October 13–16, 2026, the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of New Westminster held its annual Clergy Days, bringing together clergy from across the Eparchy for prayer, fraternal fellowship, reflection, and pastoral planning. Together with Bishop Michael Kwiatkowski, the priests discussed the challenges facing the Church today and explored ways to strengthen parish life and prepare for the future.
This year’s gathering focused particularly on vocations to the priesthood, diaconate, and monastic life, as well as the broader call to encourage the faithful to participate more actively in the life and mission of the Church.
The program began with prayer and an opportunity for clergy to gather in fellowship. The main theme of the first full day was “Follow Me!” - Christ’s invitation that continues to guide the Church in every generation. Through prayerful reflection on the Gospel account of the calling of the first disciples, the priests considered how to help young people discern God’s call in their lives and how to encourage vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life.
An important part of the discussions was the pastoral letter of the Synod of Bishops of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, entitled “Follow Me!”, as well as the resolutions of the General Assembly of the Pastoral Council of the UGCC, held in Lourdes, France, in September 2026. The discussions focused on putting these decisions into practice within the Eparchy, supporting seminarians, encouraging priestly and diaconal vocations, and developing appropriate formation programs for future deacons.
The clergy also discussed the preparation of a pastoral strategy for the Eparchy for 2027. Particular attention was given to accompanying young people, supporting families, strengthening parish communities, and creating more opportunities for the laity to participate in the Church’s mission. A vocation is not limited to the priesthood or monastic life; every baptized person is called to respond to God through faith, love, and service to others.
The following day was dedicated to reviewing the work of the Eparchy in 2026. The clergy examined the outcomes of canonical visitations, administrative and financial matters, and recommendations for the ongoing development of parish life. They also discussed the outcomes of the First All-Canadian Meeting of Catechists, matters concerning priestly ministry, and the experience of the Year of Christian Families. These conversations provided an opportunity to share experiences, recognize challenges, and identify new possibilities for pastoral ministry throughout the Eparchy.
On Wednesday evening, the clergy joined the wider community for a gala dinner celebrating several significant occasions in the life of Bishop Michael: his upcoming installation as Archbishop and Metropolitan, his birthday, and the anniversary of his priestly ordination. Together with clergy, religious, and faithful from the community, those present expressed their gratitude and shared in the joyful celebration of these important milestones.
The final day focused on practical pastoral planning for the coming year. The priests presented plans for their respective parishes, reviewed important dates and upcoming Eparchial events, and discussed ways to coordinate pastoral initiatives across the Eparchy. These conversations helped establish shared priorities and encouraged continued cooperation among the clergy.
A particularly meaningful moment throughout the Clergy Days was Bishop Michael’s address to the priests. He expressed his gratitude for their faithful service, daily dedication, and contributions to the growth and development of their parishes and the Eparchy. He offered words of encouragement, thanked them for their commitment to the Church, and imparted his blessing as they prepared to return to their communities.
These Clergy Days took place shortly before a new chapter in Bishop Michael’s ministry. On November 8, 2026, he is scheduled to be installed as Archbishop and Metropolitan. This transition marks an important moment in his episcopal ministry, and the clergy had an opportunity to express their appreciation for his leadership and to accompany him with their prayers as he prepares to assume his new responsibilities.
Following the conclusion of Clergy Days, the priests returned to their respective parishes, carrying with them renewed encouragement, shared priorities, and a deeper sense of their common mission. In the months ahead, they will continue to work with young people, support families, strengthen catechesis, and invite the faithful to become more actively involved in the life of the Church.
Clergy Days are more than an opportunity to discuss plans and administrative matters. They are a time of prayer, fraternity, reflection, and collective discernment of God’s will for the Church. The Church grows when each person discovers their place within the community of faith and responds generously to Christ’s invitation to serve.
Rev. Fr. Stepan Vytvytskyi
Eparchial Communications Director
Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of New Westminster
