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Statements & Letters

Second Collection

Peter’s Pence

Oct 29, 2024
Archbishop’s Statement on World Mental Health Day

Oct 10, 2024
Archbishop's Message for the B.C. Election

Oct 10, 2024
Pray and Fast for Peace

Oct 7, 2024
Archbishop’s Message on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Sep 25, 2024
Archbishop Miller’s Message for Healing and Reconciliation

You all deserve my heartfelt gratitude for your generous support of Indigenous Healing and Reconciliation in past years. Your prayers, actions and donations have been instrumental in advancing meaningful relationships with our Indigenous brothers and sisters.

Aug 31, 2024
Papal Honours Mass

September 8

Aug 23, 2024
The Thirteenth Annual Archbishop’s Dinner

November 18

Aug 13, 2024
From strong words to meaningful partnership: A renewed Catholic commitment to Indigenous reconciliation

Jul 24, 2024
Sacred Covenant with the Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc

Jun 21, 2024
Archbishop’s Message on Pro-Life Sunday

Jun 12, 2024
DECREE: Special Indulgence on the Occasion of the 250th Anniversary of the Birth of Saint Magdalene of Canossa, Founder of the Institutes of the Canossian Daughters and Sons of Charity

May 14, 2024
Archbishop’s Message on Good Shepherd Sunday

Apr 17, 2024
Joint statement from unprecedented and historic Easter Sunday ceremonies with the Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc and Roman Catholic Church

Apr 2, 2024
Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc and Catholic Church advance truth and reconciliation with Sacred Covenant

Mar 28, 2024
Archbishop’s Message on Supporting the St. Joseph’s Society

Second Collection, Feb. 18

Feb 14, 2024
Archbishop Miller’s Lunar New Year Message

Feb 6, 2024
Pastoral Letter on the Use of Social Media

Jan 24, 2024
Archbishop's Message for the New Year 2024

Jan 1, 2024
Archbishop Miller’s Christmas Message

Dec 19, 2023
Archbishop’s Statement on Blessings for Same-Sex Couples

Dec 18, 2023
National Day of Prayer in Solidarity with Indigenous Peoples

Archbishop Miller’s Message

Dec 12, 2023
Non-Permissibility of Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide within Canadian Health Organizations with a Catholic Identity

Statement by the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops

Nov 30, 2023
Message for the Feast of Deepavali from the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue

Nov 12, 2023
Archbishop’s Statement on the Hamas Attacks on Israel

Oct 8, 2023
Archbishop's Message on Supporting the Campaign for Healing and Reconciliation

Sep 4, 2023
The Friday Report

Sign-up for weekly emails

Aug 1, 2023
Archbishop's Message on World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly

Jul 21, 2023
Open Letter to the Government of Canada on Permitting Persons Living with Mental Illness to Access Euthanasia/Assisted Suicide

May 9, 2023
Message to the Catholic Faithful on Permitting Persons Living with Mental Illness to Access Euthanasia/Assisted Suicide

May 9, 2023
Good Shepherd Sunday Second Collection

Work of Vocations

Apr 26, 2023
Message from the President of the CCCB on National Family and Life Week

Apr 12, 2023
Archbishop Miller’s Easter Message 2023

Apr 5, 2023
Archbishop Miller’s Share Lent Message

Mar 22, 2023
Lenten Confession Times

Mar 15, 2023
Ongoing reconciliation work between the Squamish Nation and Catholic Church

Update regarding St. Thomas Aquinas School and the ongoing work being carried out by Squamish Nation.

Mar 13, 2023
Ordination of Deacon Patrick Le and Deacon Medard Kamanzi to the Priesthood

Feb 24, 2023
An Appeal by the Ukrainian Catholic Bishops in Canada Marking the One Year Commemoration of the Russian Invasion of Ukraine

Feb 24, 2023
New Superintendant Announced

Sandra Marshall has accepted the position of Superintendent, effective September 1, 2023.

