News from the Chancery - October 3, 2025

News from the Chancery is published each week to share information and upcoming events with the people of the Diocese of Victoria.

We have six items to share with you today:

1) Due to the Canada Post strike that began on September 26, 2025, this year’s Bishop’s Appeal brochures will not be arriving by mail as usual. Instead, they will be available for parishioners to pick up at their parish next week.

How to Get Your Brochure:
Appeal envelopes addressed to you will be available for pick-up after Mass or from the parish office. Learn more about the 2025 Bishop's Appeal "Love & Unity" campaign and how to give here: https://www.rcdvictoria.org/bishops-appeal 

2) Following the conclusion of the 2025 Plenary Assembly, the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) is pleased to announce the results of its biennial elections for new members of the Executive Committee and Permanent Council. The full list of elected members and the official press release can be found: https://www.cccb.ca/media-release/canadian-conference-of-catholic-bishops-elects-new-members-of-the-executive-committee-and-permanent-council/ 

3)  A reminder that on Thursday, October 9, 2025, all are invited to attend Mass at St. Patrick’s Church (2060 Haultain Street, Victoria) at 12:10 pm for our Diocesan Celebration of the Jubilee of Consecrated Life. Bishop Gary Gordon will preside, and consecrated men and women from across Vancouver Island look forward to welcoming you to this special Mass, part of their day-long gathering on the theme: “Pilgrims of Hope on the Path to Peace.”

4) All are invited to join the Public Square Rosary Rally on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at 12 noon at the corners of Belleville and Government Streets (same location as last year). Parishioners of St. Andrew’s and the Diocese are encouraged to take part in this prayerful witness; for details, contact Paul J. S. Beaubien at 250-384-6047 or pauljsbmaps@telus.net.

5) On October 17, the Esquimalt United Church (500 Admirals Road) will host an ecumenical prayer session in The Way of Taizé at 6:00 pm. All are invited to join in this evening of prayer and song.  

6) All are invited to the Atrium Blessing & Open House, celebrating the opening of the first Catechesis of the Good Shepherd site in the Diocese of Victoria, on Sunday, October 19, 2025. The day begins with 9:30 am Mass at St. Edward’s Parish with Father Roger, followed by a blessing from Bishop Gary, an open house, and an appreciation tea at Queen of Angels School (2085 Maple Bay Road, Duncan).

View the invitation here.