AROUND THE ARCHDIOCESE

POPE FRANCIS ON THE OPENING MASS FOR THE 16TH GENERAL AS-
SEMBLY OF THE SYNOD OF BISHOPS IN ROME, OCTOBER 10, 2023
"Dear brothers and sisters, Let us have a good journey together! May we
be pilgrims in love with the Gospel and open to the surprises of the Holy
Spirit. Let us not miss out on the grace-filled opportunities born of en- I MMACULATE C ONCEPTION P ARISH
counter, listening and discernment. In the joyful conviction that, even as
we seek the Lord, he always comes with his love to meet us first." For ARCHDIOCESE OF V AN C O U V E R
complete coverage, videos, photos, interviews and more, please visit syn-
od.va.
MATT MAHER & FRIENDS: AN EVENING OF MUSIC AND WORSHIP
This inspiring event includes original songs by Matt Maher, as well as
music from the album Sanctuary Songs by The Porter’s Gate. You’ll also
have the opportunity to hear about and support the work Sanctuary
Mental Health Ministries is doing to equip the Church to support mental
health and well-being. On Wednesday, October 18, 7:00 p.m. at The Cen-
tre for Performing Arts in Vancouver. Use code "CATHOLIC5" to receive
$5 off your ticket! Learn more and register at beholdvancouver.org/
events.
THE TWELFTH ANNUAL ARCHBISHOP'S DINNER The Archbishop’s
Dinner has become a way for the faithful of the Archdiocese of Vancou-
ver to gather and to hear updates from our Archbishop on the activities
of the past year and where we are headed in the next. Your support will
provide funding to the Caring for Our Clergy Fund, St. Joseph’s Society,
and for furnishing a new convent for the Sisters. On Thurs., Nov. 9, 6:00
p.m. at Hyatt Regency in Vancouver. More information at rcav.org/
dinner2023.
MAGNIFICAT PRAYER LUNCHEON As we share a meal together, you
will get to connect with other Catholic women and be encouraged
through the testimony of Sister John Frances, FSE. Following the event,
Walking in the Spirit prayer teams will also be available for individual 3 7 7 8 W EST 2 8 th A VENUE, V ANCOUVER, B C V 6 S 1 S 6
prayer ministry. On Saturday, October 28, 11:00 a.m. at the John Paul II
Pastoral Centre in Vancouver. Registration deadline: Friday, October October 15, 2023 | 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time
20. Learn more and register at beholdvancouver.org/events Mass Schedule
Pastor: Fr. Paul Smith, OFM
Parish Office: Lesley Jackson Sunday Masses: Saturday at 4 pm
COUPLES RETREAT BY WORLDWIDE MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER World-
Sunday 9 am & 11 am
wide Marriage Encounter Vancouver is pleased to offer an in-person re- Weekday Masses: Tuesday - Friday 9 am
treat from Friday, October 27, to Sunday, October 29, at Carmel Hill Re- Parish Office Hours
treat Centre in Deroche. Come learn how to become closer as a couple Monday: Closed Immaculate Conception School
Tuesday: 10 am - 4 pm Principal: Colette Foran Tel: (604) 224-5012
through a communication strategy that will deepen and strengthen your Email: office@icschoolvancouver.com
Wednesday— Friday: 10 AM—2PM
love, leading to a richer, more intimate and joyful life together! Let us Saturday, Sunday & Holidays: Closed Website: www.icschoolvancouver.com
help you live your best life in love. Learn more and register
at beholdvancouver.org/events.
(604) 224 5678 | sec@icvancouver.ca | www.icvancouver.ca
 W E L C O M E T O
PA R I S H N E W S
WITH DEEPEST SYMPATHY As a parish community, we offer prayers and
condolences to the family of Brian Doyle, husband of Susan Gratton-Doyle
and dad to Katie of our parish, who passed away last week. Eternal rest
grant unto Brian, O Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon him.
SCHOOL MASS Please note that there will be a School Mass at 9:00 am on
Wednesday, October 18th.
