Thank you from Father Yarek
Father Yarek wants to express his gratitude to all the parishioners for their prayers, love and support during his time in hospital and recovering from surgery.
Reflection – the Holy Spirit and Saint Francis – Saturday May 23 10 am to 12 pm
Our Holy Cross CWL warmly invites you to a Reflection Day on The Holy Spirit and Saint Francis: Charism, Renewal, and the “Little Poor Man of Assisi” tomorrow, Saturday, May 23rd, from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon in the Music Room.
By following the Holy Spirit and modeling his life after the sacrifice of Jesus, Saint Francis became an instrument of the Spirit to transform the Church from the inside out. Come and invite the Holy Spirit to renew your spiritual life through a time of reflection on the life and witness of Saint Francis of Assisi.
Our speaker will be Sr. Jeanne d’Arc Paquette, FSE, a Franciscan Sister of the Eucharist serving in the Archdiocese of Vancouver Vocations Office and Communications Office.
Light refreshments will be provided during the break in the middle of the reflection time.
The Feast of Pentecost
Join us to celebrate the Feast of Pentecost tomorrow, Saturday, May 23, at 6:30pm at the Holy Cross Gym (approximate ending time is 8pm). Refreshments are available throughout the evening.
Program:
- A priest will lead us in a short prayer, introduction, and blessing.
- Ninth day of Novena prayer
- A talk by Dave Demare – How does the Holy Spirit change my life, Anointing of the Holy Spirit
- Praise and worship
- Personal testimonies
- Laying on of hands
We started our Nine-day Novena to the Holy Spirit on Zoom last Friday. You can still join us for the Novena prayer at 7:30pm tonight, Friday, May 22, via the link below.
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 880 1445 4125
Passcode: 047955
Please note, the last Novena prayers (Saturday, May 23) will be said at the school gym in person, and the Zoom option is not available.
Contact Ify Osuagwu @ 672-338-6997 for further information.
Grade 7 Graduation fundraisers
Holy Cross Grade 7 students will be at the back of the church on Sunday May 24 after the morning Masses (8am, 10am and 12pm) selling the following items in support of their graduation:
- Krispy Kreme doughnuts – 1 box of 12 original glazed doughnuts for $20
- Instant wine cellar raffle tickets – purchase a $20 raffle ticket for an opportunity to win 1st prize: 25 bottles of wine, 2nd prize: 10 bottles of wine, and 3rd prize: 5 bottles of wine. Each bottle of wine is valued at $15-20 each. Winner will be drawn on June 5.
We accept payments in CASH only. Thank you for your generous support!
Holy Cross School Carnival
The Holy Cross School Carnival is this Sunday May 24 (rain or shine) from 12:30pm – 4:30 pm on the Holy Cross School Grounds. All are welcome!
Come join us for delicious food including BBQ sausages, pasta, hot dogs, and other treats. Please note that we now accept debit/credit and cash for payment. We look forward to seeing you there!
For more info: picnic@hcschool.ca
Together for Good Marriage Workshop Sat May 30
Married couples are invited to attend the Together for Good Marriage Workshop on Saturday May 30th from 9:30 am to 4:45 pm in the Holy Cross Gym. The Together for Good workshop will provide you with tools, exercises, and guided conversations to help you and your spouse grow a healthier, more joy-filled and resilient marriage. (The videos are produced by Family Life Canada.)
Lunch and workbooks are included. Please note that childcare is not provided. This workshop is exclusively for married couples. The link to register is
Together for Good Marriage Workshop
Parish Religious Education Program (PREP)
PREP Registration for 2026-2027 is still open but will close on Tuesday June 30th and then reopen on Tuesday September 1st. Children up to the age of 15 years old in the public education system are eligible. For questions or further information, visit the website https://www.hcprep.ca/. Classes will take place on Tuesday evenings at 7:00 pm starting on September 15, 2026.
Knights of Columbus Pasta Making Workshop Sat June 6th
The Knights are sponsoring a Pasta Making workshop on Sat June 6th in the Gym Kitchen from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm. The workshop is limited to 8 people. You can register on this link 2026 Pasta Making Course
Unlocking the Mysteries of the Bible: An 8-session journey
The Bible isn’t just a collection of ancient stories or complex rules—it is a map for your life. Most of us have read pieces of it, but many of us have never seen the “Big Picture.” This series is designed to change that, moving from a bird’s-eye view of history to a deep, personal encounter with the Author of the Universe.
We invite everyone to join us. Whether you are a seeker with big questions, a skeptic looking for context, or a long-time believer wanting to refresh your faith, there is a seat for you here. For those who have recently finished the Alpha Program, this journey is the perfect “next step.” It takes the foundations of faith we explored together and shows how they are woven through the entire tapestry of human history. Come as you are, and let’s strengthen our parish community through shared discovery.
