# Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of New Westminster Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of New Westminster - Site: https://nweparchy.ca/ ## THE SISTERS      СЕСТРИ - Link: https://nweparchy.ca/2026/10/the-sisters-sestri/ - Published: 2026-10-28T15:58:42-07:00 - Author: Website [[ Since the first years of pastoral activity among the Ukrainian Catholic faithful in British Columbia, the [**Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate**](https://ssmi.org/)( SSMI) have been contributing toward the spiritual needs of the people. Already in 1905, only three years after the SSMI came from Ukraine to be established in Canada, they already started a home in New Westminster, BC. That is almost 70 years before the Eparchy was established. So, the good Sisters were obviously very significant in developing and growing the parishes to the point where the Church decided to raise the administration to the status of an eparchy in 1974. The Sisters were very instrumental in providing catechesis to the young and to the families throughout the territory. When the Eparchy was founded, the catechism office at the Chancery became a centre and hive of activity for the whole eparchy. A place to which parishes could turn for materials, support and training. The Sisters were, and continue to be, involved with organizations such as the [**Ukrainian Catholic Women’s League**](https://ucwlc.ca/) and youth groups as well as reaching out to the elderly and those hospitalized and staying in touch with those whose health has them bound to their homes. In recent times, “the Sisters” – In particular, **Sr. Angelica** Hodowansky, SSMI and **Sr. Janice** Soluk, SSMI – are a true blessing at the Cathedral parish of Holy Eucharist in New Westminster where they faithfully attend the daily Divine Liturgies and other services. They sing, they proclaim the Scriptures and bring the congregation together. To the thrill of the clergy and congregations of parishes around the epatrchy, they strive to attend every praznyk, anniversary and pilgrimage. They never miss a visit to the eparchial summer camp. They offer hospitality to those in need – even offering part of their house as a residence for clergy, and others involved with our parishes. Besides participating in parish movements like Alpha and other groups, they host a regular group of women for prayer and fellowship. February 2nd – the Feast of the Encounter… the Feast of the Presentation of our Lord - is the [**World Day for Consecrated Life**](https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-02/pope-francis-vespers-consecrated-life-presentation-lord.html) throughout the Church throughout the world. This gives us all [**an opportunity to consider the great gift of those who say yes to the consecrated life**](https://www.nrvc.net/world-day-for-consecrated-life) to serve the Lord and His People as Sisters, Brothers, Monks, including monastic priests. Save the date! and may our parishes prepare a special program on or around that Feast to celebrate those who live the consecrated life and to invite many more to consider saying yes to the lord in this awesome vocation! The Synod of Bishops of the Ukrainian Catholic Church has dedicated this year to Vocations to [**Priestly Ministry and to Consecrated Life**](https://archeparchy.ca/2026/08/26/follow-me-mark-214-pastoral-letter-of-the-2026-synod-of-bishops-of-the-ukrainian-greek-catholic-church/). We say thank you to our Sisters! Thank you for your 120+ years of living within our Eparchy and for all the amazing things that you have done and continue to do! We are blessed to have you among us! **на многя літа!** [[ [[ [[ [[ [[ [[ [[ [[ [[ ## PATRIARCH AWARDS NEW WESTMINSTER PRIEST CHAPLAIN’S CROSS - Link: https://nweparchy.ca/2026/10/patriarch-awards-new-westminster-priest-chaplains-cross/ - Published: 2026-10-22T18:01:38-07:00 - Author: Website [[ In the context of the annual Bishop’s Fundraising Gala at Holy Eucharist Cathedral, which was also the farewell event for Bishop Michael who will be enthroned next month as Metropolitan Archbishop in Winnipeg, a longtime priest of the Eparchy was acknowledged and awarded a very special honour. Father Andriy Werbowy, who celebrates thirty (30) years of priestly ministry this year on 22 December, is presently the parish priest for the three central parishes of Penticton, Grindrod and Vernon. Besides that, Fr. Werbowy is a captain in Canada’s armed forces where he serves as a military chaplain. With the war raging in Ukraine, military chaplains are an important part of the war effort. The military chaplaincy was