May 20, 2026

Primate's Visit to Diocese

Archbishop Shane Parker visited the Diocese of New Westminster from May 15 to May 19. During his time in the diocese he had a chance to experience the variety of ways local Anglicans live their faith.

On Saturday May 16 he took part in an Eco-Pilgrimage organized by Salal + Cedar at Sparrow Creek Farm. The 45 minute walk through the re-wilded property was followed by an outdoor Eucharist Service using the Salal + Cedar liturgy.

Archbishop Shane ended the day at Christ Church Cathedral where the Centre for Spiritual Renewal was holding a half day retreat in the heart of the city.

On Sunday, May 17 the primate presided and preached at the Sunday eucharist service at St. Michael’s Multicultural in East Vancouver.

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News

Ordinations

At the upcoming Diocesan ordination liturgy, the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul (transferred), it is Archbishop John's intention to ordain the Rev Shawn Bullock to the sacred order of priests and Mr Daniel Melvill Jones and Mr Matthew Nichiporuk to the sacred order of deacons.

The liturgy will take place at Christ Church Cathedral on Saturday, June 27th, 2026 beginning at 10:30am.

All are invited to attend. Clergy are encouraged to vest, the liturgical colour is red.

On Tuesday, May 26, Archbishop John will ordain Jenn Ashton to the sacred order of deacons.

Jenn is home-based by necessity; accordingly, Archbishop John and St. Clement's clergy will travel to the Sunshine Coast for a small-but-lovely ordination service at St. Hilda's in Sechelt at 10 a.m. The ordination will be live-streamed, and everyone is heartily invited to be with Jenn online for this blessed occasion, using this Zoom link .

Continuing Education Fund for Deacons

At a recent meeting, Diocesan Council approved a rate increase for Continuing Education Plan contributions for licensed deacons within the Diocese.

This change intends to bring deacons' continuing education benefits in line with those of priests.

The deacons of the Diocese carry out an essential function in the proclamation of the Gospel both within the world and within the church. Investing in ongoing learning is an important means of recognizing that work and supporting the church of the future.

What this means: licensed deacons monthly benefit will be increased from $50 to $75. The application process for reimbursement remains the same.

For parishes that have a licensed deacon, their monthly parish contribution will increase by $25 per month.

This new contribution will take effect as of July 1st, 2026.

If you have questions or concerns, please reach out to Archdeacon Nick Pang at npang@vancouver.anglican.ca.

Sing Without Ceasing

Sing Without Ceasing is a Diocesan Choir Festival taking place at Christ Church Cathedral on May 29, 2026 as part of the Mission Conference Weekend.

The evening will bring together singers from across the Diocese to form a Diocesan Mass Choir, alongside congregational singing, readings and other elements of worship.

The festival is being offered in collaboration with Neil Cockbourn, Director of Music at Christ Church Cathedral and will include a guest address from Bishop Michael Curry.

SAVE THE DATE: IMPORTANT DIOCESAN DATES 2026

May 30: Mission Conference
August 4 - 6: "You are the Salt of the Earth," Diocese of Islands and Inlets Summer Retreat.

FORMATION & SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Full event listing available here

Pathways to Peace Retreat

The Centre for Spiritual Renewal at St. Dunstan's is pleased to offer this retreat day exploring the ways that make for peace in our hearts and into our lives and world.

This facilitated day includes group sessions, stations of engagement, contemplative worship, spiritual practices, and an opportunity to connect in community.

Facilitated by Katherine Murray, with guest Esther Wilson

WHEN: Saturday, June 20
WHERE: St. Dunstan's - 3025 264 St, Aldergrove
COST: $50

DETAILS & REGISTRATION

AROUND THE DIOCESE

Full event listing available here

May 22 - Romantic Sonata for Violin and Piano. 7:30pm at St. James.

May 23 - St. Laurence Big Book Sale. 10am to 2pm at St. Laurence, Coquitlam.

May 23 - Pilgrimage Walk. 2:30pm to 4:30pm with St. Dunstans at Aldergrove Regional Park.

May 23 - Wild Blue Herons in concert. 7pm at St. Oswald's, Surrey.

June 3 - Blessing of the Bikes. 4pm at St. Margaret's, Cedar Cottage.

June 4 - Corpus Christi Mass, Procession & Benediction. 6:30pm at St. James.

June 6 - Indigenous Plant Walk & Talk. 2pm at Maplewood Flats, offered by St. John's, Shaughnessey.

June 7 - Annual Big Lunch. 12pm at St. David's, Delta

June 7 - Wild Church in the Small. 4pm with Salal + Cedar.

July 2-5 - Whitehorse Worship Arts Festival & Contemplative Retreat.

July 11 - Water & Wonder Day Retreat. 9:30am to 3:30pm at Cultus Lake with Rev. Lorie Martin.

Archbishop's Calendar

May 24 - St. Clement's, Lynn Valley

June 7 - Peace Arch Deanery Picnic

June 19 - Consecration of Bishop of Yukon

June 21 - St. George, Maple Ridge

HAVE NEWS OR AN UPCOMING EVENT TO SHARE?

-Want to submit an article for Topic? Contact Alicia with your proposal at least eight weeks before the publication date.

-Have an event to include on the diocesan on-line events calendar? If your parish uses a Tithely website, you can share News and Events directly from your website to ours using the "share" feature. If you don't use a Tithely website, you can submit your event using the form available here. Ideally, aim to submit your event at least three weeks before the event date.

-Something newsworthy coming up in your parish? Contact Alicia with information and we'll find the best way to share it with the diocese.

You can contact Alicia at communications@vancouver.anglican.ca