News from the Chancery is published each week to share information and upcoming events with the people of the Diocese of Victoria.
We have five items to share with you today:
1) Bishop Gary Gordon has written a Pastoral Letter to the people of the Diocese announcing the questions for the 2026 Diocesan Permanent Pastoral Synod cycle and inviting all to participate. The Bishop encourages the faithful to reflect, pray, and engage in this important process. Please find his letter here: https://www.rcdvictoria.org/news/bishops-february-dpps-2026-pastoral-letter
Find a printable version of his letter here.
2) Bishop Gary Gordon has shared a Message of Gratitude for the 2025 Bishop’s Appeal, thanking the faithful for their prayers, generosity, and love for the Church. Through this collective support, the Appeal not only reached its $900,000 goal but was blessed with over $1,000,000 in gifts. Please find his message here: https://www.rcdvictoria.org/news/bishop-gary-gordons-message-of-gratitude-for-the-2025-bishops-appeal
Find a printable version of his letter here.
3) The Rite of Election Mass will take place on February 22, 2026, at 2:00 pm at St. Andrew’s Cathedral. During this liturgical rite, catechumens—those preparing to join the Church through baptism, confirmation, and the Eucharist at Easter—are presented to the Bishop. All are welcome to participate in person or via the livestream at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1c1_0CETMyw
4) In the spirit of Lent and Truth and Reconciliation, the CWL of Sacred Heart Parish invites parishioners to participate in a KAIROS Blanket Exercise on Saturday, March 7, from 9:30 am to 12:00 pm in the parish hall. This powerful, interactive experience explores 500 years of historic and present-day relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada, guided by trained facilitators. A coffee break and a reflective debrief in a talking circle will follow; for more information, please contact Margie Noonan at margielnoonan@gmail.com or 250-589-6313.
5) Mount Joy in Sooke is hosting a residential icon-writing retreat led by Kathleen van der Sande from March 16–21, 2026 (Monday to Saturday). Participants will learn the spiritual and artistic tradition of Eastern Church iconography through guided instruction and hands-on egg tempera painting, completing an icon of Mary, Mother of God, in a setting of prayer, silence, and community. No artistic experience is required; the cost is $585 and includes five nights’ accommodation, meals, and all supplies. For more information or to register, please contact Anna-Marie and Barnabas Ney at mountjoyretreats@gmail.com. Registration deadline is March 9, 2026.
Find an information sheet for this event here.
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