established in Ukraine a few years back and since then several priests volunteered to undergo the specialized training and serve the soldiers as their priests at the front. To acknowledge their dedication the Ukrainian Catholic Church established the Military Chaplains Cross that has only been presented to just over two hundred chaplains to date. As Fr. Werbowy has been serving the Lord and His people as a Ukrainian Catholic Priest in various capacities as a parish priest and in eparchial administration for three decades as well as military chaplain for three years in Canada’s reserve armed forces, the Eparchy wanted to honour him and express their gratitude in unique way. Bishop Michael learned about the special Chaplain’s Cross and appealed to the head chaplain Bishop Bohdan Manyshyn at the Department for Chaplaincy in Ukraine that Fr. Andriy might be considered for such an honour as he is a faithful Ukrainian Catholic priest who is serving as a miliary chaplain and seeing to the spiritual and pastoral needs of soldiers. The appeal went to the head of the Ukrainian Catholic Church. His Beatitude Sviatoslav not only approved, but issued the decree that was presented to Fr. Werbowy on 14 October 2026. The decree was read in Ukrainian and English by the two deans Fr. Andryi Chornenkyi and Fr. Yuriy Vyshnevskyy. Before bestowing the cross on Fr. Werbowy, Bishop Michael explained that expressing gratitude to one of our priests in such a way was especially meaningful as a good portion of the clergy conference that brought all the clergy to New Westminster was dedicated to discussing and deciding how the eparchy would celebrate the upcoming year dedicated by the Synod of Bishops to priestly ministry and consecrated life. As the cross was placed over the shoulders of Fr. Andriy, the church erupted into a joyful singing of “Axios” – he is worthy! [[ [[ [[ [[ ## Blessing of the New Iconography and the Ordination of Connor Rafferty to the Subdiaconate - Link: https://nweparchy.ca/2026/10/blessing-of-the-new-iconography-and-the-ordination-of-connor-rafferty-to-the-subdiaconate/ - Published: 2026-10-19T19:17:43-07:00 - Author: Website [[ Today, Sunday, October 18, 2026, St. Michael the Archangel Ukrainian Catholic Church in Nanaimo celebrated a truly special and blessed occasion filled with prayer, gratitude, and joy. We were honoured to welcome Archbishop and Metropolitan-elect Michael Kwiatkowski, who presided over the Divine Liturgy and blessed the newly completed iconography of our beloved church. This beautiful milestone marks the culmination of months of prayer, dedication, hard work, and generous support from our parish community and friends. Our new iconography has transformed the interior of the church into an even more beautiful space for worship, inviting everyone to encounter the sacred beauty of our faith through the rich traditions of iconography. Another joyful highlight of the day was the ordination of Connor Rafferty to the Subdiaconate, marking an important step in his journey of service to the Church. Following the Divine Liturgy and the ceremonies, parishioners and guests gathered in the parish hall for a festive potluck celebration. The day was also enriched by a special video sharing the history of our parish and the story behind the creation of our new iconography. ⌊❤️⌉⌊❤️⌉ A HEARTFELT THANK YOU We extend our sincere gratitude to Archbishop and Metropolitan-elect Michael Kwiatkowski for joining us on this momentous occasion and for blessing our church. We are deeply thankful to our iconographers [Sergiy Kolodka](https://www.facebook.com/sergiy.kolodka?__cft__[0]=AZiflAz1yg-km5LGoKlJooEYV2cYrRYCnxykNSsbA8qDQpqJPvuinNVB2tCYSd2iIKLva-r6ZeUN8b44jP6AxzI2uqbkdvj5K_WPplITEXqf_ijG9tVoCvkpBe7boeU3AlspJtDs46YjdPqfRcPD7Dm2lt0undYrrmDI8pFq3FCvU5HL87dcgPJTw_bxVyg&__tn__=-]K-R) and @Pavlo Tsyhanok, everyone who contributed their time and talents, all our volunteers, and every individual and family who supported this sacred project through prayers and donations. Most importantly, we thank God for guiding our parish community throughout this journey and allowing us to celebrate this beautiful milestone together. May our newly blessed iconography inspire generations to come, drawing hearts closer to Christ and strengthening the faith of our community. May St. Michael the Archangel continue to protect and guide our parish! ⌊🙏⌉⌊🙏⌉ Glory to God for all things! Photos: @Володимир Михалишин With gratitude and love, Fr [Stepan Vytvytskyi](https://www.facebook.com/stepan.vytvytskiy?