Important Updates
Online Giving
Make a weekly, or one-time donation to the St. Edmund's Parish collection.
This Jubilee Year, Pope Francis has designated Holy Doors exclusively at the four major papal basilicas in Rome to highlight the unity of the universal Church and to invite Catholics worldwide to make the traditional pilgrimage to Rome. There are no Holy Doors in Vancouver, though Catholics can still obtain the Jubilee Indulgence by following the instructions outlined on the website here: Clarification on Holy Doors during the Jubilee of Hope - Archdiocese of Vancouver.
Click - Schedule for Holy Week Services
Updates
Funeral and Memorial Masses
Our heartfelt condolences to the family & friends of Lorenza Reboles who went home to God. May she rest in peace in the Comfort of the Lord. FUNERAL MASS: THUR., APR. 3RD @ 11AM
Our heartfelt condolences to the family & friends of Douglas MacQuarrie who went home to God. May he rest in peace in the Comfort of the Lord. FUNERAL MASS: SAT., APR. 5TH @ 11AM
MEMORIAL MASS FOR REV. FR. FEDERICO BUTTNER ON HIS 5TH DEATH ANNVERSARY - 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.
Our heartfelt condolences to the family of friends of Pamela Cassandra Dacquel Domingo who went home to God. May she rest in peace in the comfort of the Lord. A Flocknote email was sent out with more information with a GoFundMe link if anyone can help in any way. Please keep the family in your prayers.
Parish News
On Sunday April 6th, we will hold a Food Drive to help those in need in our Parish.
CWL COFFEE SUNDAY & BAKE SALE is after all Masses on Sunday, March 30th. Baking donations will be gratefully received before the Masses.
FIRST FRIDAY is on April 4th – Adoration begins after 9 am Mass (no 7:30 am Mass that day). Stations of the Cross start at 6:30pm, followed by Benediction and Mass. A sign-up sheet is at the main Church entrance – it would be greatly appreciated if 2-3 people could sign up per time slot
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.
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
Understanding of the depth of the father's love
The parable Jesus tells in today's Gospel is unique to the Gospel of Luke. Jesus has been teaching the crowds as he journeys to Jerusalem. As he teaches, the Pharisees and scribes complain and challenge Jesus because he is welcoming sinners at his table. Today we hear the third of three parables that Jesus tells in response to his critics. These three familiar parables—the lost sheep, the lost coin, and today's parable of the prodigal son—invite us to consider the depth of God's mercy and love.
The Pharisees taught a scrupulous observance of Jewish Law. In their interpretation and practice, observant Jews who shared table fellowship with sinners would be made unclean. Like Jesus, the Pharisees hoped to lead sinners back to God. The Pharisees, however, required that sinners first become ritually clean—observant of the Pharisees' interpretation of Jewish Law—before sharing table fellowship. This appears to be one of the major differences between the Pharisees and Jesus. Jesus reaches out to sinners while they are still sinners, inviting them to conversion through fellowship with him. Jesus is God acting among us; by befriending us, he is inviting us to return to friendship with God. Through friendship with Jesus, our sins are forgiven and we, in turn, bear fruit for God. Recall last Sunday's Gospel and the barren fig tree.
Our familiarity with today's parable risks dulling us to its tremendously powerful message. We call this the parable of the lost son or the prodigal son. Any focus on the younger son, however, must also be balanced by an examination of the unusual behavior of the father.
First we must imagine our first response to the audacity of a son who asks for his inheritance before his father has died. Indignation would certainly be a justifiable response to such a request. Yet the father in this parable agrees to honor the son's request and divides his property among his two sons. How might we describe such a father? Foolish comes to mind, but so does trusting. Without property of his own, the father must rely upon his sons to provide for his well-being.
The younger son takes his inheritance and leaves home. The older son remains, continuing to provide for the father and the household. Having been disgraced by the younger son, the father spends some time watching the road for the return of the lost son. When he eventually sees his wayward son returning, the father not only welcomes him but also runs out to greet him and then honors him with a party. We say that this father is loving and forgiving. Yet these adjectives only begin to describe the depth of love and mercy that characterize the father.
We find no surprise in the anger of the older son. Yet the father appears sad and even confused by the older son's indignation. He says in reply that they should celebrate because the lost son had returned. The father is filled with gratitude and love for the older son's faithfulness. This love is in no way diminished by the father's rejoicing at the return of the younger son. Yet the older son's jealousy reveals his limited understanding of the depth of his father's love.
The Fourth Sunday of Lent is traditionally called Laetare Sunday. Laetare is a Latin word that means “rejoice.” Today's Gospel describes the reason for our joy: God's great love for us has been revealed in Jesus. Through his Passion, Death, and Resurrection, Christ has reconciled us with God and one another.
~ Loyola Press
Mass Intentions
Sunday, March 30
Repose Pamela Domingo by Ramir & Eloise
Repose Serafino Vignone by son Angelo & family
Monday, March 31
Spec. Intention Caitlin Teng by Liz Wong
Spec. Intention Marie Dayton by Sofia Bronowska
Tuesday, April 1
Repose Melvin Randall by St. Joseph of Windsor OCDS
Repose Mollie Aberdien by Roz Kerr
Repose Jim & Marlene Craig by Antoine Larose
Spec. Intention Colin Yee Lim by Janet Ficocelli & Adrian Brecelj
Wednesday, April 2
Spec. Intention Magdalen Cheung by OCDS Flower of Carmel Zephyr Com.
Repose Lorena Reboles by St. Edmund’s School Staff & Students
Spec. Intention Fr. Ron Sequeira by Jasmin Pinto
Spec. Intention Maryna Prysyazhnyuk by St. Edmund’s PAC & School families
Spec. Intention Colin Yee Lim by Janet Ficocelli & Adrian Brecelj
Thursday, April 3
Spec. Intention St. Edmund Parishioners
Repose Roberta (Baba) Yee Lim by Janet Ficocelli & Adrian Brecelj
Spec. Intention Colin Yee Lim by Janet Ficocelli & Adrian Brecelj
Friday, April 4
Repose Anna Hrvatin by Liz Cnadel
Repose Norman & Janney Yee by Janet Ficocelli & Adrian Brecelj
Spec. Intention Colin Yee Lim by Janet Ficocelli & Adrian Brecelj
Saturday, April 5
Spec. Intention Christina Gallagher/House of Prayer by Janet Ficocelli
Spec. Intention Colin Yee Lim by Janet Ficocelli & Adrian Brecelj
Repose deceased family members by Antoine Larose
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
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.”
Gardens of Gethsemani Catholic Cemetery
You’re invited to our annual Spring Open House!
Friday, April 4 | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday, April 5 | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
On both days, there will be bus tours every hour, on the hour. Tour our grounds, including our newly expanded section near the Eternal Pagoda of Light.
Take advantage of 20% off burial space all parishioners receive, as we care for our Catholic family being together in our sacred grounds.
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
North Shore Pro-Life Society 2025 Annual General Meeting
April 6, 2025: North Shore Pro-Life Society 2025 Annual General Meeting will take place on Sunday, April 6 at 3:30 pm in the Holy Trinity Parish Church Hall, 2725 Lonsdale Avenue, North Vancouver. All invited to attend. Hope to see you there.
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
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
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