– Christmas morning mass: Wed, Dec 24: One mass at 11am
– New Year’s Day: Wed Jan 1, 2020; One mass at 11am
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Children’s Christmas Mass
Join us for the celebration on Dec. 24 at 5pm. Rehearsals in the chapel:
– Sunday Dec 15, 12:45 to 1:15pm Readers
– Sunday Dec 22, 12:45 to 1:15pm Children’s choir; 1:15 to 1:45pm Readers
Purdy Pavillion Christmas Gift Giving
Be sure to bring the present by Sunday, December 22 so no one is left out.
Catholic Charities Justice Services (CCJS)
is seeking donations of 2020 Calendars for prisoners.
Reconciliation service:
– Our Advent Reconciliation service will be held on Wednesday Dec 11, 2019 and 7pm. This is a great opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation during the season of Advent.
If you were unable to attend at this time, there will be other opportunities to attend at other parishes.
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Our Lady of Guadalupe on Thursday, Dec 12, 2019 at 12:10am
Let’s celebrate the Feast Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe on Dec. 12, Thurs; 12:10pm Mass at St. Mark’s Chapel. Mexican reception follows in Plato’s Cave after Mass.
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Sat Dec 7, 8:30am-1pm, O Come Let Us Adore Him Advent Retreat.
Prayerfully enter Advent, exploring our invitation to adore the Divine Incarnate through scripture, prayer, music, imagination and art.
Retreat includes quiet time for individual prayer as well as opportunity for small group faith sharing. Coffee and registration at 8:30 am, retreat 9am – 12pm, catered lunch 12-1pm. Registration fee includes retreat, prayer materials, coffee and lunch. Parking is $9. Early bird $35, at the door $45, students $20, $25 at the door. Register with the parish office or online:
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/o-come-let-us-adore-him-advent-retreat-tickets-73484200221
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TGIFF (Thank Goodness it’s First Friday)- Mass and chili lunch ; Dec 6, 2019
Dec 5, 2019; Anamnesis – A new Concept Album by Sam Rocha
– Sam Rocha is a parishioner at St. Mark’s Parish, an associate professor at UBC, and a local musician. He has released three full albums, an EP, and a single since 2011.”
Anamnesis” is his newest concept album, released on December 1st (the First Sunday of Advent). This album explores the idea of “anamnesis,” a notion taken from Plato by the Catholic theology and philosophy. Rocha’s previous work has explored ideas of freedom, love, fear, and the “Confessions” of St. Augustine.
Event: A Concert with Sam Rocha
Place: St. Mark’s Parish
Date and Time: Thursday, December 5, from 5 to 6:30 pm
Cost: FREE
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November 2019
Parish Christmas Party — Nov. 30
Our Parish is arranging a Christmas Party on November 30, Saturday, 6pm at the Epiphany Chapel Social Hall
Public Lectures at St. Mark’s College
“Our Dream Soars Higher”: Pope Francis’ Call to “Civic and Political Love”
– Dr. Steven P. Millies, Associate Professor of Public Theology, will explore ways we can transform our politics and our world in the midst of political turmoil and polarization. November 7 – 7-9pm. St. Mark’s Chapel
What is Human Nature?The Theological Politics of Anthropology
– Join Dr. Paul Allen | Academic Dean, Corpus Christi College on Sat. Nov. 16, 11am – Room 101 at St. Mark’s College.
Nov 15, 5:30pm. Gold Mass for Scientist with Archbishop Michael Miller
A Gold Mass for scientists will be celebrated at St. Mark‘s Church, UBC, on Friday, Nov. 15, at 5:30pm with Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB, as celebrant.
The Gold Mass began as an initiative of the U.S.-based Society of Catholic Scientists which exists to ―witness to the harmony between the vocation of scientist and the life of faith.‖ This Mass follows in the tradition of special Masses for members of a particular
profession.
The colour gold reflects the colour of the hoods worn by
those graduating with a Ph.D. in science and because St. Albert the Great was an alchemist who worked to turn base metals into gold. Light refreshments will be served after Mass.
All are welcome to attend.
