St. Clare Updates for
Dec. 24, 2021- Jan. 7, 2022
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As we gather to celebrate Christmas another year has passed and many events, public and private, touched our lives in many different ways. No doubt this year has brought joys and sadness in different measure to each person, all colouring our memories of 2021.
In this Christmas Season I just wanted to take a moment to write to you and let you know that we are praying for you, believing that God is going to help us through this present struggle.
Jesus said “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33).
There are times when all of us are confronted with difficulties and circumstances that are often beyond our control or ability to “fix.” This pandemic is certainly one of them.
However, Christmas reminds us that we are not left without hope. By humbling Himself and becoming a human being, God has shown us His love and has also shown us that ultimately we have nothing to fear.
The pandemic may be testing our faith in God, but just as the birth of Christ was the fulfilment of a promise so we can continue to hold to the other promises of God, such as Jesus' promise never to leave us or forsake us (see Hebrews 13:5). Such promises make it clear that God is sure to bring us to the other side of this situation in victory.
On behalf of Fr. Yarek, myself and the entire team at St. Clare of Assisi Parish, we wish and pray that you, your family and homes be filled with the Blessings of Peace, Joy and Love. May the Newborn Messiah fill you with His abundant graces this Christmas Season and in the New Year!
My thanks to all who have helped our church by contributing, time, monies and talents throughout this year. Thank you all, most sincerely, for your thoughtful prayers, inspiring Christmas greetings and priceless gifts.
Fr. Maciej
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Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB reinstated the obligation to attend mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation in the summer of 2021.
Also as per the Archbishop’s request and now the new Public Health Order, you must wear a mask when attending mass. And as per the public health order, masks are also required in the Parish Centre unless you are eating or drinking.
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OUR REGULAR MASS SCHEDULE IS :
DAILY MASSES Monday through Saturday at 9:00am and
WEEKEND MASSES Saturday at 5:00pm
and on Sunday at 8:30am, 11:00am and 5:00pm
There is a Spanish mass at 6:30pm on Sunday
We have also added the Morning Office/Breviary at 8:30am from Monday through Saturday. Everyone is welcome to join in.
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Daily Masses Monday through Friday at 9:00am
Weekend Mass at 5:00pm on Saturday
All of these are posted on YouTube and Facebook and can be watched either live or after the livestreaming has ended. If you haven't already, please subscribe to our Youtube page and don't forget to "Like Us". These simple moves makes us easier to find on the web.
You can participate in all of our online masses by clicking on the links provided above or by going to our website, www.stclare.ca and clicking on the link provided.
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We have connected a very limited number of sound receivers to our sound system for people with serious difficulty in hearing. These can be used with either our headphones or your own personal headphones. If you are interested, please call the office at 604-941-4800 or email stclareofassisi@shaw.ca These are the same ones that we had in the hall.
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Wedding, Baptisms and Funerals |
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Since the limitations have been lifted on religious gatherings and worship services, attendance restrictions at Weddings, Funerals and Baptisms have also been lifted. Please contact the office to make arrangements. However, the new provincial public health order issued December 21st means that we cannot use the hall for receptions at this time.
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OUR REGULAR CONFESSION SCHEDULE IS AS FOLLOWS:
- Before morning mass at 8:45am and after morning mass at 9:30am, Monday through Saturday. No registration or appointment is necessary.
Confessions are now heard in the Crying Room (by the washrooms on the east side of the church) NOT in the confessional.
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Pre-Authorized Payments
We offer a Pre-Authorized Payment (PAP) plan which you can sign up for by completing the form at Pre-Authorized Form and returning it with a void cheque to the office. Pre-authorized payments are withdrawn directly from your bank account on the 1st day of the month.
Please do not forget to sign the back as it is invalid without a signature. You may seal the completed form in an envelope marked Pre-Authorized Payment and drop it in the Collection Basket, mail it or bring it in person. The form must be in the office by the 20th of the month in order for it to be effective on the 1st of the month following.
