2017 Annual Report
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
ANNUAL REPORT 2017 CONTACT US ROMAN CATHOLIC ISLAND CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF VICTORIA SCHOOLS PHONE PHONE (250) 479-1331 (250) 727-6893 FAX FAX (250) 479-5423 (250) 727-6879 EMAIL EMAIL [email protected] [email protected] WEBSITE WEBSITE www.rcdvictoria.org www.cisdv.bc.ca TWITTER @rcdvictoria.org ADDRESS 1 – 4044 Nelthorpe Street Victoria BC V8X 2A1 2 BISHOP’S MESSAGE threat to life itself that euthanasia and assisted suicide poses to our country, especially vulnerable persons, was discussed. The conversation was very frank and engaging, and I found Pope Francis well informed about even small details of our present Canadian culture, and the threats to religious freedom. Pope Francis is well aware that the greatest pastoral tool we have, and must exercise for evangelization in our modern times, is closeness and accompaniment. A significant highlight has been the three- year development of a robust partnership between St. Joseph’s Hospital, Comox, and Providence Health Care, creating new opportunities for the redevelopment of St. Joseph’s into a world leader in care of the frail elderly and vulnerable in the Comox valley. We were also blessed with the creation of a Diocesan Public Juridic Person for the ongoing grace of continuing the legacy of the Sisters of St. Ann in health care at Mount St. Mary Hospital in Victoria. Both of these developments are complicated, but vital MESSAGE FROM for the continuance of Catholic Health Care in the Diocese, to enable the healing ministry of Christ to continue, despite the Bishop Gary Gordon challenges that a culture of death pursues in our country. Dear People of God, pastoral assistance for the Church around Finally, I want express immense gratitude The past year was blessed with many the world. Of note was the two-and-a-half to all the faith-filled people who witness initiatives and further development hour dialogue with Pope Francis, which to the living presence of Christ and the of a spirit of missionary-discipleship was a lively exchange on many issues joy of the Gospel, expressed in ever new within the Diocese. I want to take this for the Church in Western Canada. The ways to encounter all the people living in opportunity to mention a few noteworthy development of meaningful relationships our Diocese. developments. and dialogue with Indigenous peoples is In Communion, a great concern of our Holy Father, which In March 2017 I participated with the is very practical for our Diocese, which has bishops of Western Canada in the 53 First Nations. Education, and family Ad Limina1 Quinquennial visit to the faith formation and support were noted Bishop of Rome, His Holiness Pope as vitally important, and we all found Most Reverend Gary Gordon Francis, along with several offices of our Holy Father interested in practical Bishop of Victoria 1 The obligation of residential diocesan ways to accompany families and married bishops of meeting the Pope to report on the state of their dioceses. couples to live their vocations. The grave 3 CONTENTS 12 13 14 5 2017 AT A GLANCE 6 ABOUT US 7 LEADERSHIP TEAMS 8 PASTORAL CENTRE 10 ISLAND CATHOLIC 12 ACCOMPLISHMENTS OFFICES SCHOOLS AND EVENTS 15 SPECIAL EVENTS 16 YOUTH AND FAMILY 17 ANNUAL APPEAL 18 BISHOP’S GALA 19 OUTREACH 20 AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS This Annual Report is an in-house free publication by the Communications Department of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Victoria. EDITOR: Connie Dunwoody. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Victoria. © 2018 Roman Catholic Diocese of Victoria | www.rcdvictoria.org | @rcdvictoria 4 2017 AT A GLANCE 41 1,637 Parishes Students & in Catholic 10,422 Missions Schools Registered families 645 76 Religious Education Students Trained Catechists 12,156 34 Priests Sacrament of Reconciliation 223 1 Ordination 2,167 Responsible 2 Seminarians Sacrament of the Ministry Sick Training & Consultations 384 Funerals 209 Baptisms 58 272 Confirmations Marriages 209 First Communions 5 ABOUT US About the Diocesan Crest The silver cross of St. Andrew on a field of blue honours the patron saint of the Cathedral church of the Diocese. It is surmounted by a gold antique crown from the Coat of Arms of the Province of British Columbia, where it signifies Victoria, or Victory, the name of the See City of the Diocese. The border of small waves surrounding the blue field indicates the geographical setting of the Diocese which includes Vancouver Island and the numerous small islands surrounding it. The gold mitre above the shield symbolizes the Episcopal Office. How the Diocese Works History of the Diocese Our Bishops In the Diocese of Victoria, we have 41 Incorporated in 1892, the Roman Most Reverend Gary Gordon