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Visiting the Sick: Caring for the Community – Supporting Quality Healthcare.
for all Eucharistic ministers and Parish visitors to the sick.
– Location: St. Mark’s Chapel
– Date/time: Nov 2, 2019; 9am-1pm.
Workshop Director – Romayne Gallagher MD, CCFP(PC), FCFP
Department of Family and Community Medicine
Providence Health Care
Clinical Professor, Division of Palliative Care, UBC
Eucharistic ministers and volunteer visitors to the sick are the eyes and hands and heart of our parish in the community reaching out to those who may experience pain and isolation during times of illness. The workshop will educate volunteers to be aware of what quality palliative care is and how to access it for people who should be receiving it.
People who are receiving quality palliative care are more likely to have physical and psychological symptoms controlled and have the support they need to cope with their illness or disability. This workshop will support visitors to the sick in their mission of help others know they are cared for in times of illness or suffering.
Registration:
Workshop Fee, $25 – Lunch included (financial support available where needed)
Register on this Eventbrite page or call the St. Marks Parish office parish.smark@rcav.org or by phone (604-822-0261)
The Parish Office is open 9am-4:30pm, Monday through Thursday.
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St. Mark’s Parish Dinner for International Students
– Sunday Nov 3, 2019; 5pm. To all UBC students who have travelled from outside Canada, join us on Sunday, November 3 at 5pm for a delicious dinner at Plato’s Cave. Take a break from you studies, and come to meet us at St. Mark’s Parish: your “new home away from home”.
For a head count, please contact Kevin Eng at parish.smark@rcav.org if you plan to attend & inform us of any food allergies. We are excited to meet you (or welcome you back)!
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Nov 2, 2019: A Future for the Amazon, A Future for All
Development and Peace Caritas Canada free Workshop
The Amazon is the world’s largest tropical rain forest, spanning nine countries. It serves as the lungs of the planet, absorbing carbon emissions and providing 20% of the oxygen we breath. It helps stabilize the climate of the Earth, our common home.
The Amazon and its people are under threat. Protecting the Amazon is a matter of survival not only for them but also for all of us, because we and all the Earth are interconnected. A FUTURE FOR THE AMAZON, A FUTURE FOR ALL. Learn more and know what you can do to help protect Earth, our common home. This workshop is FREE of charge. Bring your own cup for coffee/ tea. Refreshment will be served. Bring a friend, learning is more fun with a friend! Spread the word!
October 2019
Oct 23, 26; Food for the Soul Student Retreats
This mini-retreat offers an opportunity for prayer, quiet reflection on student life as well as conversation & community building with other students. We welcome all students at UBC & affiliated schools.
Join us either Wednesday, Oct 23 from 5pm-8pm in the chapel (pizza lunch included in Plato’s cave) or Saturday Feb 26 from 9am – 1pm in the chapel (lunch included). The retreats are free but we request registration on Eventbrite (or the parish office) for catering purposes.
Register for Oct 23 event here.
Register for Oct 26 event here.
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Your Faith in Action
2019 Federal Election
The Justice, Reconciliation and Ecology Commission of the Jesuit Province of Canada offers you a tool for reflection and action before the 2019 Federal Election. Read it here…
The Canadian Catholic Conference of Bishops (CCCB) have also published a Voting Guide for Catholics.
Parish Thanksgiving Dinner 2019
Our Parish is arranging a Thanksgiving Dinner on Saturday, Oct 12, 6:00pm at Epiphany Chapel Social Hall.
The Parish will provide the turkey and ham but we are looking for casseroles, salads, fruit/veggie platters and desserts as supplement. We also need volunteers to help with set up and clean up. Please consider lending a hand on Oct. 12 starting at 4pm.
If you can help, please contact the parish at parish.smark@rcav.org or phone at (604) 822 0261. This celebration will be a green event so please bring your own dishes and cutlery.
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2019 Fundraising Breakfast for St. Mark’s and Corpus Christi Colleges.
Oct 5, 2019; 9:30am. Archbishop Miller will give the keynote address.
