Walking Together in Faith, Community, and Love — Upcoming Celebrations and Events at Saint John Paul II Academy

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.”

“By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

— The Holy Gospel according to Saint John

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden… Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

— The Holy Gospel according to Saint Matthew

Mother’s Day Mass and Tea

As we come to the close of the month of April, our hearts are filled with gratitude. We are reminded that we are a people called to love, to welcome, and to lift one another up. In every moment, in every interaction, we are invited to reflect Christ’s love through kindness, generosity, and unity as a community.

With great joy, we look ahead to a beautiful celebration in honour of the incredible women in our lives. Our school will be hosting a Mother’s Day Mass and Tea to celebrate our mothers, grandmothers, and all those who lovingly serve as mother figures in our community.

Event Details:
Mass will be celebrated in the morning, followed by a Mother’s Day Tea in the Saint John Paul II Academy gym. This gathering will be a sacred and meaningful time of prayer, appreciation, and fellowship. Families may attend Mass, the Tea, or both.
Please confirm attendance by contacting the school office or emailing the school.

This is an opportunity to pause, to give thanks, and to honour the quiet strength, sacrifice, and love that shape our families and our school. All are warmly invited, and we look forward to sharing this special occasion together in a spirit of joy and gratitude.

On this same day, some of our students will be attending the Prayer Breakfast, made possible through the generosity and support of City in Focus. We are deeply grateful for their love and commitment to our school. This year’s gathering will include powerful voices such as Robb Nash, Matt Maher, and Bryana Russell, who will speak to the importance of mental health and the essential role that faith plays in our well being.

Through ministries like Sanctuary, we are reminded that our faith is not separate from our daily lives, but rather the foundation that sustains us, heals us, and gives us hope. Sanctuary represents a place of encounter with Christ, a place of renewal, and a place where hearts are restored through truth, music, and prayer. It is a living witness that we are never alone, and that Christ walks with us in every struggle and every joy.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Mrs. Boyle for her outstanding leadership in Campus Ministry. Her dedication continues to guide our students in living out the Gospel through action and service.

Campus Ministry – Outreach and Advocacy

As part of our commitment to social justice, we are once again supporting Providence in the Park at Oppenheimer Park. This outreach program, led by Providence Health Care, serves individuals in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside who are experiencing homelessness, poverty, and social isolation.

Our Outreach and Advocacy Team will be attending on behalf of our school community, and we are asking each grade to contribute:

* Grade 8-1: gloves
* Grade 8-2: hats
* Grade 8-3: new men’s socks, loose fitting
* Grade 9: women’s socks
* Grade 10: sunscreen or toothpaste
* Grade 11 and 12: deodorant, toothpaste, and toothbrush

Thank you for your generosity. In serving others, we encounter Christ Himself.

We also celebrate the incredible spirit of our community. With joyful hearts and generous hands, Holly, Italia, Maria, and Dr. Wilkie, along with others, came together to bag 200 soil bags. What a beautiful witness of teamwork, joy, and service. Thank you for your hard work and for bringing such life to our community.

Families will be receiving notification by email with details on how to purchase soil for the summer. For more information, please contact volunteer@sjp2foundation.com.

SJPII Academy – Alumni Golf Tournament

As we continue forward, we are in the final push for our Alumni Golf Tournament.

Event Details:
Location: Tsawwassen Springs
Date: May 14

This is more than a day on the course. It is an opportunity to build community, to support our mission, and to invest in the future of our students.

“A day on the course. A lifetime of impact. Come and be part of something that truly matters.”

We invite everyone to register to play, become a sponsor, donate an auction item, or join us for dinner. Your presence and support make a lasting difference.

Community Raffle

You will also notice something exciting at the entrance of the school this week. A beautiful E-bike will be displayed as part of our community raffle. Tickets will be sent home with families and shared throughout the community.

“Ride together. Win together. Support together. One ticket, one chance, one community.”

We encourage everyone to participate, to share with friends and family, and to enjoy the excitement as we build something meaningful together.

Troy Van Vliet – Surrey Now campaign

This Saturday, we also acknowledge an important moment within our broader community. Troy Van Vliet, our founder and Chair of the Foundation, will be launching his Surrey Now campaign this Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 10:00 AM in the Saint John Paul II Academy Dining Hall.

All are welcome to attend, to learn about the pillars of the campaign, and to understand the vision being presented. We extend our prayers and best wishes for success as he steps forward in service. It is especially meaningful to see leadership rooted in faith, with members of the slate reflecting strong Christian values, including representation from our own Good Shepherd community.

As we reflect on all that is happening, we are reminded that this school was built through faith, sacrifice, and love. It stands today because of countless prayers, acts of generosity, and unwavering dedication.

Let us never forget who we are. In the midst of growth, activity, and celebration, we remain disciples of Christ. We are called to love one another, to serve one another, and to walk together in faith.

As we continue to grow and build momentum, may we always keep our eyes fixed on our mission, our hearts rooted in gratitude, and our lives anchored in Christ.

God bless you, your families, and all the work you do for the good of others.