Details:
When: Wednesday nights at 7:00 PM May 13 to July 8 (no session on July 1)
Where: Holy Cross Parish basement (Music Room)
If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact: Tito Macapinlac at titom1999@gmail.com or the Parish Office.
Celebration for Father Maciej Wos’s Silver Jubilee (25th Anniversary of Ordination)
Many of you will remember Father Maciej, our Pastor at Holy Cross from 2010 to 2019. Father Maciej is celebrating his Silver Jubilee (25 years of ordination) this year and there are celebrations at St. Claire of Assisi Parish (2888 Delahaye Drive) as follows:
Tues May 26 – Father’s 25th Anniversary – Morning Mass followed by potluck breakfast.
Sat May 30 and Sun May 31 -Cake and refreshments served after all Masses.
Sat June 6 – Celebration Mass at 5:00 pm. Banquet will follow in the Parish Hall. Doors open at 6:15 pm and dinner will be at 7:00 pm. Dinner tickets are $60 and are available for sale at the Holy Cross Parish Office.
Knights of Columbus Post Secondary Scholarships
The Knights of Columbus and Holy Cross School are accepting applications for post secondary scholarships. Information on the application process is on the Knights website Scholarships – Knights of Columbus – Holy Cross Parish. The deadline to apply is midnight May 31, 2026.
Knights of Columbus Summertime Raffle ☀️🔥
The last day to purchase raffle tickets for the Knights summertime raffle is Friday June 5th. The prize package is valued at $1,100!
Grand Prize includes:
- Blackstone 36″ Griddle with hood and front accessory shelf
- $200 meat package from Columbus Meat Market
Ticket Prices: 1 ticket for $5, 3 tickets for $10
Tickets are available at the Parish office. Draw Date: June 7, 2026. Good luck—and thank you for supporting the Knights of Columbus!
Holy Cross Eiffel Investments 2026 Annual Golf Tournament
We would like to express our deepest gratitude to all our golfers, sponsors and volunteers who helped make our annual tournament on May 8, at Riverway Golf Course, another great success. Over 160 golfers participated again this year, and we can confidently say that our fundraising goal of $40,000 will be attained and likely surpassed this year. A special thank you to all our Golf Committee members for all their hard work in the organization & preparation for this event. We also extend our deepest gratitude to Vasco Meira, Nadia DeSantis, Michael Marchioro and Dino Alberti who will be retiring from the Committee. We look forward to seeing you all at next year’s tournament on May 7, 2027.
Father Chris’s annual vacation
Fr. Chris is on vacation until May 29 visiting with his family.
New Gloria
As you know, we have been singing a new Gloria (from the Mass of St. Ann) since Easter Sunday, and we want to encourage the congregation to sing along too.
We are unable to provide the music for the pews; however, here is the YouTube link to the Glory to God which you can listen to: Glory to God
The lyrics are in the Sunday missal.
Archbishop Smith’s Pastoral Letter on Renewal
This Saturday marks Archbishop Richard Smith’s first anniversary of installation as Archbishop of Vancouver. On Sunday May 24, the Solemnity of Pentecost, Archbishop Smith will publish a Pastoral Letter announcing a process of Renewal in the Archdiocese of Vancouver.
Archbishop Smith’s letter is attached to this email.
Project Advance 2026 Appeal
This annual Appeal provides critical funding to key ministries and projects, not only in the Archdiocese of Vancouver, but also in our very own parish. Our Archdiocesan goal for the current year is $60,000; however, we are hoping to raise $100,000.
The funds generated above our diocesan goal will help us:
- Pay off our loan (which is $2,457,000). This loan was taken to help us pay for the seismic upgrade and renovations of our school. Our monthly payment is $25,000.
- Support our Youth Ministry
- Support our Alpha Program
You can contribute to Project Advance online at projectadvance.ca or by phone at 604-299-3814, or in-person at our parish office. Building and forming our parish community is only possible with your donation. We are most grateful for your ongoing support.
