2nd Sunday of Lent
Important Updates
Online Giving
Make a weekly, or one-time donation to the St. Edmund's Parish collection.
Prayer for the Holy Father
Almighty ever-living God, eternal health of believers,
Who willed that our infirmities
Be borne by your Only-Begotten Son for our salvation,
Listen in kindness to our prayers
For your servant Francis, our Pope and Shepherd:
Grant him, we implore you, your merciful help,
So that he may be restored to your Church in good health,
Ever ready to serve the flock you have entrusted to his care.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
Who lives and reigns with you
In the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
A Journey of Transformation
Lent is a sacred season of renewal—a time to pause, reflect, and realign our hearts with God. It is a journey of forty days, mirroring Jesus’ time in the wilderness, where He fasted, prayed, and overcame temptation. Just as Christ emerged from the desert strengthened for His mission, we, too, are called to use this season for spiritual growth.
Lent invites us to embrace three key practices: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Through prayer, we deepen our relationship with God, opening our hearts to His grace and guidance. Through fasting, we learn self-discipline, detaching from distractions that pull us away from Him. Through almsgiving, we extend Christ’s love to others, especially the poor, the lonely, and the suffering.
Yet, Lent is not just about external actions—it is about inner transformation. It calls us to examine our hearts: Where have we fallen short? What habits, attitudes, or sins keep us from fully embracing God’s love? True repentance is not just feeling sorry for our failures but allowing God to reshape us into the people He created us to be.
As we journey toward Easter, may we walk with Jesus in humility and trust. May we surrender our burdens, seek His mercy, and emerge renewed—ready to embrace the joy of His resurrection.
“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:10)
Fr Steny
ST. JOSEPH’S SOCIETY - This Sunday's second collection supports our retired priests who have dedicated their entire life to the Church. Generous support from the community ensures a comfortable living environment, quality medical care, and other essential services for our retired priests. Parishioners can make their tax-deductible donation to St. Joseph’s Society in-person at the parish or online at rcav.org/joseph.
ST THOMAS AQUINAS SECONDARY: has left brochures in our Church foyer, for its Annual Giving and Gratitude Fund. This is an appeal that happens every year, for the ongoing needs of the school. This year the school's fund has done well, but it is 63,000 short of its total goal of 200,000. We thank parishioners for your ongoing support for our Catholic Secondary school on the North Shore.
MEMORIAL MASS FOR REV. FR. FEDERICO BUTTNER ON HIS 5TH DEATH Anniversary - The Buttner Family invites you to a Memorial Mass for Fr. Fred Buttner on Friday, April 4 at 7 pm at Holy Name of Jesus Parish, 4925 Cambie Street, Vancouver followed by a family meet & greet in the parish hall downstairs. Kindly RSVP to Maria at mariabuttner77@gmail.com prior to March 23. Everyone is invited to attend.
The Legion of Mary is organizing a half-day Lenten Reflection on Saturday, March 15. The event will begin with a 9:00 AM Mass, followed by the Rosary and a reflection by Rev. Fr. Jeevan. It will conclude with Exposition, Adoration, and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.
Fridays in Lent: Mass at 9am, 6.30 Stations of the cross, followed by Mass.
The Adoration chapel is open now from 10am to 12pm (noon). Sign-up is needed on Flock Note. If you are unable to use that method, please contact the Parish Office.
Every 3rd Saturday, 9am Mass will be offered to the sick, aged and home bound. After the Mass anointing will take place.
TAX RECEIPTS are available from the Parish Office. If you wish yours to be mailed or emailed, please contact the Parish Office. Thank you.
Heartfelt thanks to everyone for your donations. We are continuing to collect food items & gift cards for needy families. You can drop off your full bags at the back of the church or at the Parish Office.
2025 ENVELOPES… please pick up from Parish Office. We reduced the amount of envelope boxes we purchased therefore anyone who had a number over 401; have been assigned a new number.
THE FILIPINO MASS is on the 1st Sunday of the month at 6pm.
Christian Meditation Group meets in person on the 3rd Thursday of the month at 7pm.
