February 15th Around the Archdiocese

Find out what's happening around the Archdiocese

• Archbishop Smith's Lunar New Year Message

• Project Advance 2025 Update

• Making Sense of Discipline - Neufeld Parenting Course

• Community Dinner with Temple Sholom

• 40 Days for Life Vancouver

• How to Serve in Healthcare as a Catholic

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Archbishop Smith's Lunar New Year Message

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, 

As we celebrate Lunar New Year and welcome the Year of the Horse, I extend my warm greetings to all who mark this joyful season—especially to our Asian communities, whose faith, culture, and presence so richly bless the Church here in Vancouver. 

In the Christian tradition, the horse appears in Scripture as a sign of strength, endurance, and the long journey of God’s people through history. While our confidence rests not in human strength but in God alone, such imagery can remind us that the Christian life is a journey—one that calls for perseverance, courage, and faithful trust in God’s plan. 

Lunar New Year offers a time for renewal, inviting us to pause, to give thanks, to seek reconciliation where relationships have been strained, and to turn our hearts again toward God as we look ahead. It also encourages reflection on the year that has passed and calls us to step forward with renewed purpose. As disciples of Christ, we are called to walk this path together, attentive to one another and responsive to the needs of our neighbours and the world. 

I pray that this Lunar New Year may be a time of peace and blessing for you and your families. May God guide our steps in the months ahead and strengthen us to journey forward together in faith. 

With prayers for a blessed and joyful Lunar New Year, 

✠ Richard W. Smith  

Archbishop of Vancouver 

Project Advance 2025 Update

Making Sense of Discipline - Neufeld Parenting Course

Tuesdays | February 10 to March 10 | Zoom

The real question for concerned parents and teachers is not just about how to manage a child's behaviour but rather how to do so without causing harm to relationship, development, and well-being. This online course unfolds how to do just that, while at the same time not compromising the adult's responsibility to impose some order on behaviour when circumstances require. The guidelines and principles apply to children of all ages. Learn more and register at beholdvancouver.org/events.

Community Dinner with Temple Sholom

Thursday | February 19 | Temple Shalom Synagogue, Vancouver

Join Senior Rabbi Dan Moskovitz of Temple Sholom and Archbishop Richard Smith, for a community dinner and discussion moderated by Deacon Hilmar Pabel about how faith can help heal our fractured lives and world in these challenging times. Listen to these faith leaders and share your own thoughts and experiences around a table of interfaith friends and neighbours. Delicious kosher dinner included. Learn more and register at beholdvancouver.org/events.

40 Days for Life Vancouver

40 Days for Life is an internationally focused pro-life campaign of prayer, fasting, and peaceful vigil for the protection of life from conception to its natural end. You are invited to take part by signing up individually or with your parish group.

• Feb. 18 to March 29, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Daily Vigil at 4818 Willow Street, Vancouver

• Nightly rosary online via Zoom at 8 p.m. 

• Sunday, March 8, 2:30 p.m. Mid-way rally. Details TBA 

• Sunday, March 29, 2:30 p.m.Closing rally. Details TBA

Learn more and register at beholdvancouver.org/events.

How to Serve in Healthcare as a Catholic

Saturday | March 7 | 9AM to 12NN | Holy Name of Jesus Parish, Vancouver

Are you a student considering a career or vocation in healthcare? Join us for a morning of guidance, connection, and formation as practicing Catholic healthcare professionals share their experiences navigating school application, coursework, professional formation, and faithful practice in today's complex healthcare landscape. You will also meet and connect with other students and healthcare professionals as you explore the integration of faith and professional vocation in clinical settings. All are welcome. Register before March 6 at beholdvancouver.org/events.

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