News from the Chancery is published each week to share information and upcoming events with the people of the Diocese of Victoria.
Dear friends,
We have four items to share with you today:
1) Conversations in the Spirit (Online Session)
All are invited to take part in an online “Conversation in the Spirit” synodal session on Saturday, May 9 from 10:30am-Noon. These sessions are part of the Diocese of Victoria's journey of becoming a more deeply listening Church. This safe, respectful, and non-judgmental session will be exploring questions about how to bring the Good News to our communities.
Here is what one participant had to say about their experience: "I feel like I belong. Brings me to my heart in a group/social setting. Love this, even if it is hard – it is such a true practice, allowing grace and spirit in."
To join the session, please use the following Zoom link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81881926381?pwd=K8hfpytrbBlv18YHYjbIa0Tmotzcub.1
Meeting ID: 818 8192 6381
Passcode: 921735
2) KAIROS Blanket Exercise at Sacred Heart Parish
In the spirit of Truth and Reconciliation, the Catholic Women's League of Sacred Heart Parish is pleased to announce the KAIROS Blanket Exercise in the Parish Hall on Saturday, May 23rd from 9:30-12noon. The blanket exercise is a powerful interactive and experiential activity that walks people through 500 years of historic and current relationships between indigenous and non-indigenous peoples in Canada. This educational exercise guided by trained facilitators is great for members of parish councils and finance councils to deepen their learning.After a coffee and goodies break, the session will conclude with a debriefing, conducted as a “talking circle”. If you have any questions and to register, contact Margie Noonan at margielnoonan@gmail.com
3) Family and Life Week 2026
National Family and Life Week (NFLW) takes places this year from May 10-17, centring on the theme “I am with you always” (cf. Matthew 28:20), which reminds the domestic church that Christ remains with us in our joys, struggles, across generations, and in all of life's experiences. Families and communities are encouraged to take time during the week to celebrate their own families, express gratitude, and share meaningful moments with loved ones across generations. The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops has prepared a number of resources for families and groups to use, see them at: https://www.cccb.ca/faith-moral-issues/family-and-life/national-family-and-life-week/4) Fr. Ian Stuart Funeral Mass
Beloved Fr. Ian Charles Stuart passed away on April 9, 2026 in Victoria. Father Ian, born on May 27, 1952 in St. Boniface, Manitoba was ordained in the Archdiocese of Vancouver in 1987, where he served many parishes before moving to Victoria. He served as a hospital chaplain in the Victoria Diocese and was known for his kindness and pastoral approach to his ministry. A funeral mass will be held on May 8 at 1:00pm at St. Patrick's Parish.5) CNEWA Canada Webinar on the Middle East Crisis
CNEWA Canada Wednesday, May 6 from 12:00–1:00 PM for a timely and important webinar on the ongoing conflict and the immense challenges facing communities in the Middle East. With deep, on-the-ground experience, they will offer firsthand insights into the realities unfolding in their regions and the urgent needs of those they serve. Register at: https://cnewa.org/ca/events/hope-in-action-the-middle-east-needs-you/
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