Eucharistic Adoration and Solemn Vespers for the Feast of Blessed John Henry Newman; Wed, Oct 9th
St. Mark’s Chapel
– 5:30pm: Exposition and Adoration
– 6:30pm: Evening Prayer and Benediction
TGIFF (Thank Goodness it’s First Friday)- Mass and soup lunch (special butternut squash soup menu only for October) ; Oct 4, 2019.
September 2019
UBC Climate Strike
Action must be taken on the global crisis immediately. Join the UBC Climate Strike September 27 at 11 am in front of AMS Nest. Read on here…
Following the UBC event, the Global Climate Strike (citywide) 1pm-5pm, takes place starting at Vancouver City Hall, continuing across Cambie Street Bridge, and ending at West Georgia Street and Hamilton Street.
Moms Retreat and Lunch
Sat. Sept. 28, 8:30 am – 1 pm. This retreat is geared for the busy moms of St. Mark’s Parish who need some quiet time to pray, seek nourishment from God, and connect with other moms. Coffee and lunch provided.
Suggested donation is $35, payable at the door.
Bursaries available, if needed. Moms only. Please arrange for childcare. Please register with the parish office by Wednesday, September 25.
1. “Come and See” Student Faith Sharing CLC Meetings for STUDENTS and Non-Students (**NEW**)
Christian Life Community (CLC) began during the time of St. Ignatius of Loyola as a way for lay people to share their faith lives, deepen their spiritual formation, discern their mission together and engage in lives of love & service. If you are interested in joining a group where sharing how your faith life intersects your daily life and where you learn more about Ignatian spirituality, discernment for mission, and become a contemplative in action,
please join us.
1. We are launching a Non-Student CLC group (**NEW**) on Wednesday September 18 at 7:15pm in Room 300
2. The STUDENT CLC (ongoing) has two meeting options, beginning on Sunday, September 8 at 1pm and Monday September 9 at 5pm – both in Room 102. Student CLC meets every other week.
Please “come and see” if CLC might be the spiritual home you are seeking. Please contact the parish office for more information.
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Sacramental Preparation:
– RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults). Class begins: Sept 15, 2019
For adults interested in the Catholic Faith.
– Confirmation preparation. Class begins: Sept 22, 2019
– First Communion preparation. Class begins: Sept 15, 2019
Faith Formation Programs:
The following sessions are currently running. Contact the Parish if you have questions.
– Bible Study with Fr. Bill Wilson, SJ
1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month at 1:15pm in the Chapel.
– Science and Faith Reflection Group.
2nd & 4th Tuesday of each month at 7:30pm in St. Mark’s Chapel.
“- Come & See” Student and non-Student Faith Sharing CLC meetings Sundays and Mondays
– Children’s Liturgy
takes place during BOTH the 9:30 and 11:30am masses on Sundays
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– Sept 4, 2019: Campus Mass & Choir at 12:10pm (11:30am rehearsal). Every Wednesday, the musical talent of the Community are gathered to help with the prayer during the regular community daily mass. If you play and instrument or sing, you are most welcome to join us.
– Sept 6, 2019: TGIFF (Thank Goodness it’s First Friday) – Mass and lunch ; Come and join us for prayer, food, fellowship, and hot chili! Mass will be at 12:10pm, lunch will be served in Plato’s Cave afterwards.
– Sept 8, 2019: Children’s Liturgy begins during BOTH the 9:30 and 11:30am masses.
– Sept 1, 8, 2019: Nametag Sundays (all masses). Welcome to students, faculty and families!
– Sept 8, 9, 2019: Student CLC Faith Sharing. Sundays, at 1pm and Mondays at 5pm – both in Room 102. This group meets every other week.
– Sept 10, 2019: Science and Faith Reflection Group meeting 7:30pm in St. Mark’s Chapel.
– Sept 15, 2019: First Communion Prep classes, Room 101 (downstairs in college building)
– Sept 15, 2019: RCIA sessions begin (1:00pm on Sundays).
If you with to learn more about the Catholic faith, or you are a baptized Catholic who wishes to reconnect with the faith, this is the program for you.
– Sept 17, 2019: Bible Study 1:15pm in St. Mark’s Chapel (after daily mass). We will explore the Gospel of John in our next sessions.