Jan 4, 2023
Death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI

Statement from Archbishop Miller

Dec 31, 2022
A Pastoral Letter from the Catholic Bishops of Canada to Young People

Oct 11, 2022
Archbishop’s Message on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 2022

Sep 30, 2022
Bishops of Canada Deepen Their Commitments to Walk Together with Indigenous Partners on the Healing and Reconciliation Journey

Sep 29, 2022
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

September 30

Sep 29, 2022
Pakistan Flood Relief Fund

More than 70% of the country is affected by floods. Your donation will provide families with food, shelter, drinking water, and medicine.

Sep 16, 2022
‘Our Queen was a light to the nations’: Abp. Miller

Archbishop Miller said the Queen, who died Sept. 8, was “a woman of unwavering Christian faith” and “a light to the nations.”

Sep 8, 2022
June 2022 Implementation Working Group Update

Jun 30, 2022
Into the Deep: Truth and Reconciliation

Presented by James Borkowski

Jun 22, 2022
Archbishop Miller's Pro-Life Sunday Message 2022

Jun 19, 2022
Pope Francis to visit Canada July 24 to 29

He will visit Quebec City, Iqaluit, and Edmonton

May 13, 2022
Apology for the Church's Role in Coerced Adoption

May 6, 2022
Pope’s apology ‘will go a long way in ongoing journey’: archbishop

Apr 4, 2022
Canada’s Catholic Bishops Welcome Pope Francis’ Apology to Indigenous Peoples

Apr 1, 2022
Vancouver Catholics uniting with Pope’s consecration with novena, Holy Rosary Cathedral Mass

Mar 17, 2022
Catholic Bishops of Canada invite all Canadian faithful to join Pope Francis and to pray for peace

On Friday, 25 March 2022, Pope Francis will consecrate Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary

Mar 17, 2022
Archbishop Miller’s Lunar New Year Message 2022

May you and your loved ones have a joyous celebration of the Lunar New Year and a blessed Year of the Tiger. Gong Hei Fat Choy!

Jan 27, 2022
Adding Masses for vaccinated OK so more can access sacraments in ‘safety and unity’: Archbishop

In a memo to priests of the Archdiocese of Vancouver, Archbishop Miller says he wants to give “as much access as possible to the Sacraments (especially Holy Mass) to the greatest number of people possible.”

Dec 9, 2021
Fraser Valley Flood Relief Fund

Archdiocese launches fund to help flood-struck migrant workers

Nov 22, 2021
Enrollment in the Laudato Si’ Action Platform Kicks Off

The Green Churches Network plays a key role in leading its development

Nov 14, 2021
Pope Francis accepts invitation to visit Canada

Pope Francis will visit Canada to aid in reconciliation efforts with Indigenous peoples.

Oct 27, 2021
Archbishop Miller’s Letter on the Opening of the Synod

For our local Church, this Synodal Process is a new opportunity to walk together, listen to one another in charity, and to hear what is on the hearts of our brothers and sisters.

Oct 4, 2021
Archbishop Miller's Message on Safe Haven Sunday 2021

To address the evil of pornography, we as a faith community are observing a Safe Haven Sunday. On this designated weekend we have the opportunity to tackle the harm caused by pornography.

Oct 1, 2021
Statement of Apology by the Catholic Bishops of Canada to the Indigenous Peoples of this Land

We acknowledge the grave abuses that were committed by some members of our Catholic community; physical, psychological, emotional, spiritual, cultural, and sexual.

Sep 24, 2021
New Indigenous holiday ‘a vital component of reconciliation’

Archbishop Miller invites Catholics to observe the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Sept. 30 “by praying and working for truth and reconciliation with our Indigenous peoples.”

Sep 23, 2021
CCCB Statement on 2021 Federal Elections

Voting: a duty, a gift, an opportunity

Sep 17, 2021
Masks required, vaccination passports not, at most religious gatherings in archdiocese

The Archdiocese of Vancouver is requiring Catholics to wear masks at Mass and other religious events but is not checking vaccination status at church doors.

