News from the Chancery - May 29, 2026

Written by the Chancery of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Victoria | May 29, 2026 11:59:20 PM

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. Pope Leo XIV’s First Encyclical Letter: Magnifica Humanitas

Pope Leo XIV’s Encyclical Letter, Magnifica Humanitas, was released this week. It focuses on safeguarding the human person in the time of artificial intelligence. The letter is dated 15 May, to commemorate the 135th anniversary of Pope Leo XIII’s Encyclical Letter, Rerum Novarum.

See the Canadian Council of Catholic Bishops full media release, including a link to the encyclical, and a collection of resources on the topic of artificial intelligence here:

https://www.cccb.ca/media-release/pope-leo-xivs-first-encyclical-letter-magnifica-humanitas/


2. Holy Family Notre Dame - Silent Auction for St. Peters Cemetery 
Holy Family Notre Dame is holding a silent auction in support of St. Peter’s Cemetery in Port Alberni; bidding is open from May 22 to June 1. There are a variety of items to bid on, including some beautiful handmade wood pieces, as well as a large amount of jewelry. Payment can be made via EFT or credit card (service fee applies), and shipping of items is available. Access the auction at https://new.biddingowl.com/stpeterscemetery Please contact Rebecca at 250-723-8912 or hfnd@rcdvictoria.org with any questions. 

 
3. St. Vincent de Paul "Cram the Van to the Max" event 

With the school year ending in June, most breakfast and lunch programs for children stop. This makes it especially challenging for those in need over the summer months. Demand increases significantly at St. Vincent de Paul food pantry on Yates Street in Victoria, as these families visit for food assistance. To ensure the shelves are well stocked to handle this increased demand, they are holding a "Cram the Van to the MAX" event on 2 Saturdays from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm:

 

May 30th at the Sticky Wicket in Victoria (919 Douglas Street)

June 6th in the parking lot at Sacred Heart Church in Victoria (4040 Nelthorpe Street)

 
4. Employment Opportunities Across the Diocese

Correctional Chaplain, William Head Institution 
The Correctional Service Canada (CSC) Bridges of Canada Inc. is hiring a full-time Correctional Chaplain in the Pacific Region for 125-165 hours per month (subject to change based on monthly requirements). The Correctional Chaplain will be responsible for providing religious and spiritual services to federal offenders of all faiths residing in William Head Institution. Read the full job posting here.

Anyone interested in this paid ministry position needs a mandate letter from Bishop Gary Gordon, and can contact either the Bishop (bishop@rcdvictoria.org) or Rick Ball, the Regional Director (richard.ball@bridgesofcanada.com), for more information.


Our Lady of the Rosary Parish - Part-Time Event Hall Coordinator (Short-Term)
Our Lady of the Rosary Parish is seeking someone with marketing experience to help launch and promote their Event Hall and meeting rooms for rentals (events, weddings, community use) as a source of revenue to support parish needs. This flexible side-project role focuses on building awareness through social media, local advertising, and other marketing efforts, along with handling inquiries and coordinating bookings. Approximately 5 hours per week at $25/hour, with additional commission and earning potential based on successful bookings, for a 6 to 9 month project. Please send a resume to whann@rcdvictoria.org.


 
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