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In order to help facilitate the offertory for
St Clare of Assisi Parish, the Archdiocese created an Online Offertory page for either one time or reoccurring monthly or weekly donations using a debit or credit card. Click on the heading above to go to the secure page. You can also donate to Second Collections including our Building/Mortgage Fund using this link.
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Donations at Church
If you wish to continue to make your donation at mass, please note that we will not be passing around the collection baskets at this time. Please leave your donation to the church in one of the 2 boxes at the back of the church either when you enter or when you leave.
Second Collections - When there is a Second Collection, one of the collection boxes at the back will be specifically labeled for the that collection. Envelopes should be clearly marked and can be put in either box but cash donations in the Second Collection box will be passed on for that purpose.
Envelopes for 2022 have been issued, please pick yours up in the lobby of the church. If we somehow missed you please call the office at 604-941-4800.
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We are grateful to all those who have supported Project Advance. Each and every gift is important. As of December 16th we had received $211,906. Our goal from the diocese is $49,500 so that means that we will be able to put $162,406 towards our mortgage and sound system.
You can give online at projectadvance.ca, by phone at 604-683-0281 ext. 50323, or in-person at our parish’s office. Thank you so much for your support.
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Ethical Concerns Related to Vaccines |
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Catholics are invited to be vaccinated, both in keeping with the dictates of their conscience and in contributing to the common good by promoting the health and safety of others. All COVID-19 vaccines that are medically approved by the relevant health authorities may be licitly received by Catholics. Since there is currently no choice of vaccine being offered, Catholics in good conscience may receive the vaccine that is available and offered to them. Read more at rcav.org/coronavirus
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We’ve decorated our Church with blue lights as part of the Archdiocese of Vancouver’s Blue Light campaign. Blue is the colour of the Blessed Virgin Mary and so signifies trust and confidence in God, purity, virginity, innocence, and birth. It’s also a sign of hope and solidarity with families who have lost loved ones and are experiencing a “blue Christmas” this year. |
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We would like to thank all parishioners who donated poinsettias through the CWL sale to beautify our church and Oliveria Funeral Home(Tony and Maria) who also generously donated the large poinsettias by the tabernacle. |
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New Refugee Family Coming |
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We are looking for a suite or house to rent for the refugee family that we are sponsoring, with minimum of 3 bedrooms, kitchen and laundry, in the Tri-Cities or Pitt Meadows, and that is available for minimum 1 year starting Jan 1. If you know about any place with these requirements, please contact Maria Magnusson at maria.magnusson-cwl@shaw.ca
This is all that we are looking for at this time. Thank you.
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On December 12th at the 11:00am mass, three inquirers were accepted as catechumens during the Rite of Acceptance. We welcome Trevor Allaby, Masi Asadifard and Mandy Firouzi into the Catechumenate stage of the RCIA process.
Please pray for these catechumens and our baptized candidates as they continue learning about the Catholic faith.
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New Bible Study - January |
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Advent is just around the corner and the church is moving into a new liturgical year. In year C we cover the majority of the Gospel of Luke in the Sunday readings. Starting on Monday, January 10th 2022 we will begin a new bible study on the Gospel of Luke.
There is no study guide to purchase as we will be exploring the Gospel ourselves in group by means of reading the scriptural text, self reflection and discussion. To register please call: Leonora 604 461 3116. (This study will be conducted in person not by Zoom).
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KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
For information on the Knights of Columbus please visit our websites at kofc.org and kofcbc.org. If you are interested in becoming a Knight please email
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The 2021 Knights of Columbus Charity Appeal has begun. Click the link in the document below to buy your tickets.
Did you know that the Grand Prize Winner was from St Clare's Parish last year?
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Everyone is invited to join us daily
7:30 pm, Online
Contact
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ADVERTISERS IN OUR BULLETIN
There is an advertiser section at the bottom of today's bulletin. Please support these businesses as they support your parish. Clicking on their ad will take you to their web page.
If you are interested in advertising your company in our bulletin, please contact the office at stclareofassisi@shaw.ca or call 604-941-4800.