__cft__[0]=AZiflAz1yg-km5LGoKlJooEYV2cYrRYCnxykNSsbA8qDQpqJPvuinNVB2tCYSd2iIKLva-r6ZeUN8b44jP6AxzI2uqbkdvj5K_WPplITEXqf_ijG9tVoCvkpBe7boeU3AlspJtDs46YjdPqfRcPD7Dm2lt0undYrrmDI8pFq3FCvU5HL87dcgPJTw_bxVyg&__tn__=-]K-R) [[ [[ [[ [[ [[ [[ [[ [[ [[ [[ [[ [[ [[ [[ [[ [[ [[ [[ [[ [[ [[ [[ [[ [[ [[ [[ [[ [[ [[ ## Clergy Days 2026: Vocations, Service, and the Future of the Eparchy - Link: https://nweparchy.ca/2026/10/clergy-days-2026-vocations-service-and-the-future-of-the-eparchy/ - Published: 2026-10-17T20:29:17-07:00 - Author: Website [[ **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 VytvytskyiEparchial Communications Director Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of New Westminster [[ [[ [[ [[ [[ [[ [[ ## THE HEAD OF OUR CHURCH MAKES A SPECIAL APPEAL - Link: https://nweparchy.ca/2026/09/the-head-of-our-church-makes-a-special-appeal/ - Published: 2026-09-30T22:45:44-07:00 - Author: Website [[ Dear Faithful of the Eparchy of New Westminster, Glory to Jesus Christ! Ukrainian Catholic Parishes throughout Ukraine continue to serve as sources of our Lord’s Sacramental grace and places of spiritual consolation for the Faithful who continue to gather for prayer in churches and parish facilities. They have also become the go-to places for basic humanitarian aid, including food, water and even medical care. The Father and Head of the Ukrainian Catholic Church, His Beatitude SVIATOSLAV, except when for when he travels abroad to seek aid for his people or to encourage them to stay united, chooses to stay in Ukraine among his People. He just issued an appeal for aid to keep the parishes functioning throughout the harshness of winter and the tragedy of the Russian invasion. This way the people will continue to have their churches to encounter the living Christ and to give them hope and consolation and they will have a place to which they can turn for humanitarian aid. This Sunday or in the next couple of weeks, when your Parish Priest calls for a special collection or fundraising opportunity, please consider giving generously- as you have since the beginning of the war. May the Lord bless you! May the Lord bless and multiply our humble efforts! May the Lord grant an end to the war! +Michael Bishop, Eparchy of New Westminster _________________________________________ ОСОБЛИВЕ ПРОХАННЯ ВІД ГЛАВИ НАШОЇ ЦЕРКВИ Дорогі вірні Єпархії Нью-Вестмінстера! Слава Ісусу Христу! Парафії Української Греко-Католицької Церкви по всій Україні продовжують бути джерелами благодаті Таїнств нашого Господа та місцями духовної втіхи для вірних, які збираються на молитву в храмах і в парафіяльних приміщеннях. Вони також стали осередками надання необхідної гуманітарної допомоги, зокрема продуктів харчування, води та навіть медичних послуг. Отець і Глава Української Греко-Католицької Церкви Блаженніший СВЯТОСЛАВ— за винятком випадків, коли він виїжджає за кордон, щоб шукати допомоги для свого народу або підтримати єдність людей, — залишається в Україні, серед своїх людей. Він щойно звернувся із проханням про допомогу для забезпечення діяльності парафій у складних умовах зими та в час трагедії російського вторгнення. Завдяки цьому люди й надалі матимуть свої храми для зустрічі з живим Христом, що дарує надію та втіху, а також матимуть місце, куди можна звернутися по гуманітарну допомогу. Коли цієї неділі або протягом найближчих тижнів ваш парох оголосить про спеціальний збір коштів чи благодійну акцію, будь ласка, пожертвуйте щедро — так, як ви це робили від початку війни. Нехай Господь благословить вас! Нехай Господь благословить і примножить наші скромні зусилля! Нехай Господь дарує завершення війни! +Михайло Єпископ Єпархії Нью-Вестмінстера ## Joint Statement of the Canadian Catholic Indigenous Council and Our Lady of Guadalupe Circle for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation - Link: https://nweparchy.ca/2026/09/joint-statement-of-the-canadian-catholic-indigenous-council-and-our-lady-of-guadalupe-circle-for-the-national-day-for-truth-and-reconciliation/ - Published: 2026-09-29T15:16:29-07:00 - Author: Website [[ _Tuesday, September 29 2026_ --- --- [Download the PDF.](https://www.cccb.