News from the Chancery - September 26, 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 nine items to share with you today:

1) The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops has released video updates from the annual Plenary Assembly. We invite you to view the updates here and learn more about the Assembly meeting: https://www.rcdvictoria.org/news/the-2025-cccb-plenary-assembly 

2) September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a time to mourn the painful legacy of the former Indian Residential Schools and to stand in solidarity with Indigenous Peoples. On this day, we reaffirm our commitment to walk with them on the journey of healing and reconciliation, listening with open hearts, honouring the stories shared, and embracing the path of truth and hope for the future. Find resources to learn more about residential school experiences here: https://nctr.ca/ 

3) Join Development & Peace – Caritas Canada to learn about their “Turn Debt into Hope” Fall Campaign, focusing on partners in Peru and Ethiopia and inviting Canadians to stand for debt justice in this Jubilee Year.

• Victoria area – Saturday, Oct. 18, 9:30 am–1:30 pm (lunch included), St. Patrick’s Parish Hall, 2060 Haultain St., Victoria  
• Nanaimo area – Sunday, Oct. 19, 11:00 am–3:00 pm (brunch included), Holy Trinity Parish Hall, 6234 Spartan Rd., Nanaimo  

Find more details on the poster here. 

4) A reminder that on September 30th (National Day for Truth and Reconciliation), the 4th annual South Island Powwow will take place at Royal Athletic Park (1014 Caledonia Ave, Victoria). This event offers a powerful opportunity to honour Residential School Survivors and their families in the spirit of truth and reconciliation. Through song and dance, this celebration uplifts the cultures, strength, and resiliency of Indigenous Peoples while remembering those who never made it home. All are welcome, and admission is free. Find out more here: https://www.songheesnation.ca/south-island-powwow  

5) Join the Sacred Heart Conference of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul for a Pasta Dinner Fundraiser supporting their Downtown Food Pantry, which has seen an 18% increase in visits this year. Enjoy an authentic Italian meal, connect with fellow parishioners, and share in a spirit of compassion and community on October 4 at 5:00 PM in the Sacred Heart Church Hall (4040 Nelthorpe St, Victoria). Reserve your spot by emailing isme.svdpvictoria@gmail.com; donations will be accepted at the door—your presence makes a difference!

6) St. Patrick’s Catholic Women’s League is holding their Fantastic Fall Bazaar on Saturday, October 4, 2025, from 9:30 am–2:30 pm at St. Patrick’s Church (2060 Haultain Street, Victoria). Come and experience all the fun of a CWL bazaar with this year’s largest variety of kiosks, quality silent auction, kids zone, tombola raffle, and so much more. All proceeds will support CWL charities.  

Find more details on the poster here.

7) Sacred Heart Parish (4040 Nelthorpe St, Victoria) is hosting Horizons of Hope, a four-part series exploring Catholic approaches to end-of-life care, including palliative care, discernment, and compassionate accompaniment. The sessions will be held on Tuesdays, October 7, 14, 21, and 28, led by Dr. Felipe Edora and Angela Spencer. To register, please email or call Sacred Heart Parish at sacredheart@rcdvictoria.org or 250-479-1611—all are welcome.

Find more details on the poster here.

8) You are warmly invited to the Jubilee 2025 Eucharistic Celebration, presided over by Bishop Gary Gordon, on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at 12:10 pm at St. Patrick’s Church (2060 Haultain Street, Victoria). Consecrated men and women from across Vancouver Island would be delighted to have you join them for this celebration Mass, which is part of their day-long gathering on the theme: “Pilgrims of Hope on the Path to Peace.” All are welcome.

9) Join the Victoria 40 Days for Life Prayer Fall Vigil at the Helmcken Road Overpass Park & Ride from September 24–November 2, 2025, daily from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm. 40 Days for Life is an internationally coordinated campaign that seeks to end abortion locally through prayer and fasting, community outreach, and a peaceful all-day vigil. Learn more or sign up for prayer times by visiting 40 Days for Life – Victoria: https://www.40daysforlife.com/en/victoriabc  

Find more details on the posters here.