MASS INTENTIONS for Monday May 25, 2026, to Sunday May 31, 2026 (Requested by)
Mon. May 25 8:15 am
Spl. Int. May Chan (Psalm)
Tues. May 26 8: 15 am
+Angela Valente (Family)
+Josie Wai Kwan Cheng (Gladys)
Spl. Int. Chit Velasco (Diva)
Thurs. May 28 8:15 am
+Gina Bassetto (Family)
Spl. Int. Lanny Hui (May and Don)
Fri. May 29 8:15 am
+Nelson Parel (Perla)
+Anne Lina Ingkiriwang
+Josie Wai Kwan Cheng
Spl. Int. for Angie and David’s Wedding Anniversary
Fri. May 29 7:30 pm
+Lucille Sandhurst (Lanny and Danny)
+Josie Wai Kwan Cheng (Lanny and Danny)
Spl. Int. for Healing of Alejo Mariano Junior (Angelina)
Spl. Int. Father Maciej (Regina)
Spl. Int. Francesca, Helen and Joan
Spl. Int. Lanny Hui
Sat. May 30 9:00 am
Parishioners
Sat. May 30 5:00 pm
+Anton Mondol
+Manuel Pereira (Helena Santos)
+Vlado Zaradic (Artuso Mariutti Family)
Sun. May 31 8:00 am
+Tony De Santis (Family)
+Dieter Glups (Ivania and Tony Gazzola)
+Josie Wai Kwan Cheng (Heidi and David)
+Arnaldo Basso (Marie Baldonero and Family)
+Michael Crooks (Don Taylor)
Sun. May 31 10:00am
+Elsa Djoenaidi (Lanny and Danny)
+Eufrasia Sovernigo and Deceased Members of the Sovernigo Family (Family)
+Alex Massullo (Nicole and Mike)
+Arnaldo Basso (Nicole and Mike)
+Febrizio Rubini (Zucchetto Family)
+Francesco Pettinato (Family)
Sun. May 31 12:00 Noon
+Eric Cruz (Cruz Family)
Spl. Int. Virgie Parel (Perla)
Spl. Int. Father Tomasz (The Neocatechumenal Way)
Spl. Int. Costanza Mancini (The Neocatechumenal Way)
Sun. May 31 5:00 pm
+++Antonietta, Giuseppe and Mike De Mare (Family)
+Ludwig Bette (Eva R.)
+Gaetano Giuffre (Eva R.)
Spl. Int. Nick Gentile (Mary De Fazio)
Solemnity of Pentecost
May 24, 2026
A Letter to the Christian Faithful
on Renewal in the Archdiocese of Vancouver
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
From the beginning of my appointment, I have sensed that I was entering a current of grace already moving through the Archdiocese of Vancouver. It has been a joy to witness the vitality of this local Church and to learn of its long tradition of faithful witness to Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit has clearly been at work among us and continues to lead us forward in the joyful proclamation of the Gospel.
Over the past year, I have visited communities throughout the Archdiocese and listened to many voices. Meetings with our priests have deepened my understanding of our history and the challenges before us. Through these encounters, I have become even more convinced that God is powerfully at work among us, calling us to respond with faith, courage, and hope.
In many of these conversations, a shared desire for renewal has emerged. By renewal, we mean responding to what God is doing among us. It is not about reinventing the Church or focusing mainly on structures, strategies, or programs. The Church is more than buildings; she is mission. Everything we do must lead people to a personal encounter with Jesus Christ. The proclamation of the Gospel is the heart of renewal and must remain at the centre of all we do together.
Therefore, on this Solemnity of Pentecost, I am announcing a process of renewal for the Archdiocese of Vancouver. As we prepare for the great Jubilee of 2033, marking two thousand years since the Redemption, let us ask with renewed faith: what does the Lord desire for his Church in Vancouver, and to what is he calling us?
To guide this process, I have established several task forces to consider how renewal should unfold in different areas of Archdiocesan life and to make recommendations to me. These are: priestly life, parish life, liturgy, schools, and infrastructure. In the months ahead, many ideas, hopes, concerns, and proposals will emerge as participants reflect and pray with generosity and courage, always remembering that we are not directing this process. We are stepping into something God is already doing. This is an exciting moment in the life of our local Church.
The biblical text guiding this process is the Lord’s promise in the Book of Revelation: “Behold, I make all things new” (Revelation 21:5). These words assure us that Christ is renewing his Church. Our task is to listen, discern, and follow. I invite everyone to take part in this endeavour, especially through prayer. Please pray for our parishes, priests, schools, and ministries. In particular, pray that care for God’s poor ones remains at the heart of our Archdiocesan renewal. In the months ahead, there will also be opportunities to share your experiences and stay connected as this process unfolds.
Please visit rcav.org/renewal to commit to praying for this renewal process and to sign up for updates.
Together, let us entrust this journey to the intercession of the Blessed Mother, our model of openness to the gentle yet powerful work of the Holy Spirit. May she who said, “Do whatever he tells you” guide us by her example and prayer to follow with joy and hope where the Lord leads.
Yours sincerely in Christ,
XRichard W. Smith
Archbishop of Vancouver