April 7, 2026

Easter Triduum Across the Diocese

Top left - The Altar of Repose at St. Anne's, Steveston, where the watch was kept Maundy Thursday evening.

Top right - The Veneration of the Cross at Holy Cross, Vancouver

Bottom right - Salal + Cedar's Holy Saturday observance: a vigil for Gaza was held. The white fabric lists the names of people killed in Gaza over the past two and a half years. The names were also read out loud by participants.

Bottom left - The Rev. Cameron Gutjahr baptizes a new member of the church during an Easter service.

Middle left - Archbishop John Stephens prays over the new fire outside Christ Church Cathedral at the start of the Easter vigil. (photo: Archbishop John Stephens/Facebook)

Middle right - the paschal candle lit and displayed at St. James.

(all photos: parish Facebook)

News

Mission Conference 2026: Early Registration Open

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, is the keynote speaker. Full conference details, including breakout session presenters, are available here.

At this time, early registration is open. Parishes have received emails inviting them to register up to 5 people for the conference by April 17. This conference is free. General registration will open shortly.

Feather Circle - April 15

The next Feather Circle takes place Wednesday, April 15 at the Synod Office, from 11am to 2pm. Tea, coffee & snacks provided.

What is a Feather Circle?

It is a series of gatherings intended for wisdom sharing and mutual support in the ongoing work of reconciliation. The goal is to build relationships and, in doing so, support each other in the work of reconciliation. The time together involves conversation, sharing, and some creative activity to keep our hands busy while we share.

In Elder Rikki’s words, “You are invited. A space has been prepared for you. Embrace the journey.”Learn more HERE.

In April, we will be talking about how to invite, welcome, and honour elders visiting your community. Perhaps we will see you there. To assist with planning, please RSVP to info@sthildegards.ca

Centre for Spiritual Renewal: Spring/Summer Program Guide

The Spring and Summer program guide for the Centre for Spiritual Renewal is now available !

Access the program guide HERE

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.

St. Michael's Centre Seeks New CEO

Opened in 1981, St. Michael's Centre in Burnaby is a faith-based long-term care centre and hospice, under the sponsorship of the Anglican, Roman Catholic and United churches. It currently operates the only hospice in Burnaby.

The current CEO of St. Michael's Centre is retiring. His last day is May 29. St. Michael's is launching a search for their next CEO. Details on that search are available here.

Video - Memorial Service Archbishop Hambidge

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

You may watch the video of the service here.

N.B. A Facebook account is not needed to watch the video. Close the pop-up and continue to the video.

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 11 - Trivia Night - 7pm at St. Stephen's, Burnaby

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.

Archbishop's Calendar

April 12 - St Thomas, Chiliwack

April 20 - 24 - National House of Bishops

May 10 - All Saints, Mission

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