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/OLGC-and-CCIC-30-Sept-2026.pdf) On this National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the Canadian Catholic Indigenous Council and Our Lady of Guadalupe Circle honour the Survivors of the Indian Residential School System, the children who never returned home, their families, and the generations who continue to live with its legacy. We remember also the courage of those who have shared their stories and encourage those who continue to listen, so that the truth of our histories remains the foundation upon which we build our collective futures. We cannot turn away from these truths when they are painful or uncomfortable. Our faith calls us instead to encounter them with humility, honesty, and charity as we walk together and learn to live rightly with one another. We give thanks for signs of hope this year. The ‘[Doctrine of Discovery](https://www.cccb.ca/indigenous-peoples/resources/doctrine-of-discovery-and-terra-nullius/)’ knowledge-sharing symposium held in Edmonton this past spring created space for honest dialogue among diverse voices about the historical and contemporary realities that shaped colonization. Through the Indigenous Reconciliation Fund, Catholic dioceses across Canada have committed $30 million toward healing and reconciliation projects developed with Indigenous communities. These are two examples of the many initiatives taking place across the country as the fruits of dialogue and relationality begin to shape a brighter tomorrow. At the same time, we cannot ignore that there has been a noticeable shift in the discourse concerning Truth and Reconciliation in recent months. There is a temptation to become distracted from the healing mission Pope Francis called us all to continue during his penitential pilgrimage to Canada in 2022. We must remain patient with one another and trust that the journey is guided by the Holy Spirit, who accompanies us at every step. To aid in this journey, ongoing dialogue and mutual accompaniment remains paramount. Whether in parishes or at community events, occasions for learning can create opportunities for encounter, reciprocity, and relationality. We must see the faces and hear the voices of those with whom we are walking so that, in the words of the late Canadian Jesuit Michael Stogre, S.J., we might be drawn “… into the realm of discernment, decision, and action on behalf of justice and liberation.” Finally, we wish to acknowledge that this work must be rooted in the movement of the Holy Spirit. We invite all to continue praying for this healing journey as we look ahead to December 12, the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe and the National Day of Prayer in Solidarity with Indigenous Peoples. May Our Lady, who came to St. Juan Diego in his own language and with the face of his people, accompany us on the path of Truth and Reconciliation. ## THE EPARCHY OF NEW WESTMINSTER CELEBRATES THE 70TH BIRTHDAY OF ARCHIMANDRITE RICHARD SOO, SJ - Link: https://nweparchy.ca/2026/09/the-eparchy-of-new-westminster-celebrates-the-70th-birthday-of-archimandrite-richard-soo-sj/ - Published: 2026-09-28T13:47:30-07:00 - Author: Website On September 25, 2026, the Very Rev. Archimandrite Richard Soo, S.J., arrived at his 70th birthday. Perhaps just a milestone in his life, but for the Ukrainian Catholic Church and the Eparchy of New Westminster, this milestone is an opportunity to give thanks to God for his many years of priestly ministry, his Jesuit vocation, his love for the Christian East, and his tireless service to the Church and to all those who seek Christ. The life and vocation of Archimandrite Richard Soo are a unique testimony to the ways in which different traditions, cultures, and spiritual experiences can meet within the Catholic Church without losing their distinctive character. Rather than losing anything, they come together for a wonderful channel of God’s grace in a ministry that couldn’t happen any other way. Born in here in our Eparchy (okay, before it became an eparchy in 1974) in Vancouver in 1956 into a third-generation Chinese-Canadian family, Richard Soo encountered two traditions during his studies at the University of British Columbia that would profoundly shape his vocation: the spirituality of the Society of Jesus and the theological and liturgical heritage of Byzantine Christianity. This encounter became the beginning of a distinctive vocational journey. While a university student, Richard Soo entered into full communion with the Catholic Church. In 1979, he entered the Society of Jesus, and ten years later, in 1989, he was ordained to the priesthood. Over the years, his ministry has encompassed parish pastoral work, eparchial administrative positions, spiritual direction, refugee ministry, social justice initiatives, Jesuit formation, and the preaching of retreats. Father Richard has described his journey as a kind of “triple conversion”: discovering the richness of Byzantine Christianity, embracing the Catholic faith, and learning how to remain faithful both to his Jesuit vocation and to the Eastern Catholic tradition. **A Vocation Where East Meets West** Throughout his years of ministry, Father