As Director of Faith Formation and Evangelization, Joelle Dressler has the opportunity to visit parishes across the diocese, including those in the geographically distant North Island. For parishioners in these communities, isolation can sometimes be a reality. Over the past two years, her trips north have helped build relationships, offer reflections at Mass, and, most recently, facilitate listening circles—reminding everyone that distance does not diminish the unity of the diocesan family.
This September, in connection with the diocesan listening circles, Joelle travelled north with a group of faith representatives, including several trained facilitators. The goal was simple yet profound: to strengthen relationships and create space for listening—to one another, and to the Spirit at work in these communities.
The team included a teacher from Queen of Angels, a participant who made the journey from Port Alberni with their spouse, and a faith representative who is also a gifted music minister. Because three of the four parishes in the North Island have no music ministry, the presence of a skilled musician was especially meaningful—a way to give back after receiving the warm hospitality of the parishes. Leading in song, and with voices joining together, enriched the liturgies and lifted the hearts of all present.
A Weekend of Encounters
The trip began with dinner on Friday evening in Port McNeill with Fr. David John. On Saturday, the group celebrated Mass at Our Lady of the Assumption in Alert Bay, followed by a quiet moment of reflection at the seashore in Port Alice. That evening at St. Teresa’s, parishioners offered a heartfelt welcome, including one young boy who remembered a previous encounter with Joelle and even invited her to dinner. Encounters like this highlight the essence of parish life: faith shared with simplicity, sincerity, and joy.
Sunday’s visits included St. Mary’s in Port McNeil and St. Bonaventure’s in Port Hardy. After Mass in Port Hardy, parishioners stayed for a listening circle. Though some were hesitant at first—unsure of the process during this first practice—people soon began to speak from the heart. Guided by a single question, “Where have you seen Jesus working in your life?”, reflections flowed with honesty and depth. By the end, participants felt heard and uplifted, and parishioners were already asking when another visit might be possible.
Learning, Listening, and Lifting Up
The journey concluded in Port Alberni with the first faith representatives’ meeting of the school year at John Paul II School. The gathering included a listening circle, sharing of resources for the year ahead, and a presentation from Development and Peace on Catholic Social Teaching.
Though the days were full—two Masses each day, long hours on the road, and little downtime—the trip was deeply affirming. It included poignant moments of connection, such as joining hands with the three parishioners for the Our Father at Our Lady of the Assumption in Alert Bay. Though small in number, the parish is nevertheless mighty in spirit and welcome.
Strengthening the Bonds of the Diocese
Visits to the North Island are a vital reminder that parishioners there are an integral part of the diocesan family. For those travelling from urban centres like Victoria or Nanaimo, the experience offers a glimpse into the richness, faith, and resilience of communities in more remote areas.
Encouraged by the fruits of this trip, plans are now being made for similar journeys to other remote parishes in our diocese. The distances may be long, but the gift of connection, listening, and shared faith makes every kilometre worthwhile.
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