April 1, 2026

Sitting With Grief, Welcoming New Life
A Holy Week Message from Archbishop Stephens

On Palm Sunday, in most of the parishes of the Diocese, the passion of Christ is read as part of the morning liturgy. The passion is also read (or sung) on Good Friday as we remember the story of the crucifixion. Twice in one week we hear words that are central to our faith as we hear the details leading up to Jesus’ betrayal and then his very short trial. We hear how he was crucified, in more detail than we might want to hear, and how he endured much suffering leading to his death.

While he is in agony on the cross, his final words, according to John’s gospel, are: “It is finished.” Those words seem so devastating to me. They seem so final and complete. They seem harsh and raw and gut-wrenching. It is finished. The Word of God that had come into the world to reveal the light of God died in a cruel and devastating way. The hope of the world seemed to have been removed. The love of God seemed to have ended. The darkness seemed to have won. Death had the final say. The darkness seemed to have overcome the light. It is important that we sit with these words for a while: “It is finished.”

Emptiness, grief, and despair seem to fill the air if those are the final words.

Continue Reading HERE.

News

Video - Memorial Service Archbishop Hambidge

The Memorial Service for Archbishop Hambidge will took place last Saturday, March 28 at Holy Nativity Church in Calgary.

If you were unable to watch the livestream but wish to see the service, you may watch the video here.

While the video is hosted on Facebook, you do not need to have a Facebook account to watch the video. Close the pop-up and continue to the video.

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.

Mission Conference

Mission Conference 2026 takes place Saturday, May 30. The theme is “Moving in Mission, Guided by Spirit.” Archbishop Michael Curry, former presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church, will be the keynote speaker.

The conference will also feature breakout sessions with presenters: Ray Aldred, Mark Glanville, Ross Lockhart, Jessica Schaap, Rikki Kooy, and Lauren Pinkney.

The conference takes placeat the Synod Office (1410 Nanton Ave). The weekend concludes with a Eucharist service at Christ Church Cathedral on Sunday, May 31 at 10:30am.

Full speaker listings and registration will be landing in in-boxes in the days ahead.

Registration is FREE. Childcare will be available.

SAVE THE DATE: IMPORTANT DIOCESAN DATES 2026

May 4 to 6 - Clergy Conference. Register HERE by April 20.
May 9: Confirmations. 10:30am At Christ Church Cathedral
May 30: Mission Conference
August 4 - 6: "You are the Salt of the Earth," Diocese of Islands and Inlets Summer Retreat.

FORMATION AND SPIRITUAL RENEWAL OPORTUNITIES

Full Listings available via Diocesan Learning Centre and Centre for Spiritual Renewal

Confirmation Prep Day

Archbishop John Stephens and the Mission and Ministry staff of the Diocese of New Westminster invite all those being confirmed, reaffirmed or received into the Anglican Church this year to join us for a day of learning, conversation and worship.

Explore your spiritual gifts. Ask the big questions. Get up close and personal to a sacred space. This one day event, hosted by Archbishop John, is for all youth and adults who are preparing for confirmation, reception into the Anglican Church, or reaffirmation of baptismal vows.

WHEN: April 18
TIME: 10am to 3pm
WHERE: 1410 Nanton Ave (Synod Office)

Details and Registration HERE.

Exploring Licensed Lay Ministry

The diocese has recently expanded the possibilities for licensed lay ministry. Are you discerning whether you are called to one of them? Or wondering if this might be a good thing in your parish? Come for a day of discernment, information, and conversation.

Date: Saturday, April 11th

Time: 10:00am - 12:30pm

Place: St. Cuthbert's Anglican Church, 11601 82 Ave, Delta

Full details about the session HERE.

AROUND THE DIOCESE

Full event listing available here

April 1 - Tenebrae. 7pm at St. James.

April 12 - Remembrance: Prayer for the Opioid Crisis. 4pm at Christ Church Cathedral.

April 25 - Young Adult Movie Night. 6pm at St. Timothy's, Burnaby.

January 22 to April 6 - Sacred Journeys: with Textile Artist Karen Brodie. Italian Cultural Centre.

Archbishop's Calendar

March 31 - Chrism Mass

Holy Week Triduum - Christ Church Cathedral

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