A MEMORIAL MASS for Father John Horgan will be held at Sts. Peter and
Paul Parish on the anniversary of his death — Thursday, October 19th at
7pm. All are welcome to attend.
PRAYER FOR THE DECEASED
O Lord,
the God of mercies,
grant unto the souls of Thy servants
the anniversary day of whose burial we are keeping,
a place of solace,
of peaceful rest,
of glorious light.
Through Christ our Lord,
Amen.
PARISH CENSUS Please note that on the weekends of Oct 14-15 and Oct 21-
22, the Archdiocese will be holding its annual census. Our volunteers will
count attendees at all weekend Masses. The census helps the Archbishop
make the necessary discernments to help the Archdiocese move into the
future. As such, our Parish Census carries a significant weight in how we
factor into the whole body of Christ known as the Archdiocese of Vancouver.
With Cold, Flu and COVID season upon us, for the well-being of our parish
community, please do not attend Mass if you are not feeling well and watch
an online or TV broadcast instead. We are also a mask-friendly community!
As we head into fall, please don’t hesitate to wear one at Mass to protect
yourself and others from illness!
HIGH SCHOOL KIDS: If you are interested in getting together for a pizza
evening to reconnect with IC friends—or if a mom or dad would like to help
some of the kids organize something like this, please see Father Paul or
contact Lesley in the office.
BIRTHDAY BLESSINGS Our beloved long-time parishioner, Pat Wright
celebrated a significant birthday last week! We as a parish community
extend our blessings and good wishes to her for a wonderful year ahead!
T H E P A R I S H !
PA R I S H N E W S
ALL SOULS DAY: November is the time of year we Catholics remember in
prayer and celebrate “All Saints” and “All Souls’; Immaculate Conception
Parish’s ‘Annual Mass’ to commemorate our faithful departed will be cele-
brated on Friday, November 3rd at 7:00pm. At this Mass, we as a Parish
community gather with our families to remember those loved ones who
died over this past year—especially the parishioners whose funerals were
celebrated at Immaculate Conception. All parishioners are welcome to join
in this beautiful liturgy of holy remembering...There will be opportunity for
you to prayerfully write out the names of loved ones who died over the
years on a prayer card and to light a candle in their memory. After the Mass
there will be a reception in the Jesuit Room. Suzanne Nordin will be the
leader of song.
RENTAL ACCOMODATION NEEDED! Two of our ICS teachers are looking
for rental accommodation (ideally a 2BR suite so they can live together, but
they would also consider a studio or 1BR). They recently had to move out
of their previous rental suite as a result of the sale of the property. They
have excellent landlord and employer references and are hoping to find
something affordable in the neighbourhood. If you have, or know of any-
one, who has a studio/1br/2br suite, please call the parish office at
604.224.5678 and we can connect you with them!
ARE YOU INTERESTED IN BECOMING A CATHOLIC? If you or a family
member are wondering what it entails to become a Catholic, make an ap-
pointment to see Father Paul. Call him at the parish office 604.224.5678 for
further information. He hopes to begin these faith formation sessions
(RCIA) in our Parish later this month.
SATURDAY MORNING MASS Father Paul is open to celebrating an early
Saturday morning Mass for ‘men’ here at Immaculate. It would be a time to
both pray and enjoy fellowship. Over time perhaps you might also like to
assist from time to time with small tasks that need to be done around the
Parish campus. If you are interested, call or phone Father Paul at the Parish
office 604.224.5678.
CREDIT CARD AND ONLINE DONATIONS You can e-transfer, use your
credit card or sign up for pre-authorized debit to donate to the Parish. For e
-transfer, please use our Parish Accounting email: IC_Accounting@shaw.ca.
If you would like to make a gift via credit card or pre-authorized debit,
please contact the office or visit our website www.icvancouver.ca for online
donations.
Our Sunday Offering Plan pamphlet, which outlines the options for donating
electronically, is available in the Parish Centre.