Richard has become a living example that the unity of the Church does not require uniformity. The Eastern Catholic tradition is not merely a cultural inheritance or a historical expression of Christianity. It is a living way of encountering the Gospel, prayer, and the life of the Church. This vision has been especially evident in his ministry in Richmond, where for many years he has served and helped develop an Eastern Catholic community within the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of New Westminster. At the Church of the Dormition of the Mother of God, Divine Liturgies are celebrated in both Ukrainian and English with infusions of Mandarin, Cantonese and Arabic as needed, bringing together faithful from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Through this ministry, Father Richard has consistently embodied the rightful conviction that the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church has its roots in Kyiv just as the Roman Catholic Church has its roots in Rome but neither is restricted to serve people of Ukrainian or Roman, Italian heritage respectively, but also to serve the missionary mandate of Christ, to reach out to people of every nation and culture. His ministry during the COVID-19 pandemic was particularly significant. When parish life was severely disrupted, Father Richard continued to celebrate the Divine Liturgy and accompany the faithful, using modern means of communication to maintain a connection with the community. As parish life gradually resumed, new people also began to discover the community, including converts to Catholicism, former Evangelicals, Roman Catholics, and people from many different cultural and religious backgrounds. **“The Lord Is Within You”** Jesuit spirituality and the Eastern Christian liturgical tradition complement one another in Father Richard’s ministry. For many years, he has been engaged in spiritual direction and in sharing the famous, often lifechanging, Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola. During the 2025 Clergy Study Days of the Eparchy of New Westminster, Father Richard led a _Lectio Divina_ reflection entitled “The Real Me Meets the Real God.” Speaking about prayer and the personal search for God, he emphasized: “The Lord is within you. Simply knowing God is not enough. We need to establish a relationship with Him through prayer, Sacred Scripture, and personal experience.” These words reflect the heart of his ministry: not simply to speak about God, but to help people discover His presence in their own lives. **A Ministry Beyond the Parish** Father Richard’s pastoral ministry has never been limited to the walls of a church. His years of service have included accompanying refugees, ministering to people on the margins of society, providing spiritual direction, and promoting human dignity. He has also devoted considerable attention to questions of social justice and human rights. In 2014, during Hong Kong’s Umbrella Movement, Father Richard organized an ecumenical prayer gathering in support of the people of Hong Kong who were advocating for universal suffrage. He also offered prayer retreats for people affected by those events. Within the Eparchy of New Westminster, Father Richard continues to carry significant responsibilities. He serves as Syncellus (Vicar) for Marriage Matters and is a member of the College of Consultors, the Presbyteral Council, and the Eparchial Finance Council. **“Axios!”** A particularly significant moment in Father Richard’s life came on **May 27, 2026**, when, by decree of His Beatitude Sviatoslav, Father and Head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, he was elevated to the dignity of **Archimandrite** at Holy Eucharist Cathedral in New Westminster. The ceremony was presided over by Most Rev. Michael Kwiatkowski, Bishop of New Westminster. During the rite of elevation, the newly appointed Archimandrite received the traditional insignia of his dignity, including the epigonation, pectoral cross, mitre, mantle, and staff (crozier). At the proclamation of “Axios!” — “He is worthy!” — clergy and faithful expressed their joy and gratitude for his many years of dedicated ministry. This dignity is not merely a distinction of honour, but also a recognition by the Church of Father Richard’s longstanding service within the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church over several decades, most recently to the Eastern Catholic community in Richmond, and his example of monastic/religious life. **70 Years — and the Journey Continues** As we celebrate the 70th birthday of Archimandrite Richard Soo, S.J., we