St. Joseph The Worker Parish
Parish Office Regular Hours
Tuesday - Friday: 8:30am - 3:30pm
Saturday, Sunday, Monday: Closed
Phone: 250-479-7413
Fax: 250-479-7619
Email: sjtwparish@rcdvictoria.org
Please Note:
Island Catholic Schools, the Pastoral Centre, and
Parish offices in the Diocese of Victoria will be
closed on September 30th
"Truth and Reconciliation Day" so that staff and
students may commemorate the day
Message from the Chancery: Update April 6, 2022
Please find attached updated versions of the General and Liturgical Directives and Music Ministry Covid-19 Prevention Plan, to be followed by all parishes in the Diocese of Victoria.
General and Liturgical Directives - April 6 2022 update
Music Ministry COVID-19 Prevention Plan - April 6 2022 update
The key updates include:
- Face coverings must be worn by priests and deacons when in close proximity to people during Baptisms, Confirmations, and Anointing of the Sick; during processions through the congregation; while greeting people before and after mass; and when distributing Holy Communion
- Face coverings must also be worn by other ministers of Communion while distributing Communion
- Face coverings are strongly recommended for all people while in church buildings, especially for those who come into close proximity to others, and while participating in congregational singing
- There may be more than one lector for the Proclamation of the Word and the intercessory prayers
- The offertory procession of the gifts for the altar may resume, provided the bread and wine remain covered both before and during the procession
- In the rare situation where a person is unable to use their hands while receiving Communion, the minister of Communion must sanitize their hands before and after giving Holy Communion to the person
The Directives, Prevention Plan are available at: https://www.rcdvictoria.org/news/responsetocovid19-0
As always, please do not hesitate to contact the Bishop’s Office with any questions or concerns.
Mass Livestreamed
Pope Francis Synod 2021 - 2023
A new post has just been added to the Diocesan website about Synod 2021-2023:
rcdvictoria.org/news/communion-participation-and-mission-a-synodal-journey
Bishops Announce $30M National Pledge to Support Healing & Reconciliation
Please click below to read a News Release from the Communications Service of the CCCB which states that the Canadian Bishops have announced a $30M National Financial Pledge to Support Healing & Reconciliation Initiatives:
CCCB News Release 27 September 2021
Statement of Apology by the Catholic Bishops to Indigenous Peoples
Please find attached a Statement of Apology by the Catholic Bishops of Canada to the Indigenous Peoples of this land.
Statement from CBC to Indigenous Peoples
CCCB - Resources
The CCCB collaborated with Salt+Light to produce and broadcast a special program entitled “A Catholic Response to Bill C-7”. The English and French programs are available on the Salt+Light website at the following links:
EN - https://saltandlighttv.org/blogfeed/getpost.php?id=100539
FR - https://seletlumieretv.org/blogfeed/getpost.php?id=25325
Announcement:
There are numerous ways to learn more about Indigenous worldview, history and culture. This is just one you might wish to complete
Indigenous Canada
Indigenous Canada is a FREE12-lesson Massive Open Online Course from the Faculty of Native Studies, University of Alberta, that explores Indigenous histories and contemporary issues in Canada. From an Indigenous perspective, this course explores key issues facing Indigenous peoples today from a historical and critical perspective highlighting national and local Indigenous-settler relations. Topics for the 12 lessons include the fur trade and other exchange relationships, land claims and environmental impacts, legal systems and rights, political conflicts and alliances, Indigenous political activism, and contemporary Indigenous life, art and its expressions.
To register or for more information go to:
https://www.ualberta.ca/admissions-programs/online-courses/indigenous-canada/index.html
9-10 Club Serving Soup to Hungry Strategic Plan 2021 - 2023
The Soup Kitchen is a program of the 9-10 Club Serving Soup to the Hungry Society. The Society is a registered non-profit, non-denominational charity. Meal services started on Friday, November 12, 1982. It is the oldest, completely volunteer-run food resource for the hungry in Victoria.
Click here to read all about the Soup Kitchen
| Mon | 6:30am |
| Tue | 6:00pm |
| Wed | 6:30am, 6:00pm |
| Thu | 6:30am, 9:00am |
| Fri | 6:30am, 9:00am |
| Sat | 6:30am, 5:00pm |
| Sun | 10:00am, 6:00pm |
Click on link below to register to our parish:
TO REPORT SEXUAL ABUSE TO AN INDEPENDENT AGENCY
Click on button below
Bible In A Year With Fr. Mike Schmitz
Marriage & Parenting Resources
Faith Fun...Saint Stories for Kids
https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/saint-stories-for-kids/id1448514363?i=1000575397886
A Message from Society of St Vincent De Paul Vancouver Island
The needs of the less fortunate in our own local communities here in Victoria are very real… every day is a struggle for some. The simple things we take for granted are truly a luxury for others.
Support through:
- Cash & cheques using BLUE ENVELOPES inside your Church Donation Envelope box
- Through the online portal Canada Helps
- Through our SVDP website:
https://www.ssvpvancouverisland.ca
Please reach out directly to our Conference President Stephanie Peters at stephanie.jm.peters@gmail.com or 250-514-7853 with any questions or if you are curious about becoming a member.