RETIRED ARCHDIOCESE PRIESTS
We are blessed to have many dedicated priests serving within the Archdiocese. Some are now in retirement, and we ask that you keep them in your prayers. If possible, please consider visiting them. Below is a list of their names and locations:
Bishop David Monroe – St. Vincent’s Langara, 255 West 62nd Ave., Vancouver
Father John Eason – Holy Family Hospital, soon at Dogwood Transitional Care Unit, 500 West 57th Ave., Vancouver
Monsignor Dennis Luterbach – Mayfair Terrace, Unit 218, 2267 Kelly Avenue, Port Coquitlam
Fathers Wilfred Gomes, Larry Holland, Frank Landry & Lawrence Travis – St. Joseph’s Residence, 3080 Prince Edward St., Vancouver
CWL BOTTLE, CAN DRIVE FUNDRAISER is ongoing. CWL has an account with Return It Express. You can take your bottles, cans, tetra packs, milk, plant-based beverage containers to any Return-It location. Instructions are as follows:
Place unsorted bottles in a clear plastic bag(s)
Print off sticker @ Kiosk – Use phone # 778-996-3407
Text code RVCA TO 778-400-5253
To open the door, touch the keypad with your finger or the back of your hand to activate it
Enter the one-time pin code you receive by message. The one-time pin will time out in a few minutes. Repeat if it has timed out.
The Keypad light will turn green. Open door and drop off bag(s)
North Vancouver Return It Express Locations:
310 Brooksbank Ave. (Mon-Fri 8-4/Sat 8-5/Sun 9-5/closed holidays)
At Superstore 333 Seymour Blvd. (everyday 8-8)
235 Donaghy Ave. (Mon-Sat 8-5/Sun 10-4/closed holidays)
30 Riverside Dr.-North Shore Recycling Depot (Tues-Fri 8-5/Sat., Sun, Holidays 9-5)
FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE, PLASTIC BAGS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE CHURCH ENTRANCE
Proceeds from this fundraiser will go towards the renovation of the Kitchen cabinets, countertops, and flooring in the school gym.
If you are unable to return the bottles yourself, please get in touch with Donna @ 778-996-3407 / dkcolcleugh@gmail.com. Donna will happily pick them up for you and make the deposit.
Please do not drop off bottles at the church or parish office.
Reflections
PREPARING TO REMEMBER JESUS' PASSION AND DEATH
On the second Sunday of Lent, we move from Jesus' retreat to the desert and temptation by the devil to the glory shown in Jesus' Transfiguration. On the first Sunday of Lent, our Gospel always tells the story of Jesus' temptation in the desert. On the second Sunday, we always hear the story of Jesus' Transfiguration.
The report of Jesus' Transfiguration is found in each of the Synoptic Gospels—Matthew, Mark, and Luke. The context for Luke's Transfiguration story is similar to that found in both Matthew and Mark. The Transfiguration occurs after Peter's confession that Jesus is the Messiah and Jesus' prediction about his Passion. After the prediction there is a discussion of the cost of discipleship in each of these Gospels. The placement of the Transfiguration story close to Peter's confession and Jesus' prediction encourages us to examine the Transfiguration in the larger context of the Paschal Mystery.
The Transfiguration occurs on a mountain in the presence of just three of Jesus' disciples—Peter, James and John. These are among the first disciples that Jesus called in Luke's Gospel. We recently heard this Gospel at Mass, on the fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Only Luke's Gospel, which often describes Jesus at prayer, indicates that Jesus is praying as his appearance changes to bright white. Luke indicates that the three disciples were sleeping while Jesus prayed. They will be sleeping again as Jesus prays in the Garden of Gethsemane before his Passion and death.
As they awake, Peter and the disciples see Jesus Transfigured and Elijah and Moses present with Jesus. Elijah and Moses, both significant figures in the history of Israel, represent Jesus' continuity with the Law and the Prophets. In Matthew's and Mark's Gospels, there is reference to conversation among Jesus, Elijah, and Moses, but only Luke's Gospel explains that this conversation is about Jesus' later accomplishments in Jerusalem. Luke describes this as his exodus, connecting Jesus' Passion, death, and Resurrection with the Israel's Exodus from Egypt.