remember not simply a list of dates, positions, or accomplishments. We give thanks for the life of a priest whose vocation has been a journey of seeking God, serving others, and continually discovering the breadth and richness of the Catholic Church and sharing that with those around him. His vocation brings together his Chinese-Canadian heritage, Jesuit spirituality, the Byzantine tradition, Ukrainian Catholic tradition, and the mission of the Church in contemporary Canada. This unique combination has become a particular gift to the Eparchy of New Westminster. On this joyful occasion, we give thanks to God for the gift of Archimandrite Richard’s life, vocation, and ministry. We are grateful for his fidelity to prayer, his openness to people, his love for the Christian East, and his witness that the Church can truly become a home for every person who seeks Christ. May the Lord continue to strengthen Archimandrite Richard in his ministry and grant him good health, wisdom, spiritual joy, and renewed strength for many years of service ahead. **Many happy years, dear Father Richard!** **Axios! Many happy years!** [[ [[ [[ [[ ## Catholic Bishops of Canada Gather for the Annual Meeting of the Plenary Assembly - Link: https://nweparchy.ca/2026/09/catholic-bishops-of-canada-gather-for-the-annual-meeting-of-the-plenary-assembly/ - Published: 2026-09-17T15:12:33-07:00 - Author: Website _Thursday, September 17 2026_ **Ottawa – **Next week (21-25 September 2026), the members of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) will gather in Montreal, Quebec, for the annual meeting of the Plenary Assembly. Through prayer, discussion, and decision-making, the Bishops will consider matters concerning the Church’s mission that benefit from their common reflection and action at the national level. The following are among the principal agenda items and topics to be considered during the week, in a spirit of prayer and discernment: * **Celebration of the Eucharist – **Each day will begin with the celebration of the Eucharist, the source and summit of the Catholic faith. The President of the CCCB and Bishops ordained since the last Plenary will preside at these celebrations. A celebration of the Eucharist in the Armenian Rite will also take place, presided by the Most Rev. Mikaël Mouradian. * **500^(th) Anniversary of the Apparitions of Our Lady of Guadalupe – **The Most Rev. Pierre Goudreault, accompanied by the Most Rev. Bryan Joseph Bayda, C.Ss. R., and the Most Rev. Juan Carlos Londoño, will lead the Bishops of Canada in a discussion on the pastoral initiatives to explore in preparation for the anniversary. * **Canadian Catholic Bioethics Institute **(CCBI)** – **Eoin Connolly, Executive Director, and Dr. Patricia Murphy, Program Director will provide updates on the activities of the CCBI. Mr. Connolly will also offer a presentation on current questions in Catholic health care in Canada. * **Holy Hour with Vespers for Victims and Survivors of Sexual Abuse – **The Bishops will listen to excerpts from testimonies of persons who suffered sexual abuse within the Church, gathered by the Independent Commission on Sexual Abuse in the Church in France. The testimonies will invite the Bishops to acknowledge more deeply the wounds caused by abuse and to renew their commitment to truth and justice, compassionate accompaniment, repentance and conversion within the Church, and the continued protection of minors and vulnerable persons. The Most Rev. Paul-André Durocher will preside. The testimonies will be followed by a period of sacred silence, Eucharistic adoration, Vespers and Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament. During the Plenary, the Bishops will also continue their work concerning responsible ministry and the protection of minors and persons in vulnerable situations. * **Pastoral and Institutional Work of the CCCB – **The Bishops will receive reports from the Conference’s Episcopal Commissions and other bodies, including on migrant and refugee ministry, Indigenous reconciliation, family and life issues, and ecumenism. They will also confirm new appointments to the Episcopal Commissions and Standing Committees for the coming three-year term and consider the priorities proposed for the National and Sectoral Episcopal Commissions for the 2026-2029 triennium. This year, the keynote address will be given by the Most Rev. Lizardo Estrada Herrera, O.S.A., Latin American and Caribbean Episcopal Council (CELAM) Secretary General. His address will consider how synodality is being implemented in South America. As is customary, the Apostolic Nuncio to Canada, Archbishop