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Food for Thought . . . and for the Soul
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What? The seven "O" Antiphons: they began on December 17 which means that now Christmas is only a day away. They also known as Greater Antiphons and they are ancient antiphons found in the liturgy that is prayed from December 17-23. They all begin with the invocation ‘O.’ They call to mind the ancient longing and pleading of the people of the Old Testament for a Savior to come, invoking different Christological titles on the seven days before Christmas Eve. In praying these we remember the original yearning for the First Coming of Christ at Bethlehem, and echo the same waiting and supplication for the Emmanuel to come at Parousia, His Second Coming. The ‘O’ Antiphons take us through chronological order from before Creation to the birth of Christ at Bethlehem. The antiphons use the same words as the favourite Advent hymn “O Come, O Come Emmanuel”. Note that the first letter of each invocation may be taken from the Latin to form an acrostic in reverse. Start with the last title and takes the first letter of each one - Emmanuel, Rex, Oriens, Clavis, Radix, Adonai, Sapientia - the Latin words ERO CRAS are formed, meaning "Tomorrow, I will come".
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MOTET (a musical genre, or alternatively, an acronym: Musicae Opus Toti Ecclesiae Terrestri, "The work of music for the whole Church on earth") is a Vancouver-based chamber ensemble comprised of young musicians passionate about bringing sacred choral music to audiences throughout the region. MOTET draws music from the vast treasury of the Catholic tradition into reverently beautiful concerts and liturgies.
MOTET strives to serve the Church, not only by upholding sacred musical traditions, but also by building up sacred music for the future. In giving quality, theology, sacrality, and function* paramount importance, MOTET seeks to educate musicians, exemplify the best that sacred music can be, and support reverent liturgy and worship.
For your calendar: The Twelve Days of Christmas Concert
Thursday 30 December 2021, 7:00 PM
at St Patrick's Catholic Church (2881 Main St, Vancouver)
(As this is a public concert, vaccination status will be checked
at the door according to provincial health orders)
Click on the links below
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Sacraments at St. Clare's |
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WEDDINGS
Bosung Kim and Jiyoon Choo
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BAPTISMS
Samuel Navarro, son of Fabian & Dianne;
Jaden Fong, son of Johnson & Caris;
Miles Colbert and Liam Colbert,
sons of Alexander & Gian Lara;
Sofia Lopez, daughter of Gino & Catherine;
Diego Balcaceres Arana,
son of Gustavo & Patricia;
Hunter Gillies, son of Michael & Jacqueline;
Abby Astrero, daughter of
Maximo & Chermaine;
Lila Liang, daughter of Louis & Marie
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FUNERALS
Fred Bevilacqua
Bernie Costanzo
Shigemi Mori
Sylvia Florido
Bruce Lees
Nonia Dequito
Aniela Wierzejski
Henry Sicking
Andrzej Zygmunt
Joy Jhocson
Annie Guest
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If you wish to book a Mass Intention please email the office at stclareofassisi@shaw.ca giving the name of the person, whether it is for a living or deceased person, who it is from and if you have any preferences for the the day of the week, a weekend mass or specific date. We will try to book your mass intention as close to the request as possible.
The suggested offering for a mass intention is not less than $10 and can be brought to the office, mailed to 1320 Johnson Street, Coquitlam, V3B 4T5 or dropped in the collection box in the church. Please DO NOT use a collection envelope but put it in a regular envelope clearly marked for what it is for. This offering will go to the priest who says the mass, not to the church.
If you are unable to use email, mass intentions can be phoned in at 604-941-4800.
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NEW FOR 2022 AND BEYOND : Due to the high demand for mass intentions we have obtained permission from Archbishop Miller to have multiple mass intentions on one day per week. As of January 2022 we will accept up to 10 mass intentions for Fridays. For all other days we will only book one mass, and we will honour mass intentions already booked. |
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OFFICE HOURS
Monday to Friday from 10am to 3pm.