On witnessing Jesus' Transfiguration and seeing Jesus with Elijah and Moses, Peter offers to construct three tents for them. Having just awoken, perhaps Peter's offer was made in confusion. We also notice that Peter reverted from his earlier confession that Jesus is the Messiah, calling Jesus “master” instead. As if in reply to Peter's confusion, a voice from heaven speaks, affirming Jesus as God's Son and commanding that the disciples listen to him. This voice from heaven recalls the voice that was heard at Jesus' baptism which, in Luke's Gospel, spoke directly to Jesus as God's Son.
In his Transfiguration, we see an anticipation of the glory of Jesus' Resurrection. In each of the reports of the Transfiguration, the disciples keep secret what they have seen. Not until they also witness his Passion and death will the disciples understand Jesus' Transfiguration. We hear this story of Jesus' Transfiguration early in Lent, but we have the benefit of hindsight. In our hearing of it, we anticipate Jesus' Resurrection even as we prepare to remember Jesus' Passion and death.
~ Loyola Press
Mass Intentions
Sunday, March 16
Spec. Intention Onyinye Martins
Repose Serafino & Maria Cusano, Fiore & Enza Romano by Angelo Cusano
Monday, March 17
Repose James Robert Deal Sr by Emelyn Deal
Repose Antonio Mendoza, Jr. by Jasmin Pinto
Tuesday, March 18
Spec. Intention Thanksgiving to Holy Family by Liz Wong
Wednesday, March 19
Repose Nicholas Samson by Rudy & Molly & family
Thursday, March 20
Spec. Intention St Edmund Parishioners
Friday, March 21
Repose Ana Dimapilis by STA staff & students
Repose Sung Bo Wong by Janet Ficocelli & Adrian Brecelj
Spec. Intention Adrian Brecelj by Janet Ficocelli
Saturday, March 22
Repose Christine Hapichuk by Lynn
Repose Antonio Testa by wife Lucia & family
Repose Angelita de Guzman by Marie Dayton
Parish Events
CWL 2nd Thursday of each month @ 7 PM
Your CWL membership fee is due by April 30th and is $40.50 payable by cheque or by cash. The fee may be dropped off at the Parish Office or given to Donna Colcleugh or Charmaine Guindon. Thank you.
Knights of Columbus
The Knights of Columbus general meetings are in person on the 1st Tuesday each month @7pm/executive meetings are also in person on the last Tuesday of the month @7pm
SPECIAL OFFER - Knights of Columbus - Free 1 Year On-Line Membership. You can enjoy the benefits of being a Knights of Columbus member including Accidental Death Benefit and the famous Columbia Magazine.
Promo Code: BLESSEDMCGIVNEY
After joining, please check your Inbox for confirmation.
St. Eds Christian Meditation Group
The St Edmund's Parish unit of the 'World Community for Christian Meditation' (WCCM) will resume its in-person meditation meeting, on the 3rd Thursday of every month at 7.00 pm in St Edmund's Church.
"No Experience Necessary"- The group leader will give new people the basics of meditation and some resources.
WCCM continues to hold a weekly virtual meeting on Mondays (via ZOOM), also at 7.00 pm. You are sincerely invited to attend the WCCM meeting(s). All are welcome.
To learn more about WCCM, kindly contact: Luis Zunino - email lzunino@gzarchitects.com
School Events
St. Edmunds Elementary School
Amazing silver medal finish to take 2nd place at the CISVA finals!
Religious Education
PREP 2024-2025
Any questions can be sent to prepatsteds@shaw.ca
Children's Choir Training
Practices will be every 2nd & 4th Saturday of the month @10am - Masses will be every 2nd & 4th Sunday of the month @ 11am
Altar Server Training
Every Saturday 11-11:30 am
Archdiocese Notices & Events
Archbishop of Vancouver
Edmonton Archbishop Richard W. Smith has been appointed by Pope Francis as the next Archbishop of Vancouver, succeeding Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB, whose retirement has been accepted by the Holy Father.