SCAMS - BEWARE: via email and text messages
Please find attached a copy of the Memo circulated last November from the Chief Financial Officer regarding Fraud.
/files/docs/Fraud_memo_2020.pdf
Please note that fraudulent email and text scams continue to circulate globally, masking the true identity of the scammer. Several versions of the correspondence have appeared alleging that the Bishop and/or Pastor needs assistance/funds and therefore require contact and banking information and/or direct purchase of “credit/play/google cards or ebay vouchers”.
These scams serve as a sad reminder that individuals, churches and charities are often the victims of fraud. The Bishop, clergy and/or staff members do not directly solicit funds. All donations for legitimate parish and diocesan activities are made through traditional verifiable methods (parish, Diocese, and/or charitable organization), NOT individuals. Please do not share personal banking information with anyone or any organization without verifying the authenticity, appropriateness and validity of the request, or call the Diocesan Finance Office at 250-479-1331. If you have been the victim of a financial scam, you are encouraged to make a report to the police.
Please find below an example of the latest scam circulating, which claimed to be from the Bishop (via a fake alias email address) …..
Subject: You there?
Great! Here's what I want you to do for me because I'll be busy for the rest of the day. I've been working on incentive and I aimed at surprising some of our diligent staff across the diocese with vouchers this week. I want to handle this personally and it should remain confidential until they all have the vouchers as it's a surprise.
I need you to get 25 qty of eBay voucher $100 value on each ( total $2500 ). You should get them at any store around. After you get them, scratch the back to reveal the voucher codes and take a clear picture of each card and send each picture separately to me here, So I can easily assign them to the individual's email. Please keep the physical cards and receipt for reference.
Alternatively, you can as well order for them from Amazon online and have it forwarded to my email here. You will be duly reimbursed for this.
Can you get this done?
There are no major parish events scheduled for the next 7 days.
More Events-
Oct. 1, 20229:30am - 12:00pmOn-Sessions through Zoom
Diocese News and Blogs
CCCB Statement on the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
Please click on link below to read statement by Bishop Raymond Poisson, President of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, on the Passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
https://www.rcdvictoria.org/news/cccb-statement-on-the-passing-of-her-majesty-queen-elizabeth-ii
Indigenous Pastoral and Lay Ministry Education program - registration now open
Registration is now open for the first course of the Indigenous Pastoral and Lay Leader Ministry Education program.
Indigenous Pastoral and Lay Leader Ministry Education is an online continuing education program led by teams of Indigenous and non-Indigenous instructors. The program is jointly sponsored by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon, St. Thomas More College and Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools.
Course #1: Introduction to First Nations Studies will run on Tuesdays from 3:15-4:30 pm PST, Sept. 20 to Nov. 15. The other three courses in the program will run in 2023, and participants completing all four courses will earn an Indigenous Pastoral & Lay Leader Ministry Certificate. The fee for each course is $200.
For more information and to register, please visit: https://rcdos.ca/ministries-services/indigenous-ministry-2/indigenous-ministry-education/
Laudato Si’ Leadership Training and the Season of Creation
There is a message from Bishop Gary Gordon (below) regarding a Laudato Si’ Animators Program, that begins this Wednesday, 24 August. An article about the course and its ties to the Season of Creation has been posted on the Diocesan website at: https://www.rcdvictoria.org/news/laudato-si-leadership-training-and-the-season-of-creation.
The free http://Laudato Si’ Animators Program would be a marvelous way for leaders and interested individuals to grow in our faith, which fundamentally includes integral human development and care for God’s earth. It would be a wonderful gift to our Diocese if every parish pastoral council, finance council, school education committee, and school could have one or more people participating.
This dimension of our Catholic faith provides a wonderful way to lead and engage with all people living in our Diocese.
In Communion,
Most Reverend Gary Gordon
Bishop of Victoria
Pope Francis reflects on his visit to Canada
A new article has just been posted on the Diocesan website with Pope Francis’ reflection on his visit to Canada. It also includes a link to the Vatican website that has pictures, videos, and the words that Pope Francis spoke while he was here.
You can find it online at: https://www.rcdvictoria.org/indigenous/pope-francis-reflects-on-his-visit-to-canada
Canada’s Catholic Bishops Welcome Historic Visit from Pope Francis
The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops have issued a press release about Pope Francis’ historic visit to Canada. The text of the press release can be read online at: https://www.rcdvictoria.org/indigenous/canadas-catholic-bishops-welcome-historic-visit-from-pope-francis
The Pope’s Penitential Pilgrimage Continues
Pope Francis’ penitential pilgrimage to Canada is now underway. As this historic week unfolds through the planned events in Edmonton and surrounding areas, Quebec City and Iqaluit, please continue to pray for the Pope, for Indigenous people of this country, and for healing and reconciliation.