parishes and missions. Combined, these Catholic Diocese of Victoria comprises (2013 – ) form a part of a larger church, of which Vancouver Island, Gulf Islands, and 2004–2013 Most Rev. Richard Gagnon the Bishop is pastor. Each parish is an adjacent islands. Most Rev. Raymond Roussin integral part of this larger organization. The Oregon Mission was raised to an 1999–2004 SM As pastor of the Diocese, the Bishop is Apostolic Vicariate on December 1, 1843, 1962–1999 Most Rev. Remi J. De Roo supported by Diocesan staff. Together and Bishop Francis Norbert Blanchet 1946–1962 Most Rev. James M. Hill they assist parishes through the many was the first Vicar Apostolic. On July 24, services they provide. Without this 1846, the Diocese of Vancouver Island 1937–1946 Most Rev. John C. Cody support, parishes would be unable was erected, including Vancouver Island, Most Rev. John Hugh 1934–1936 to provide various services to their the adjacent islands, New Caledonia (i.e. MacDonald communities. the BC Mainland), the Queen Charlotte 1930–1933 Most Rev. Gerald Murray CSsR All funds needed to run the universal Islands and Alaska, with the bishop 1924–1929 Rt. Rev. Thomas O’Donnell Catholic Church come, at least initially, residing in Victoria. 1909–1923 Rt. Rev. Alexander MacDonald from parishioners. Parishes receive The Diocese was raised to the status of an 1900–1908 Most Rev. Bertram Orth collections and give a percentage to the Archdiocese on June 19, 1903. The name Diocese. Like many others, our Diocese was changed to Victoria on September 6, 1889–1899 Most Rev. Alexander Christie receives its funding by assessing a 1904. It was returned to the status of a 1888–1897 Rt. Rev. J.N. Lemmens percentage of a parish’s income. Diocese on October 1, 1908. 1885–1886 Most Rev. Charles J. Seghers We are so grateful for the many clergy, 1879–1883 Rt. Rev. Jean Baptiste Brondel staff, and volunteers, without whom this 1873–1878 Most Rev. Charles J. Seghers Diocese simply could not run. 1847–1878 Rt. Rev. Modeste Demers 6 ABOUT US LEADERSHIP (L to R): Bishop’s Advisory Council members Leah MacKenzie, CFO; Fr. John Laszczyk, Vicar General and Judicial Vicar; Cynthia Bouchard, Chancellor; Bishop Gary Gordon; and Beverly Pulyk, ICS Superintendent Bishop’s Advisory Council an ex-officio member, and the Chancellor extraordinary matters of administration, The Bishop’s Advisory Council (BAC) attends at the invitation of the Council. including large expenditures, alienation includes Fr. John Laszczyk (Vicar General, Members of the Council represent the of property, clergy incardinations, and Judicial Vicar and Rector of St. Andrew’s entire Diocese and the selection of priests ordinations. Cathedral), the Chancellor of the Diocese to serve is comprised of election and (Cynthia Bouchard), the Chief Financial appointments. The Council of Priests Finance Committee Officer (Leah MacKenzie CPA, CGA), and the meets approximately six to eight times Together with the Bishop and our Chief Superintendent of Island Catholic Schools per year for consultation and discussion. Financial Officer, our Finance Committee (Beverly Pulyk). As an advisory body the work and provides prudent fiscal management of This Council meets regularly and forms deliberation of the Council of Priests is the Diocese. We are grateful for the gift of a highly effective team for the oversight guided, as often as possible, by the use of their time and wisdom. and governance of the Diocese. consensus decision-making. Consensus is understood to mean that all are in Council of Priests agreement or that if some disagree they Other Diocesan Leadership Committees The Council of Priests is advisory to are willing to support the decision by the the Bishop in all areas affecting the majority of the group. • Building Commission pastoral life of the Diocese, particularly The Council of Priests works to be united • Investment Advisory Committee the pastoral ministry of the clergy and the and supportive of the mission entrusted • Island Catholic Schools Board care of the spiritual needs of the people to the care of the Bishop. of God. The Constitution of the Council • Oversight Committee of Priests mandates that the Council will College of Consultors • Responsible Ministry and Safe consist of nine priests chosen from the The College of Consultors’ members Environment Committee presbyterate. The Vicar General serves as are selected from the Council of Priests, and serve to advise the Bishop on 7 THE PASTORAL CENTRE Marriage Tribunal Director of Liturgy VICAR GENERAL PRIESTS & Archives & Chaplaincy/Hospital & UVic DEACONS JUDICIAL Communications VICAR Indigenous Peoples Ministry Healthcare CONSECRATED (inc. Diocesan Healthcare Committee) WOMEN & MEN Parish Governance Records & Information Management Refugees CHANCELLOR Responsible Ministry Vocations