“Dialogue is born from an attitude of respect for the other person, from a conviction that the other person has something good to say. It assumes that there is room in the heart for the person’s point of view, opinion, and proposal. To dialogue entails a cordial reception, not a prior condemnation. In order to dialogue, it is necessary to know how to lower the defenses, open the doors of the house, and offer human warmth.” - Pope Francis
In the Archdiocese of Vancouver we foster relationships with members of other faith communities, Christian and non-Christian alike. By coordinating activities between different religious groups and providing support to parishes, schools, and other organizations, we work towards unity and mutual collaboration.
Get to know Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations
By Jo-Anne Duchscherer
James and I are the PREIR (Parish Representatives for Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations) for St. Joseph's Port Moody. Very early on we were fortunate to be joined by Erin Merth and are grateful for her contributions and support.
The 3 of us attended an in person PREIR workshop October 16th 20. We also attended the 4th Faith Break meeting via Zoom on October 30th, 2021: "Overcoming Challenges together: "New Life after the Pandemic". This was a collaboration between the Catholic and Lutheran churches held at St. Peter's New Westminster. "Faith Break 4 will be a morning of conversation, reflection, and sharing the gifts of the Spirit amongst Christian communities. Reflections by Bishop Gregory Mohr (ELCIC) and Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB (RCAV)."
Our biggest event the "Week of Prayer" was held this year from January 18th to 25, 2022. Our event was on Friday January 21st. In meetings with Father Mark it was decided to have a Taize prayer service. The Taize Community in France is comprised of both Catholic and Protestant Brothers from over 30 countries and is described as ecumenical!
The service planned by Fr. Mark McGuckin had readings, meditation and music. The wonderful talents of our choir leader Jeff Cabralda and our choir provided us with beautiful Taize music.
Our invitees included St. John the Apostle Anglican Church, Port Moody who bravely attended-due to Covid they had not yet resumed in person church services. We also had a few attendees from St. John's ACNA Anglican Vancouver, St. Stephen The Martyr Anglican Burnaby and Westwood Community Church Coquitlam. Deacon Richard Chau the Archdiocese Coordinator for Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations was also in attendance and spoke that evening.
Everyone who attended thought the service was exceptional!Click hereto watch the recording of the event. I was able to share the video with a pastor who wasn't able to attend - he loved the service and that we focused on all we have in common as Christians.
This has born fruit and we have kept in touch with the various congregations.
We will let you know about upcoming events starting with one being held September 13that St. Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church, see information below, registration has started.
Taize Night of Sung Prayer
January 21, 2022
The week of Prayer for Christian Unity (ecumenical week) is approaching quickly, brothers and sisters. Here at St. Joseph's, we're kicking things off with a Taizé night of prayer, starting at 7:00pm on Friday, Jan. 21. We will welcome our neighbours from Christian assemblies from around the region and it will be a heartwarming night of sung Christian prayer led by our own Jeff Cabralda and members of our choir.
If you're planning on coming, please arrive early. Capacity again will be set at 50% according to the Provincial Health Order.
For some background on Taizé and the ecumenical work of the Church, check out a great interview (produced by Salt + Light TV) on the subject matter:
