Scripture Reflection

Hebrews 12:1 to 2

This morning, we begin with patience, grit, and trust in Jesus Christ.

Our Lord never asks us to carry the whole road at once. He asks us to take 1 faithful step, then the next, and then the next. He reminds us that the greatest works are often accomplished through small acts of faithfulness repeated day after day. Patience is not simply waiting. Patience is trusting. Grit is not simply endurance. Grit is perseverance rooted in faith.

A Year of Mission and Gratitude

As we look back on this year, we can see how much love, work, sacrifice, prayer, and mission have been poured into this community by so many people.

Volunteers, directors, donors, benefactors, community partners, clergy, and friends have all given from their hearts. Every gift of time, every meeting, every phone call, every event, every donation, every act of service, and every quiet sacrifice has become part of something much greater than ourselves.

All of it has been offered for the love of Jesus Christ and for the mission of our Catholic faith.

There is no question that the Lord has blessed this mission through the hands and hearts of many faithful people. Looking back, we can see His fingerprints everywhere. In every success, every challenge overcome, every partnership formed, every door opened, and every opportunity created, Christ has been leading the way.

Today’s Podcast Conversations

Today is also an exciting day as we continue sharing stories, ideas, and conversations that help strengthen our Catholic community.

We are grateful for the opportunity to record inspiring podcast interviews with Lisa Canning and John Banovich.

Both bring unique gifts, experiences, and perspectives rooted in faith, purpose, and service. These conversations remind us that every person has a story, every vocation has meaning, and every gift can be used to glorify God.

Through these discussions, we continue building bridges, sharing inspiring stories, and creating opportunities for evangelization that reach far beyond our immediate community.

Partnership with the Archdiocese of Vancouver

We remain deeply grateful for the partnership with the Archdiocese of Vancouver and for the opportunity to utilize their professional podcast studio. The studio provides an excellent setting for meaningful conversations and allows us to present interviews and Catholic initiatives in a professional and engaging manner.

We are especially grateful to Clay, who works tirelessly behind the scenes to support our podcast initiatives and communications efforts. His dedication, professionalism, and commitment to Catholic evangelization help make these conversations and outreach opportunities possible.

Through these interviews, we continue sharing stories of faith, leadership, service, and hope while creating opportunities to reach and inspire people throughout the Catholic community and beyond.

Napa Institute and Vancouver

We are also very excited for Andy Szocs and his committee and for the opportunity that is being explored with the Napa Institute.

The Napa Institute began in Napa Valley and has become one of the most respected Catholic gatherings in North America. It brings together faithful Catholics from around the world who seek to grow in truth, courage, friendship, leadership, and mission.

Last summer, I had the privilege of attending and experienced firsthand the remarkable spirit of camaraderie among faithful Catholics from around the world. There were inspiring speakers, beautiful liturgies, Eucharistic Adoration, opportunities for Confession, meaningful conversations, and a joyful atmosphere rooted in faith.

One particularly memorable experience was meeting Sister Miriam and hearing her personal story. Her witness of healing, humility, faith, and surrender to Jesus Christ was deeply moving and left a lasting impression.

This year, representatives from the Napa Institute leadership team, together with the committee responsible for organizing the renowned Napa Institute gathering in Napa Valley, will be coming to Vancouver to explore the possibility and feasibility of bringing a future Napa Institute experience to our city.

This visit represents an important step in discerning what such an opportunity could look like in partnership with the Archdiocese of Vancouver and the broader Catholic community.

We are incredibly grateful to Andy Szocs and his dedicated team for the tremendous amount of work, leadership, relationship building, and vision that has gone into this effort. Countless hours have been invested behind the scenes to help create this opportunity.

We are honoured to welcome the Napa Institute leadership team and committee members to Vancouver. Their visit reflects a shared desire to strengthen Catholic formation, foster faithful leadership, encourage evangelization, and build meaningful connections within the Church.

Should this initiative move forward, it would represent a remarkable opportunity for Vancouver and Western Canada.

Please keep Andy, his team, the Napa Institute leadership, and this important discernment process in your prayers.

Save the Date: Royals Ball 2026

As we complete some of the most significant events of this year, we also begin looking ahead with great excitement.

Please save the date for October 24, 2026, as preparations begin for the Royals Ball.

This evening is not only a beautiful gathering for the community, but also one of the most important fundraising events of the year supporting bursaries.

These bursaries help make Catholic education more accessible and help ensure that the mission of forming future Catholic leaders continues to flourish.

The Royals Ball is much more than a fundraiser.

It is a celebration of community.

It is a gathering of faithful Catholics who believe in investing in future generations.

It is an opportunity to come together in friendship, fellowship, gratitude, and service.

Join the Royals Ball Committee

As preparations begin, we are also looking for volunteers who would like to join the Royals Ball Committee.

Being part of a committee is about much more than helping organize an event. It is an opportunity to build friendships, share ideas, grow spiritually, and work alongside others in service of a meaningful mission.

If you would like to be part of this inspiring team, or if you would simply like to learn more, please reach out to Silveria.

We would be delighted to welcome you aboard.

Summer Volunteer Opportunity

This summer, the Foundation is also looking for volunteers to assist with administrative support in the office.

This is a volunteer position and an opportunity to directly support the mission of Saint John Paul II Academy Foundation and the many Catholic initiatives that serve the broader community.

The volunteer should be organized, dependable, professional, and comfortable working within a Catholic environment.

Experience with Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word would be beneficial.

Responsibilities may include administrative support, data entry, community outreach, phone calls, event support, donor communications, and assisting with various Foundation initiatives throughout the summer.

A driver’s license would also be considered an asset.

If you are interested, or if you know someone who may be interested, please contact Silveria.

We would be grateful for your support.

Closing Reflection

As we continue forward together, let us remember that every great work begins with faithfulness in small things.

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the gift of this community and for every person who has contributed to this mission throughout the year.

May the Holy Spirit continue to guide our work, strengthen our faith, and inspire every Catholic initiative that brings others closer to You.

Help us to walk together in unity, friendship, and love, always seeking Your will above our own.

Saint John Paul II, pray for us.

Our Lady, Seat of Wisdom, pray for us.

Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour, guide us always.

Totus Tuus.