The office will be closed on Dec. 27, 28 and Jan. 3rd
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Please pray for the sick of our Parish
Noah Zanatta, Bob Roy, Loni Cain, Brendan Pace, Gracienda Ramos, Brian Stewart, Catherine Dunne, Lucy Chase, Doreen Allyen, Tyson Ward, Nora Arroyal, Christopher Brown, Joan McDonald, Annabella Cirko, Frank Matchett, Kelly Durkin, Jason Kendall, Bill Clendinning, Chris Mah, Lydia Guzman, Angelo Visentin, June Cross, Katelyn Boudewyn, Karen Morris, Ramon Montecillo, Janice Caine, Nadine Classen, Leanne Theiss, Sierra Osborne, Sebastien Robillard, Sandra Diersch, Lori Dennis, Marcel Quaghebeur, Mazoe Kaufman, Cindy Mazerolle-Kass, Anna Figura, Ed Garcia, Viray Family, Walter Banke, Etheen Lowry, Elizabeth Teixeira, Reema Ferreira, Terry McDonald, Andrew De Boda, Maurice Quaghebeur, Hari Vijay, Peggy Maas, Chad Galitzky, Al Trotter, Pat Dizy, Wieslawa Dziuba, Brett Lawrence, Norman Schuster, Brenda Haines, John Bergen, Brian Wills, Laud Vidal and all recipients of St. Clare’s Prayer Shawls.
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The Poor Clare Sisters are praying for our parish and would be happy to take your personal prayer requests by mail or telephone 1-604-826-2818. St. Clare's Monastery, Box 3370, Mission, B.C. V2V 4J5
They have had contact with some of you with "Go-to-Meeting" but they hope to be able to welcome you again for afternoons of prayer at their monastery. Please let them know if you would like to join them. Thank you.
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Pope Francis has launched a Synod in Rome with the theme “For a synodal Church: communion, participation, mission.” This Synod is an opportunity for Catholics to dialogue and discern how the Holy Spirit is inviting us to journey together as a Church.
This Synod has implications not only on the universal Church but also on the local Church. Many of the recommendations from the faithful in previous Synods have been implemented in our local diocese.
Opportunities for group discussion and information on how to submit discussion summaries will begin in January 2022.
"The habit of synodality or “being synodal” is a call to listen to one another, to talk about our lives in the Church, our real situations, painful or joyful as they may be. As we journey together, we also need to take the time to look others in the eye and listen to what they have to say, to build rapport with them, to be sensitive to their questions, and to let ourselves be enriched by the variety of their charisms and ministries."
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Of Interest from the Diocese |
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Archbishop's Mass for Life
Join us as we celebrate life on Tuesday, Dec. 28, at Holy Rosary Cathedral, Vancouver. Rosary begins at 11:30 a.m. and Mass is at 12:10 p.m. “May we defend it and promote it from conception to its natural end.” Tuesday, December 28 at 12:10 p.m. Learn more at beholdvancouver.org/events
The Letters of St. Paul - Paul Proclaims the Gospel
St. Paul was one of the first to articulate and proclaim the Gospel. Focusing particularly on Romans, we will explore the major features of Paul’s presentation of the Good News. Just as it did for Paul’s original audience, this message has the potential to reinvigorate our lives. Saturday, January 15 at 7:00 p.m. Learn more and register at beholdvancouver.org/events
I Have Called You Friends - Healthy Relationship Series
Join Fr. Richard Conlin and Fr. Raffaele Salvino as they discuss what is means to have a Christ-centered friendship and being “best friends with Jesus.” Having spent 6 years together in the Seminary of Christ the King, these young priests will share about lessons learnt for cultivating genuine friendship within the context of pursuing holiness today. Thursday, January 13 at 7:00 p.m. Learn more and register at beholdvancouver.org/events
HRC Young Adults Holy Hour Happy Hour
We welcome you to Holy Rosary Cathedral for a Holy Hour, a peaceful time to connect with Jesus, followed by a social event for young adults in their 20s and 30s. Come spend time with God, experiencing His loving Presence and bringing your prayers and praises to Him before the Blessed Sacrament. The Holy Hour is followed by a social event for young adults in their 20s and 30s, at a nearby restaurant. Friday, January 21 at 8:00 p.m. Learn more at beholdvancouver.org/events
Into the Deep: What's New About Evangelization?