– Sept 18, 2019: CLC Faith Sharing (non-Student)– Wednesday September 18 at 7:15pm in Room 300.
– Sept 20, 2019: Moms and Tots at St. Mark’s: 1st and 3rd Friday of each month 1pm-3pm (St. Mark’s Chapel).
– Sept 21, 2019: Student Hike: Meet 8:00am at St. Marks; Depart 8:30am.
– Sept 22, 2019: Confirmation Prep classes, Room TBD (college building).
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July 2019
Come celebrate the Feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola
at St. Mark’s Parish on July 28 after the 9:30am and 11:30am Masses. Everyone is welcome!
31 Days of St. Ignatius – Online Guided Prayer Activity
Walk the daily journey with us starting July, as we explore different styles of Ignatian prayer.
June 2019
We are putting together the 2019 Parish Directory!
– Photo Sessions will take place after the 9:30am and 11:30am Masses on July 7 and 14…
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RCIA Update
Congratulations to Coral-Lee Hillier, Yoon Kyung Chang, Veda Men, Gloria Kay, Kristyn Lee, Karen Sun, Eli Stoffman, and Meaghan McLachlan who received the Sacraments of Initiation on Easter Vigil 2019! (click to enlarge photo on the left)
Confirmation:
Congratulations to Ana Carolina Garcia de Souza and Nicholas Poon who celebrated their Confirmation with the community on June 16, 2019
First Communion:
Special Blessings and Congratulations to Rafael James de Boer, Katherina Hyo Rin (Kaylee) Chung, Richie (Richard) Chung, Cara Liu, Elizabeth Celia Michelle Marie Nocente, Lorena Janaina Peixer, Anika Verme, Ignacio Verme who celebrated their First Holy Communion with our community on June 2, 2019
Parish Picnic 2019
– June 23 after the 11:30am mass.
The Parish will provide the main dish but we are looking for donations of fruit, salad and dessert as supplement. We also need volunteers to help with set-up and clean-up. If you can help, please contact the parish at parish.smark@rcav.org or phone at (604) 822 0261.
This celebration is a green event so please bring your own dishes and cutlery.
May 2019
Request for New or Gently Used Items
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is getting ready for their Annual Yard Sale on Saturday, May 25. Proceeds will go towards helping to fund our outreach efforts. Donate new or gently used items in good condition (toys, household items, clothes, craft supplies, tools, etc., but no large furniture items, car seats, cribs or electronics).
Donations can be dropped off at Holy Family Parish on Wednesdays after the 9am Mass until noon or on Sundays after the 10:30am Mass. Pick-up can also be arranged. Food donations are also welcome on the day of the garage sale. Please contact Sherri Marcotte 604-710-4269
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Moms Retreat and Lunch Sat. May 25, 9am – 1pm
This retreat is geared for the busy Moms of St. Mark’s Parish who need some quiet time to pray, seek nourishment from God, and connect with other moms.
Coffee and lunch provided. Please register with the parish office by Wednesday, May 22. Suggested donation is $35, payable at the door. Bursaries available, if needed. Moms only. Please arrange for childcare.
April 2019
Ambrose and Matilda 6th Annual Fundraising Dinner
– Concert in Support of L’Arche Greater Vancouver’s “We All Belong” Project
On Saturday, May 4, 2019, 5pm at Shaughnessy Golf Club, 4300 SW Marine Drive
Tickets: $60 (cash only) for dinner & concert Contacts: RSVP to _____. or Lauren at 778 822 0316
TICKETS WILL BE AVAILABLE THIS SUNDAY, APRIL 21 AFTER ALL MASSES
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Mass/Service schedule for Holy Week:
Palm Sunday (April 14, 2019): 9:30am, 11:30am, 7:00pm
Note that there will be NO Tuesday bible study on April 16.
