In the Gospel, Jesus teaches us that it is more blessed to give than to receive. Throughout Sacred Scripture, we see that God calls each of us to share our gifts, our talents, our resources, our prayers, and our time for the good of others. When we give from the heart, we become instruments of His love in the world.

The beautiful truth about generosity is that it changes both the giver and the receiver. Every act of service, every prayer offered, every sacrifice made, every volunteer hour given, and every gift shared becomes part of something much greater than ourselves. Through giving, lives are transformed, communities are strengthened, and God’s work continues to flourish.

As we begin to reflect on this past year since the facility opened, we are filled with profound gratitude for the countless people whose vision, generosity, perseverance, and faith helped make this mission possible.

Today we give thanks to the Archdiocese of Vancouver, our benefactors, donors, volunteers, directors, founding members, supporters, and the many faithful Catholics throughout the Archdiocese who believed in this mission long before it became a reality.

We offer special gratitude to Father Augustine, Father Edwin, Father Francis, and the parish community of Good Shepherd Church for their unwavering friendship, prayers, encouragement, and support throughout this journey.

We are deeply grateful to the Knights of Columbus, whose generosity, service, and commitment over many years have helped strengthen this mission and support countless initiatives along the way.

We thank the Board of Directors for the many hours they have freely given. Their leadership, wisdom, dedication, and steadfast commitment have helped guide this mission through both opportunities and challenges.

We thank the volunteers who faithfully served in the office day after day, often behind the scenes, making calls, preparing materials, organizing events, supporting donors, and helping ensure that important work continued moving forward.

We thank the army of volunteers who have stepped forward throughout the years to support events, fundraising initiatives, community gatherings, outreach efforts, and countless activities that have helped build and strengthen this mission. Their generosity reminds us that great things are accomplished when people come together in faith, love, and service.

Today we also reflect with gratitude on the beautiful witness of those who choose to give while living. Our dear friend and supporter of the Saint John Paul II Academy Foundation, Andy Szocs, often speaks about the importance of giving while living and seeing the impact of your generosity during your lifetime.

There is something profoundly meaningful about witnessing lives being changed, opportunities being created, faith being strengthened, and communities flourishing because of a gift you chose to share. Through generosity, donors become active participants in God’s work, helping create opportunities that might otherwise never exist.

Giving while living is far more than a financial act. It is an act of stewardship, faith, trust, gratitude, and love. It allows individuals and families to witness the fruits of their generosity, see hope take root, and experience the joy that comes from helping others.

Andy has been a wonderful example of this spirit of generosity. Through his encouragement and example, he reminds us that the blessings God entrusts to us are not simply for ourselves, but are meant to be shared for the benefit of others and for the building of God’s Kingdom.

To all those who have chosen to invest in this mission through their generosity, thank you. Your gifts have opened doors, created opportunities, strengthened communities, inspired hope, and brought countless blessings to so many. We are deeply grateful for your example and for the legacy of faith, stewardship, and generosity you are creating today.

Many gave financially.

Many gave through prayer.

Many gave through mentorship.

Many gave through leadership.

Many gave through friendship.

Many gave through encouragement.

Many gave thousands of hours of their own time over many years.

Many quietly made sacrifices that may never be fully known.

We are also grateful for the many individuals who have shared their gifts, talents, expertise, and daily efforts in ways that have helped this mission grow and flourish. Their contributions have touched countless lives and helped create opportunities that continue to bear fruit each day.

We are especially grateful to Troy Van Vliet and the founding members Dr Joseph King, Mr Jeffrey Hector, Mr David Boulton, the late Mr Ken Prout, Dr Paul Sahota, and many others whose vision, courage, endurance, and unwavering commitment helped bring this mission to life. Through years of planning, prayer, sacrifice, fundraising, relationship building, and determination, they helped create opportunities that now bless so many people.

Because of their efforts and the efforts of so many others, lives are being transformed. Families are finding community. Friendships are being formed. Faith is being strengthened. Opportunities are being created. The teachings of Jesus Christ are being shared and lived.

What began as a vision inspired by faith has become a living mission that continues to bear fruit every day.

As we walk through the facility, hear the laughter, witness the friendships, experience the joy, and see lives being impacted, we are reminded that none of this happened by accident. It happened because faithful people answered God’s call and chose to give generously of themselves.

This journey has always been about love, sacrifice, faith, service, stewardship, and generosity.

Today we thank every person who has played a role in this remarkable story.

May God abundantly bless every benefactor, donor, volunteer, director, founding member, supporter, and friend who has contributed to this mission.

May He watch over you and your families.

May He reward your generosity.

May He strengthen your faith.

May He fill your hearts with peace and joy.

And may He continue to bless the work of your hands as together we help build a legacy that will impact generations to come.

Thank you for believing.

Thank you for serving.

Thank you for giving.

May God bless each of you abundantly.