Behold, I Make All Things New
Why renewal?
Following his appointment as the Archbishop of Vancouver, Archbishop Richard Smith spent time listening and dialoguing with the faithful of the Archdiocese. Many of these conversations highlighted the great work being done and the many blessings evident in our families, parishes, schools, and ministries. Along with this, a common theme that arose was a strong desire for renewal. With the great Jubilee of 2033 on the horizon, marking two thousand years since the Redemption, we are invited into a moment of prayer and discernment as a local Church. This is a moment for each of us to ask with renewed faith: What does the Lord desire for his Church in Vancouver, and to what is he calling us?
What will renewal look like?
The Lord’s promise in the Book of Revelation serves as the foundation of what renewal is: “Behold, I make all things new” (Revelation 21:5). Renewal in the Church is the constant work of God: It is discerning what God is about, and allowing ourselves to be carried along by the current of his grace. This process of renewal will unfold in five key areas:
Parish Renewal
We ask God to infuse our parish families with apostolic boldness to announce the joy of the Gospel.
Priestly Life and Culture
We ask God to sanctify our Archbishop and priests and send them anew as compassionate shepherds of His people.
Catholic Schools
We ask God to revitalize our schools as communities of Catholic faith and authentic humanity.
Liturgical Renewal
We ask God to make our celebrations of the Sacred Liturgy fitting offerings of praise to His great glory.
Property and Infrastructure
We ask God to grant us new wisdom to steward our resources well in service of the Church’s mission.What has begun?
After nearly one year of attentive listening to priests, deacons, and the lay faithful, along with prayerful discernment of the pastoral culture of the Archdiocese, Archbishop Smith has formally launched a process of renewal for the Archdiocese of Vancouver. This process is governed by an Executive Committee and five Principal Task Forces, one for each of the five areas identified by Archbishop Smith. These Task Forces, which are led by a faithful and qualified member of the Archdiocese and supported by at least two priests and up to five lay members, are currently in Phase I: Visioning. This visioning phase is expected to last one year. During this time, each Task Force will undergo a rigorous assessment of its area, with the goal of producing clear, evidence-based, and actionable recommendations in the service of the mission of the Archdiocese.
O God, who make all things new in your Son, Jesus Christ, grant us, we pray, a new and mighty outpouring of your Holy Spirit and renew your Church in the Archdiocese of Vancouver. Open our hearts to the cry of your poor and enliven our pastoral charity. Make our celebrations of the Sacred Liturgy fitting offerings of praise to your great glory. Sanctify our Archbishop and priests and send them anew as compassionate shepherds of your people. Revitalize our schools as communities of Catholic faith and authentic humanity. Grant us new wisdom to steward our resources well in service of the Church’s mission. Infuse our parish families with apostolic boldness to announce the joy of the Gospel. Thoroughly renew us all, Heavenly Father, by your love and mercy. Inspire us to embrace once again our baptismal call to holiness and mission. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.