In this presentation, Eric Chow will present on the new evangelization: where this term comes from and what it means for us today. He'll share about Proclaim - a movement of the Archdiocese of Vancouver awakening disciples to proclaim Jesus in their homes and communities; and stories of how disciples are seeing God move through their evangelization efforts. Friday, January 28 at 7:00 p.m. Learn more and register at beholdvancouver.org/events
Rachel's Vineyard
“In this encounter with the risen Lord, He also meets them in the lowest places of their lives and drains from their hearts the poison of this sin and loss and gives them a new heart and a new spirit.” - Bishop Greg Kelly
Are you ready for a new heart filled with His merciful love for you? No matter how dark things seem, and how low you feel you have fallen since the day of the abortion, He is ready to love you back to life. Join us on a Rachel’s Vineyard™ Retreat. For confidential information call 604-525-0999 or email info@pacscanada.org
Drug or Alcohol Addiction Recovery
If you, a loved one, or someone you know, wants to be free from an addiction to drugs or alcohol, consider Sancta Maria House. Located in a beautiful part of Vancouver, we offer a structured and supportive Catholic Christian 12-Step recovery program, in a pleasant, loving, family-like setting. We accept women of all faith backgrounds. For more information, visit agapestreetministry.org or call 604-731-5550.
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Gardens of Gethsemani Events
Estate and Memorial Planning Webinar
This free presentation provides general information for preparing or updating your will and learning about the beauty of the funeral rite, and formulating pre-need arrangements. You'll be pointed to complementary guides, tools and practical resources. The event is sponsored and presented by the Gardens of Gethsemani cemetery, a ministry of the Archdiocese of Vancouver. Thursday, January 13 at 11:00 a.m. Learn more and register at beholdvancouver.org/events
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Email Fraud Warning
The Archdiocese has received multiple reports from parishioners and priests who have fallen victim to a recent Internet email phishing scam. Imposters, posing as priests and using email addresses that are similar to those of our priests, have been emailing people asking for personal donations, gift cards, and other forms of financial assistance.
Never respond to emails requesting Google Play cards, iTunes cards, or any other form of personal financial assistance, even if it appears to be from a priest, deacon, religious, parish staff or bishop. If you have any doubt, please contact the sender by other means to verify any requests.
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Spanish and Christian Education Teacher,
St. Patrick Regional Secondary School
St. Patrick Regional Secondary School is hiring a short-term (January 27 - April 9, 2022) Spanish and Christian Education Teacher. Learn more and apply at rcav.org/jobs
Administrative Assistant, Human Resources Office
The Administrative Assistant (Assistant) provides the Human Resources Director (Director) with a wide range of administrative support to assist in all areas of the Human Resources Office (Office) transactional activities and workflows. This includes recruitment, selection, training and development, benefit administration, event support and other activities that contribute to building an organizational culture that enhances the employee experience; to respond efficiently and professionally to enquires ensuring that service quality is paramount. Learn more and apply at rcav.org/jobs
Assistant Editor / Reporter, The B.C. Catholic
The B.C. Catholic is the weekly newspaper of the Archdiocese of Vancouver. Our mandate is to share stories that will touch readers’ hearts and draw them closer to Christ and his Church. We are looking for a full-time Assistant Editor/Reporter with a strong background in journalism, excellent writing and editing skills, proficiency in photography/video/multimedia, and solid news judgment with the ability to make editorial decisions from a Catholic perspective. The successful applicant must have superior time management, organizational, and planning abilities, and a desire to collaborate with newspaper and communications team colleagues on a cohesive approach to informing Catholics in the Archdiocese of Vancouver. Learn more and apply at rcav.org/jobs
Administrative Assistant, Ministries and Outreach Office
The Ministries and Outreach Office is looking for a seasoned administrative professional to provide exceptional support to Coordinator(s) and Project Manager(s) for the successful execution of projects and events as well as the ongoing maintenance of effective programming. This position plays an essential role in the evangelization mission of the church by supporting program development that helps to form true disciples of Jesus Christ. Learn more and apply at rcav.org/jobs
