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Welcome to St. Catherine'sDear Saint Catherine's Community, I trust that you are finding your way in this in between time, the ending of a year and the threshold of the new. Today is the third day of Christmas. I choose to mark time in this season by listening to Br Curtis Almquist (a member of the Society of Saint John the Evangelist Monestary). His series on the 12 days of Christmas consists of 10 minute reflections on 12 gifts, one for each day. I highly recommend them to you, I listen to them every year. Here is the link: https://www.ssje.org/twelvedays/ The ending of this year, also brings to an end Marymil Cabrera's role as Community Engagment and Communications Coordinator. As Marymil completes her study's this year, she is required to find full time employment. Marymil has done excellent work in supporting St. Catherine's to re-engage our neighbourhood following the COVID pandemic. She has facilitated two Thanksgiving Meals and the start of the Emergency Food Program. She has connected us with many rental groups who are using our facility. In addition she has used her communication skills to revitalize the Friday newsletter and event advertising and promotion in the village and on social media. Marymil thank you for your work and we wish you every blessing for your future. Marymil will be with us in January on a contract for 10 hours a week in the role of Communications Specialist. Parish Council will be looking to hire a new Communications Specialist for 8-10 hours a week in February 2025. Friends, may you know the Peace of Christ this day. If you need a reflective service to remind you of the kindness of God, join me on Sunday for Lessons and Carols at 10am. In faith, Rev. Sharon _________ This Sunday, December 29th will be a lessons and carols service with Holy Communion. Our Musician will be the Hyejung Jun. A downloaded bulletin can be found here: Sunday December 29, 2024 And Amica will have several copies The service will be livestreamed. The Service livestream can be found here: St. Catherine's Website Services Page Previous livestreamed services, and sermon notes can be found here: |
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Second Sunday in Christmas: Lessons and CarolsCelebrate the First Sunday after Christmas with Lessons and Carols – Prayers for Peace this Sunday. Everyone is warmly invited to attend and reflect on the hope and joy of the season. In-person at Saint Catherine's Anglican Church Here is the LINK to the bulletin. Let’s come together in worship and reflection. |
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An Epiphany Centering Prayer RetreatYou are invited to a North Shore gathering of contemplative seekers. For any new to the practice of Centring Prayer or those who would like to deepen or refresh their practice, this workshop is for you. Venue: Saint Catherine’s Anglican Church 1058 Ridgewood Drive, North Vancouver Date: Saturday, January 4th, 2025 9:30 am - 5 pm Cost: $45 (payable to St. Catherine’s) * partial bursaries available Meals: We begin the day with muffins (including gluten-free) and coffee/tea that will be provided. There will be a break at midday, we ask that you bring your own bagged lunch. RSVP: 604 985 0666 or scadmin@shaw.ca The retreat familiarizes participants with the method of Centring Prayer and its conceptual background and offers two opportunities to experience the prayer. The day consists of four presentations led by Christine Kesans (a Contemplative Outreach commissioned presenter). • Prayer as Relationship Christine is a facilitator of Centering Prayer groups, workshops, and silent retreats. She serves on the Coordinating Team of Greater Vancouver Chapter of Contemplative Outreach International, which is an evolving community with an expanding vision and deepening practice of Centering Prayer - a contemplative practice of opening to the transformative light, life, and love of the Holy Trinity. Christine is a member of St John the Apostle, Port Moody. Centering prayer is a receptive method of silent prayer that prepares us to receive the gift of contemplative prayer, in which we experience God’s presence within us, closer than breathing, closer than thinking, closer than consciousness itself.
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Epiphany SundayCelebrate Epiphany Sunday with us at a Contemporary Morning Prayer Service. Everyone is welcome to join this meaningful gathering! In-person: At the church |
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Emergency Food Program UpdateOn December 18, we had the last session of Emergency Food Program for this year. We concluded on a heartwarming note, as we spread festive cheer to our clients. We shared hot cocoa kits and Christmas figurines, thanks to Marion and her brother, adding a special touch to their holiday season.
The generosity of our preschool parents was truly appreciated, as they donated groceries that helped fill our clients' bags, providing essential items during this time of year.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to all the volunteers: Gillian, (Santa) Bob, and Penny, and donors who made this possible.
Your kindness and support made a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need. We will resume the Emergency Food Program on January 8, from 2pm to 3pm at the Mary Pellatt Room.
If you have extra shopping bags, we would love to have them. You may connect with Gillian for the drop off.
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Christmas Celebration with Friends at AmicaMembers of St Catherine's congregation spent an evening at AMICA caroling and visiting with Amica residents on Friday, Dec. 13.
Our format was a 'Lessons and Carols' time together. We sang traditional Christmas carols and listened to passages from Scripture heralding the birth of the Christ child and a Christmas poem chosen for the occasion. The residents thoroughly enjoyed their time with us all and when the caroling ended, we enjoyed hot chocolate and shortbread (homemade by Nairn).
As usual, Kaz amazed us with his musical virtuosity. After we had finished our singing, he played for us 'The Waltz of the Flowers' from the Nutcracker Suite, bringing the evening to a dazzling conclusion.
We hope that this will become a St Catherine's tradition-very meaningful and enjoyable!
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D&D Adventure to Holy LandOn Sunday, December 15, 2024, Saint Agnes Anglican Church was transformed into an immersive time portal as adventurers gathered for an extraordinary Dungeons & Dragons night, "Adventuring in the Holy Land: 8-4 BC," hosted by Saint Catherine's Young Adults. The event, held from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., combined creative storytelling with historical and biblical themes, providing an unforgettable evening of fellowship and fun. The evening wasn’t just about rolling dice—it was also about connection. Players formed bonds over shared challenges, enjoyed themed refreshments, and embraced the creative spirit of the season. |
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A Message from MarymilDear Saint Catherine's Community, As I prepare to embark on a new chapter in my life, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to all of you. Serving as your Community Engagement and Communications Coordinator has been an incredible journey, and I am deeply thankful for the trust, support, and opportunities you have extended to me. Working alongside all of you has been such a blessing, and I’ve cherished the moments we’ve shared—building connections; fostering community through our events and initiatives including the Thanksgiving Meal, 75th-anniversary Dinner Dance and Emergency Food Program; and celebrating God’s love together. While it is bittersweet to step away, I feel it is time for me to move forward, trusting in God’s plan for my next steps. The decision to leave was not an easy one, but as an international student who just graduated, I need to find a full-time job in order to stay in Canada. This is the next step I must take, and I trust that God will guide me through this transition. In the month of January, I will continue to serve as your Communications Coordinator for 10 hours a week to complete the yearbook—as my tribute to the vibrant life of our church community, and do the bulletin and newsletter. After that, I will step out in faith, ready to follow wherever God leads me. Thank you for the kindness, encouragement, and friendship you’ve shown me throughout my time here. I will carry these memories with me always and will continue to keep St. Catherine’s in my prayers as it grows and flourishes. With love and gratitude, |