Holy Thursday (April 18, 2019): 7:00pm Mass
Good Friday (April 19, 2019):
– 11:00am Stations of the Cross
– 1:00pm Seven Last Words of Christ
– 3:00pm Service
Easter Vigil (April 20, 2019): 9:00pm Mass
Easter Sunday (April 21, 2019): 9:30am, 11:30am. NO 7:00pm Mass
Easter Egg hunt: April 21, 2019 at 10:35am. Please listen to announcements at 10:30am (after the 9:30am mass in the chapel)
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Development and Peace – Share Lent Campaign
Share the Journey: Let’s Share the Culture of Encounter.
Pope Francis himself guided the selection of this year’s Share Lent theme, that we are members of the One Human Family called upon to ‘walk in the shoes of others,’ sharing the journey of the 68.5 million refugee migrants fleeing persecution, exploitation, natural disasters and abject poverty.
Together with Climate Change, this crisis has been deemed as the most critical issue currently facing our Human Family. In spite of the overpowering numbers, we must see in each migrant the face of our very Lord Jesus who was himself an infant migrant to Egypt.
This year we humbly request your caring support during the Lenten Season by committing to the following actions:
– Be informed. Pick up a Mini-magazine & read one of the real human stories. See how your kind help does make a difference
– Be prayerful. Pick up a Prayer Card and use your power
of prayer to help bring aid to our needy brothers and sisters
– Be generous. Your financial donation supports our local
partners working in the field. For example, through you, D&P working with its local partner has aided 100,000 Rohingya people by providing some basic pressing needs like food, shelter & sanitation
– Join a symbolic solidarity walk, to be detailed later
D&P humbly requests yet again your customary generosity during the Lenten collection.
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During the season of Lent, please join the community in the chapel to pray the Stations of the Cross on Fridays at 1:00pm, after daily mass.
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Lenten Reconciliation Service – Wednesday, April 10, 2019: 7:00pm; St. Marks Chapel.
Come and join us for a quiet time of Lenten meditation and the opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The evening will begin at 7:00pm with the Liturgy of the Word, short prayers, and examination of conscience.
March 2019
TGIFF (Thank Goodness it’s First Friday)- Mass and chili lunch ; April 5, 2019
Jesus, Our Prayer Companion:
The Life of Faith in the Letter to the Hebrews
Newman Lenten Retreat on Sat., March 23, 10am-1:30pm at St. Mark’s Parish with Rev. Bill Wilson, SJ.
Join the Newman Association of Vancouver in their Lenten retreat following an Ignatian path of contemplative prayer and study of the powerful & enigmatic NT book of Hebrews.
(Pizza Lunch included) Cost: $10
Register: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/jesus-our-prayer-companion- the-life-of-faith-in-the-letter-to-the-hebrews-tickets-57892601329
Young People and the Church? A Conversation
Young adults and those who work with young people are invited to a panel discussion followed by small group conversations responding to the 2018 Synod on Youth. The panelists and hosts include experts in theology, educators, and young people who live active faith lives.
Together they will explore how the Church can listen to, learn with, and accompany young people in the real circumstances of their lives.
Date/Time: Thursday, March 14, at 7pm at St. Mark’s College, Vancouver.
To register (no cost), visit:
https://rcav.org/event/young-people-and-the-church/
Or visit http://stmarkscollege.ca/news-events/events/young- people-and-the-church-a-conversation/
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Ash Wednesday Masses 2019
March 6, 2019. Join us at the 12:10pm and 7:00pm Masses.
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Lent through the Lens of Love
Lenten Retreat; Saturday, March 9, 9:30am-1pm (St. Mark’s Parish).
Experience Lent through the lens of love. Engage scripture, imagination, art, music and poetry. Explore 3 Lenten Gospel narratives which reveal great love.
Cost: $30 before Feb 28, $40 afterwards; $20 students with ID. Register on Eventbrite or at the Parish Office.
View retreat poster here:
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Feb 2019
Food for the Soul Student Retreats Feb 7 and 16.
This mini-retreat offers an opportunity for prayer, quiet reflection on student life as well as conversation & community building with other students. We welcome all students at UBC & affiliated schools.
Join us either Saturday Feb 16 from 9am – 12pm in the chapel, with lunch following in Plato’s Cave, or Thursday Feb 7 from 5:30-7:30pm in the chapel, with refreshments following in Plato’s Cave. The retreats are free but we request registration on Eventbrite (or the parish office) for catering purposes.