Communications Director
The Director of Communications supports the archbishop’s ministry by directing and supervising all communication initiatives of the archdiocese, including strategic communications planning, internal communications, digital communications, and proactive and reactive media relations and issues management. The Director provides strategic communications direction for archdiocesan offices and parishes. This position will report directly to the Archbishop’s Delegate for Operations. Learn more and apply at rcav.org/jobs
Director of Development
The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Vancouver is seeking an experienced, dynamic, professional, full-time Director to lead and direct the development initiatives of the Archdiocese of Vancouver. Reporting to the Delegate, the Director is responsible for leading the implementation of a comprehensive development program (major and planned giving, annual giving, the Archbishop’s Dinner, donor services and other fundraising initiatives) to secure the financial resources required to support the ministries and programs for the 446,611 Catholics of the Archdiocese. He/She must be committed to the Church’s mission and to the principles of Gospel stewardship. Learn more and apply at rcav.org/jobs
Operations Manager, Gardens of Gethsemani
This role is part of the leadership team at Catholic Cemeteries, and it is integral in achieving excellence in cemetery operations at all levels, resolving and removing barriers for family services and grounds staff to provide exceptional care for our families. A key responsibility is optimizing the Nexus ERP system to manage all inventory, contracts and records. This role requires high collaboration with family services, outreach, finance, and the director on land development and management issues. The role ensures the efficient and pastoral care of families by optimizing processes and productivity. The position oversees grounds and garden personnel as well as office support systems. Learn more and apply at rcav.org/jobs
Finance and Accounting Manager, Gardens of Gethsemani
This position supports the financial well-being of the organization. The role fulfills accounting and managerial reporting, oversees banking, trust fund management and loan management as well as supporting quality assurance on family contracts and all compliance requirements with the Consumer Protection Agency, the Canada Revenue Agency, the Archdiocese and acts as the point person for the annual audit. Learn more and apply at rcav.org/jobs
Need for Healthcare Professionals at St. Michael's Centre
Many sectors in our society are suffering from staffing shortages. This is particularly true in healthcare/seniors’ care. At St. Michael’s Centre this has reached a crisis where they are in need of RNs, LPNs and RCAs so they can continue to provide excellent care.
Employment Opportunities
The Archdiocese of Vancouver is blessed to be made up of a committed core of individuals who are eager to serve in ministry. If you feel called to be a part of this team, you can view our current openings at rcav.org/jobs.
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Shalom World TV Network is a 24/7, family-friendly Catholic TV channel and is the recipient of the Gabriel Award for "Best TV Station of the Year 2020", instituted by the Catholic Press Association of North America. It is a commercial-free, high-definition network appealing to young, as well as young-at-heart viewers. Shalom World is an official partner with the Vatican and is authorized to telecast papal liturgies live.
The newly launched channel, ‘SW Prayer,’ is also available 24/7 as a separate stream. This channel is designed exclusively for live Holy Mass, prayer, devotions, and Catholic teachings. Viewers become spiritually enriched and engaged, as they unite their prayers with others joining from across the globe. This prayerful momentum invites God's blessings into our world in these times.
We are pleased to let you know that you can watch Shalom Word TV and SW Prayer from within our parish website absolutely for free. Please go to our parish website https://stclare.ca and click on the image under Shalom World TV on the bottom right of our home page and you can watch the programs live as well as on demand.
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These advertisers support your parish programs, please support their businesses. |
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Clicking on an ad below will take you to their web page |
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If you are interested in advertising your company in our bulletin, please contact the office at stclareofassisi@shaw.ca or call 604-941-4800.
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