Ivan Jurkovič, will address the Bishops in his capacity as the Pope’s representative in Canada. The Plenary Assembly will also receive invited observers and guests from a number of national Catholic organizations and other Churches, together with accredited representatives from the media. Invited observers and accredited media will be present on 21 September and until noon on 22 September. ### What is the Plenary Assembly? A meeting of the Plenary Assembly is a solemn and important event in the life of the Church in Canada because it gathers together all the members of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB), who total 81 Bishops of the Latin and Eastern Churches across Canada. The Plenary Assembly is the principal deliberative and decision-making body of the Conference. Convoked at least once a year, it considers matters entrusted to the Conference and forms of pastoral action that can appropriately be undertaken together at the national level. Its work includes reports and questions from the Episcopal Commissions and other bodies of the Conference, as well as discussion and pastoral reflection on matters of common concern. The Conference supports the Bishops in their common responsibilities while respecting the proper pastoral governance of each Bishop in the particular Church entrusted to his care. **-30-** **Media requests:** Pomeline MartinoskiDirector of CommunicationsCanadian Conference of Catholic BishopsEmail: [communications@cccb.ca](https://nweparchy.ca/2026/09/catholic-bishops-of-canada-gather-for-the-annual-meeting-of-the-plenary-assembly/communications@cccb.ca) Telephone: 613-241-9461, ext. 225 ## Catechists’ Monthly Meetings 2026–2027 - Link: https://nweparchy.ca/2026/09/catechists-monthly-meetings-2026-2027/ - Published: 2026-09-10T22:03:00-07:00 - Author: Website Catechists’ Monthly Meetings 2026–2027 Registration is now open for the **2026–2027 Catechists’ Monthly Online Meetings**, beginning in October. The first meeting will take place on **October 5 for the Ukrainian-speaking group** and **October 6 for the English-speaking group**. We will introduce the plan for the coming year, discuss our expectations, and welcome a special guest — **Bishop Michael Kwiatkowski, newly elected Metropolitan and Head of the Patriarchal Catechetical Commission**. The annual registration fee is **$50**. We warmly encourage parishes to support their catechists by covering this fee whenever possible. **Register here:** [https://forms.gle/Gjfe4vLL5KkTU1NP9](https://forms.gle/Gjfe4vLL5KkTU1NP9) We invite all catechists to join us for another year of formation, fellowship, and mutual support! --- ## Щомісячні зустрічі катехитів 2026–2027 Відкрито реєстрацію на **щомісячні онлайн-зустрічі катехитів 2026–2027**, які розпочнуться у жовтні. Перша зустріч відбудеться **5 жовтня для україномовної групи** та **6 жовтня для англомовної групи**. Буде представлено план на наступний рік, обговорено очікування учасників, а також відбудеться особлива зустріч із **новообраним Митрополитом та головою Патріаршої катехитичної комісії Владикою Михайлом Квятковським**. Річний внесок за участь становить **50 доларів**. За можливості просимо парафії підтримати своїх катехитів та покрити для них реєстраційний внесок. **Реєстрація:** [https://forms.gle/Gjfe4vLL5KkTU1NP9](https://forms.gle/Gjfe4vLL5KkTU1NP9) Запрошуємо всіх катехитів долучитися до ще одного року спільного навчання, духовної формації, спілкування та підтримки! [[ [[ ## 22nd Eparchial Convention of the Ukrainian Catholic Women’s League of Canada - Link: https://nweparchy.ca/2026/09/22nd-eparchial-convention-of-the-ukrainian-catholic-womens-league-of-canada/ - Published: 2026-09-07T19:19:43-07:00 - Author: Website [[ The **Ukrainian Catholic Women's League of Canada (UCWLC)** of the Eparchy of New Westminster warmly invites **all women of our parishes** to attend the **22nd Eparchial Convention**, which will be held on **Saturday, October 17, 2026**. The theme of this year's convention is: **"Restore All Things in Christ"** **«Відновити все у Христі»** This gathering is open not only to UCWLC members but to **every woman in our parish communities** who would like to deepen her faith, meet other women from across the Eparchy, and learn more about the mission and ministry of the Ukrainian Catholic Women's League. Additional information regarding **registration, the program, speakers, and schedule** will be announced soon. We encourage all the women of our parish to prayerfully consider attending this special day of faith, fellowship, and renewal in Christ. **Saturday, October 17, 2026** _Everyone is warmly welcome!_