Archbishop Smith, 65, has led the Archdiocese of Edmonton since 2007 and has served in dioceses across Canada.
Archbishop Miller reached the age of 75 in 2021 and submitted his resignation to the Pope, as required by canon law. However, he was asked to remain in office until a successor was named. The Vatican announced this morning that Archbishop Smith will be the next shepherd of the Archdiocese of Vancouver, with Archbishop Miller continuing as Apostolic Administrator until the new Archbishop is installed as the 12th Archbishop of Vancouver, likely in May.
In a statement, Archbishop Smith said, “I am grateful to His Holiness for the confidence placed in me to assume this new mission, and ask for the assistance of your prayers.”
PARISH LENTE MISSION – ST. PIUS X
Fr. Emmerich Vogt, OP will be at St. Pius X Parish for four days. The theme will be “Love is Lord of Heaven and Earth”. MONDAY – THURSDAY, APRIL 7 TO 10 – Mass at 9am everyday followed by hour long conference; confessions to follow. Evening talk every day at 7pm, with confessions afterwards.
JUBILEE YEAR 2025
A Jubilee Year is celebrated by the universal Church every 25 years, dedicated to encouraging the faithful to embark on pilgrimages, repent of their sins, forgive others, and renew their focus on spiritual life. Learn more about this special year, stay updated with the latest news, and explore how you can participate at rcav.org/jubilee.
BISHOP THOMAS J. LOBSINGER, OMI MEMORIAL BURSARY PROGRAM
The annual British Columbia and Yukon Bursary program known as the Bishop Thomas J. Lobsinger, OMI Memorial Bursary Program is underway. The 2025 program is now receiving applications. We are privileged to offer fourteen bursaries of $1,000.00 each to Catholic students across the Province of British Columbia. These bursaries are made available on a one-time only basis to young practicing Catholic students who are in post secondary education at a recognized institute of higher learning within the Province of British Columbia. Applications are accepted from January 1, 2025 until June 30, 2025 with the bursaries being awarded in the fall. The Terms of Reference may be found on our web site (kofcbc.org) after Jan 1, 2025.
Requests for application should be addressed to:
Christopher Chen – State Bursary Chairman
Knights of Columbus BC Charity Foundation
#333 – 1231 Pacific Boulevard
Vancouver, B.C. V6Z-0E2
Deadline for requests for application is June 1, 2025.
We would like to congratulate the many recipients once again over the past years and look forward to the opportunity to assist many more young people in the advancement of their education.
Upcoming Marriage & Family Events
Monthly (First Saturday of the month) | Pro-Life Mass and Prayer Vigil
Monthly (various Sundays until June) | Marriage Enrichment at Saint Mark's Parish
Canadian Christian Meditation Community
Finding the Sanctuary Within Through the practice of Christian meditation, we learn how to be still and silent and accept simplicity. Meditation opens the door to our hearts, where we discover our inner sanctuary which is home to the Sacred. March 23, 2025, at Saint Mary’s Parish, Church Hall, 5251 Joyce St., Vancouver. 2-4pm. Doors open 1:30 pm. All are welcome. For more information, call Connie (604) 418 9506 or contact Maeve at bccchristianmeditation@gmail.com.
40 DAYS FOR LIFE LENTEN CAMPAIGN sponsored by 40 Days for Life Pro-Life – Fr. Larry Lynn, Chaplain. The Campaign begins on Ash Wednesday, March 5 until Palm Sunday, April 13. For more information, please contact Father Lynn.
Financial Updates
Remember St. Edmund's in your Will
Bread & Wine
Prayer Requests
Our Parish Community is asked to pray for the Special Intention of Father Steny & Father Cannio
Our Parish Community is asked to pray for the Special Intention of Father Jeevan Prakash D'Almeda
Our Parish Community is asked to pray for the Special Intention of St. Edmund Parishioners
Our Parish Community is asked to pray for the Special Intentions of All Carmelite Priests
Our Parish Community is asked to pray for the Special Intention of Anish Rodrigues & Nileema D’Souza
Advertisements
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