Register for the Feb 7th event here.
Register for the Feb 16th event here.
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Dinner event for Students away from home (Sunday, Feb 3, 5:00pm) – REGISTRATION REQUIRED
If you are a UBC student who has travelled away from your home to study, you are invited to join us on February 3 at 5pm for a delicious dinner at Plato’s Cave.
Come to meet us at St. Mark’s Parish – we hope that you can make this your “new home away from home”.
For a head count, please contact Kevin Eng at parish.smark@rcav.org if you plan to attend & inform us of any food allergies. We are excited to meet you (if you are new), and to see you again, if you are a familiar face!
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TGIFF (Thank Goodness it’s First Friday)- Mass and chili lunch ; Feb 1, 2019
Jan 2019
Parish Volunteers Retreat with Fr. Rick Ganz, SJ, Sat. Jan. 26
All parish volunteers are invited to join Fr. Rick Ganz, SJ for a retreat from 9 am – 4 pm at the parish. This day will offer volunteers an opportunity to refill their cups, to reflect on the graces received in ministry, and to feel rejuvenated and appreciated.
Fr. Rick is the Director of the Faber Institute in Portland, Oregon. Coffee and catered lunch provided. The retreat is FREE for all parish volunteers; for all others, $60 suggested donation ($30 for students).
Please register with Rowena in the parish office by Jan. 22.
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ECUMENICAL WORSHIP SERVICE -Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2019
“Justice, and only justice, you shall pursue” (Deuteronomy 16:18-20)
Location/Time:
– Wednesday, January 23rd, 5:30pm
– St. Mark’s Chapel, UBC
– 5935 Iona Dr.
**** Listen to sermon by Alecia Greenfield:
[sc_embed_player fileurl=https://www.stmarksparishvancouver.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Alicia_Ecumenical_Worship_Service_23Jan2019.mp3]
The Week of Prayer of Christian Unity is celebrated on January 18-25 and is organized by the World Council of Churches.
The theme for this year is “Justice and only justice you shall pursue” based on Deuteronomy 16:18-20.
The Christian communities of the University of British Columbia and its affiliate institutions cordially invite people of faith to come together in order to pray for the great task of bringing people together during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.
Join us for a time of prayer and fellowship. You are very welcome to invite your friends and family.
Sermon to be delivered by Alecia Greenfield, Salal and Cedar (Watershed Discipleship) Anglican Church Chancellor’s Scholar, Vancouver School of Theology
The Order of Service is jointly prepared and published by the Pontifical Council for Christian Unity and the Commission on Faith and Order of the World Council of Churches.
“The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2019 has been prepared by Christians from Indonesia. With a population of 265 million, 86% of whom are reckoned to be Muslim, Indonesia is well known as having the largest Muslim population of any country. However, about 10% of Indonesians are Christian from various traditions. In terms of both population and the vast extension of the country Indonesia is the biggest nation in South East Asia. The nation is founded on five principles called Pancasila, with the motto Bhineka Tunggal Ika (Unity in Diversity). Across the diversity of ethnicity, language and religion, Indonesians have lived by the principle of gotong royong which is to live in solidarity and by collaboration.
This always fragile harmony is today threatened in new ways. Much of the economic growth that Indonesia has experienced in recent decades has been built on a system that has competition at its heart. This is in stark contrast to the collaboration of gotong royong.
Corruption is experienced in many forms. It infects politics and business, often with devastating consequences for the environment. In particular, corruption undermines justice and the implementation of law. Moved by these concerns, the Christians of Indonesia found that the words of Deuteronomy, “Justice, and only justice, you shall pursue …” (see Deut. 16:18-20) spoke powerfully to their situation and needs. Before the people of God enter the land God has promised them they renew their commitment to the Covenant God established with them.”
Come for a wonderful time of prayer and song!
Food and reception to follow!
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Gifts of the little Magi (Jan 6, 2019).
We would encourage the young children to bring a birthday gift for baby Jesus during the Feast of the Epiphany…