There are many opportunities to participate remotely in the remaining events of the Pope’s visit. As we shared last week, the papal visit website continues to have live-stream coverage featuring interpretation in many languages, including Indigenous languages and American Sign Language. The site also has feeds from Vatican TV that include commentary in English, French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese and German. Additionally, Salt & Light Catholic Media Foundation has a dedicated site with information and broadcast details for the papal visit.
If you would like to financially support this apostolic journey, you can donate online. All donations go directly to supporting the logistical costs for the papal visit, which has been organized almost entirely by volunteers. Your help is greatly appreciated to ensure the financial means that will further support this journey of our Holy Father in Canada towards healing and reconciliation.
Message from the Chancery: Synod 2021- 2023
Our Journey So Far Together
A new article has just been posted on the Diocesan website about our journey together so far through Synod 2021-2023 and what’s coming next. The text of the article is copied below, or you can find it online at: rcdvictoria.org/news/synod-2021-2023-our-journey-together-so-far
The article contains information about a three-part webinar series about the Synod which is being offered by the CCCB Office for Evangelization and Catechesis. A poster is attached which could be used to advertise this series. The webinars are free, but participants must register by Monday, May 16, 2022 at:
Canada's Catholic Bishops Welcome Pope Francis’ Apology to Indigenous Peoples
The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops has released a statement welcoming the apology made by Pope Francis today in Rome to Indigenous Peoples. The text of the statement can be read at:
rcdvictoria.org/indigenous/canadas-catholic-bishops-welcome-popes-apology-to-indigenous-peoples
Bishops of Canada invite all to join Pope Francis in prayers for peace
The Canadian Council of Catholic Bishops have issued a press release inviting all the Canadian faithful and people of good will to join Pope Francis in praying for peace in Ukraine. The text of the release can be read online at:
Statement of Appreciation from the Ukrainian Catholic Church in Canada
A Statement of Appreciation from the Ukrainian Catholic Church in Canada has just been added to the Diocesan website. The text of the statement can be read online at: rcdvictoria.org/news/statement of appreciation from the ukrainian catholic church in canada
Last October, Pope Francis launched Synod 2021-2023. A synod is a process of listening and discernment. In this Synod, the Pope is asking Catholics everywhere to reflect together on how we the Church can live in Communion, achieve full Participation, and open ourselves to discover our Mission.
All people of the Diocese of Victoria are invited to participate in the Synod, to help chart a course for our journey together, now and in the future, as the people of God. For more information regarding how you may participate, either in person or online, please visit: www.rcdvictoria.org/synod.
Please click below to read Bishop Gary Gordon’s pastoral letter about the Synod:
National Indigenous Reconciliation Fund details released
A post has just been added to the Diocesan website with details about CCCB’s national Indigenous Reconciliation Fund. The text of the post can be read online at:
rcdvictoria.org/indigenous/indigenous reconciliation fund details released
Are you curious about the ethical issues around the Covid-19 vaccine? Is it okay for a Catholic to get vaccinated? The short answer is yes!
Here’s a great summary from The Catholic Bishops of Alberta and the Northwest Territories:
Letter-to-the-faithful-on-Vaccines
More background from the Canadian Council of Catholic Bishops:
CLARIFICATION-CCCB-Statement-on-COVID-19-Vaccine-Choice
And the official word from the Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith:
Click here for official word from Vatican's Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith
Donate
We know that COVID-19 and the resulting economic slow down has effected many of you personally. Given that financial uncertainty is greater than ever we understand that some of you will no longer be able to give to the parish at your regular level and those on automatic debit may need to cancel their contributions. If you need to cancel or change your automatic payments, please contact the parish office at 250-479-7413 or at email:
To make it convenient for those that are able to contribute there are new online and remote options now available:
Canada Helps online donation platform - To support ministry at St. Joseph the Worker Parish, click on the following button to connect to our location on the CanadaHelps website and make an online donation by credit card or gift of securities:
(immediate electronic tax receipt issued by Canada Helps)
E transfers:
a) Go to your on-line banking site
b) Select Transfer/pay bills
c) Select e-transfer (or electronic transfer)
d) Follow the steps outlined by your bank
e) Send funds to:
sjtwparish@rcdvictoria.org
No password is needed
f) Any special instructions may be added to notes/memo area.
Credit Cards:
Complete the attached Payment Authorization Form for Credit Card Donations and email to the parish office or contact the parish.
Payment Authorization Form for_Credit Card Donations
Pre-authorized Debit:
Complete the attached PAD Agreement Form and email to the parish office or contact parish.
We are very grateful that you are part of our Catholic parish family. May God bless you and your families.
Online Marriage Preparation Course
The Diocese of Victoria is now offering our Marriage Preparation Course fully online. The cost is $80 per couple.
The course consists of several modules on relevant subjects, individual and couple activities, and assessments as well as a liturgy planning guide. Couples will be able to work through the program at their own pace. At the end of the course, you will receive a Certificate of Completion, which will be recognized by any parish within our Diocese.
For more information, go to the Diocese website: https://www.rcdvictoria.org/marriage-prep
Questions? Contact Moira Gill at mgill@rcdvictoria.org OR 250-470-1331 ext. 237.