October 21

Pilgrims Together: Reflections on a Visit to the Episcopal Diocese of Northern Philippines
By the Rev. Simbarashe Basvi

When I boarded the plane in Vancouver with fellow pilgrims from the Diocese of New Westminster, I thought I was travelling to visit a partner diocese. Looking back, I realize that I was embarking on a pilgrimage. I call it a pilgrimage not because I was visiting an ancient Holy Place, but because I was making a journey of faith. As Ian Bradley observes, pilgrimage is “a departure from daily life on a journey in search of spiritual well-being.” I encountered God not only in churches and worship services, but in mountain villages, on winding roads, around dinner tables, in rice terraces, and in conversations with people whose faith has been shaped by both hardship and hope.

I returned not simply as someone who had visited a partner diocese, but with a renewed sense that pilgrimage is not determined solely by where we go. It is determined also by how we go, what we seek, whom we encounter, and how the journey changes us.

What follows are not simply memories from a trip but moments that continue to challenge and shape my understanding of discipleship, mission, and the Anglican Communion.

(Photo: The Diocese of New Westminster delegation with Bishop Benny P. Lang-akan after a worship service. Photo via Facebook/Nick Pang)

CONTINUE READING HERE

News

Crozier Fund Gala

You're Invited!

You may have heard him on The Debaters on CBC, maybe you read "The Eh Team." On November 16, you can catch Charlie Demers person at the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club and support important work done by the diocese.

Charlie Demers will be the guest speaker at the Diocese of New Westminster's Crozier Fund Gala!

The Crozier Fund is a special fund that puts resources in the hands of the bishop to respond quickly when emergent and unprecedented needs arise, and to seed and support new ministries in the diocese.

The Gala is one way to support The Crozier Fund while gathering with folks from across the diocese and connecting with friends old and new. There will also be a silent auction.

WHEN: Monday, November 16

WHERE: Royal Vancouver Yacht Club

TIME: Doors open 6:30pm

Tickets: Can be purchased here

If you wish to purchase a full table of 10, you can do so by contacting Maria Sousa in the Archbishop’s Office at msousa@vancouver.anglican.ca or 604-684-6306 ext 228.

Advent Resources Menu

It is the time of year when we begin to look toward Advent and look for resources and offerings to accompany us through the season.

The Diocesan Missioner for Formation has compiled this menu of Advent Resources.

Of particular note: Archbishop John Stephens will once again be offering a four week, online study session this Advent.

Bishop's Retreat for Clergy at Loon Lake

The annual Bishop's silent retreat for clergy will take place November 2-4 at Loon Lake. The retreat will be led by Heather Ruce.

Further details and registration HERE.

Registration deadline: Friday, October 23

Investiture into the Order of the Diocese of New Westminster

On November 7 at 10:30am a Service of Investiture will take place at St. Andrew's Wesley Church. Due to space limitations, in-person attendance is limited to inductees and their guests, current members of the order and diocesan clergy.

A livestream of the service will be available HERE for anyone who wishes to watch.

Reatreat Led by Brother James Koester, SSJE

Not every season of life offers clear answers or easy words for prayer. Praying in the Dark invites us to discover that uncertainty, silence and longing can also be places of encounter with God.

Led by Brother James Koester of the Society of Saint John the Evangelist (SSJE), this three-day retreat offers time to step away from everyday demands and attend to the life of prayer. Through teaching, silence, shared worship, and conversation, participants will be invited to explore prayer as a source of light, peace and hope.

WHEN: February 4 – 6, 2027
WHERE: St. Paul's

More information and registration HERE.

SAVE THE DATE: 2026

November 24-25: 50th Anniversary of the Priesting of Women. Registration open HERE. Hosted by Diocese of Islands and Inlets.

FORMATION & SPIRITUAL RENEWAL

Fall 2026 Program Guide from the Centre for Spiritual Renewal

Care for Those Who Care

A group of experienced spiritual healing companions will facilitate a time of care and wellness for those who care for others. The retreat will hold times of connecting in collective learning, contemplative practice, expressive art, quiet reflection and community sharing. This is a time to hear from a variety of voices with different training, practice, and experience such as enneagram, listening prayer and compassionate listening; as well as hearing from each other. This will offer collective wisdom to be encouraged and strengthened on the caregiving journey. Lunch is included.

WHEN: Saturday, October 24
TIME:9:30am to 2pm
WHERE: St. Dunstan's, Aldergrove

More details and registration HERE.

AROUND THE DIOCESE

Full event listing available here

October 24 - Young Adult Movie Night: A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood. 6pm to 9pm at St. Timothy's, Burnaby.

October 24 - Formed by Silence: Experience the Tradition of Contemplative Prayer - 40 yrs & under. 9am to 2pm, Online.

October 30 - Tour of St. James Church. 5:30pm at St. James.

November 1 - Choral Evensong. 4 pm at St. John's, Shaughnessy

November 1 - Choral Evening. 4pm at St. Mary's, Kerrisdale

November 2 - All Souls Evensong. 7:30pm at Christ Church Cathedral.

November 2 - All Souls Evensong. 7:30pm at Holy Trinity Cathedral, New Westminster

November 4 - Behind the Music: Open Rehearsal with the Vancouver Cantata Singers. 11:30am at St. James.

November 11- Remembrance Day Service. 10am at St. John's, Shaughnessey.

November 14 - Mapping the Ground We Stand On: a Reconciliation event with Alongside Hope. 10am at St. John's, Shaughnessy

November 21 - Light the Night: A Diocesan Youth Event. 4pm at St. Cuthbert's.

Archbishop's Calendar

October 21 to 22 - Compass Rose Society Annual Meeting, UK

November 1 - Holy Cross, Vancouver

November 2 to 4 - Bishop's Retreat for Clergy

November 8 - Christ Church, Hope

November 22 - St. Catherine's, Capilano

November 29 - St. Anselm's

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 online 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