Sep 9, 2021
Archbishop Miller: Masks Required at Mass

I regard it as prudent that, as in all other indoor gatherings in BC, the wearing of masks will be required when attending Mass in the churches of the Archdiocese of Vancouver.

Aug 25, 2021
B.C. officials reinstate mask mandate in indoor public settings

B.C. Health Officer Bonnie Henry re-introduced an indoor mask mandate Aug. 24. Archbishop Miller said Aug. 25 that masks will be required at Masses in the Archdiocese of Vancouver.

Aug 24, 2021
B.C. ‘vaccination card’ required for many indoor activities, but religious worship exempt

Premier John Horgan at a press conference Aug. 23 announced the rollout of a proof of vaccination card that will be required to access restaurants, gyms, and indoor events, but not religious gatherings.

Aug 23, 2021
DECREE - for the Reinstatement of the Obligation to Participate in the Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation

Jul 13, 2021
All church capacity limits and restrictions lift in B.C. July 1

As of July 1, all churches and other places that hold religious services can operate without COVID-19 capacity limits or restrictions.

Jun 29, 2021
Large B.C. churches can welcome more than 50 people, schools can expect ‘near normal’ return in fall

Under the latest COVID guidelines, places of worship are allowed to welcome 50 participants, or 10 per cent of seating capacity, whichever is greater, which means larger churches could seat more starting June 15.

Jun 14, 2021
Expression of Commitment

Archbishop Miller releases statement of commitment, acknowledgement, and apology to First Nations

Jun 2, 2021
Archbishop Miller’s Statement on the Kamloops residential school discovery

Archbishop said he is “filled with deep sadness” after learning of the discovery of the bodies of more than 200 children at a former residential school in Kamloops.

May 28, 2021
Parishes scramble to offer Mass as B.C. allows limited church openings

The B.C. government is now allowing services with up to 50 people.

May 27, 2021
Archbishop Miller’s Statement on the Conflict Between Israel and Palestine

The escalation of violence in the Israel-Palestinian conflict is heartbreaking to witness, and the pain and suffering unfolding on both sides saddens me deeply. 

May 20, 2021
Restrictions on worship, travel, and indoor dining continue

B.C. Premier John Horgan Monday announced previous health orders that include a ban on indoor public worship will be extended for an additional five weeks.

Apr 19, 2021
Message from the Catholic Bishops of Canada to the Faithful on the Expansion of Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide in Canada

During this Easter season as we celebrate the resurrection of Christ and the new life we have in him, we desire to engage our Catholic faithful on a subject of crucial importance to all of us.

Apr 8, 2021
Gov’t suspends indoor worship less than one week before Easter

Just four days after releasing a plan that would see limited indoor religious gatherings just in time for Easter, health officials have backpedalled on that plan.

Mar 29, 2021
B.C. health officials allow limited indoor worship services

This year, B.C. health officials have told faith communities to choose four holy days to celebrate in person this spring, with 10 per cent of capacity or a maximum of 50 people in church.

Mar 25, 2021
Archbishop Miller’s Easter Message 2021

Jesus’ pilgrim way on earth was over. He completed his journey in the tomb, as all of us will, but he conquered death. By an act of pure love, the Lord opened his grave and rose from the dead.

Mar 24, 2021
B.C. government eases its limit on outdoor religious gatherings

Just days before the start of Holy Week, the B.C. government eased some restrictions on public worship to allow more people to attend outdoor religious gatherings.

Mar 24, 2021
Note from the CCCB on vaccines

The decision to receive any COVID-19 vaccine is one of individual conscience in consultation with one’s physician or healthcare provider.

Mar 21, 2021
One Year into Pandemic Interview with Archbishop Miller

Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB reflects on the past year and discusses what the short and long-term impact will be on the local Church. He responds to moral concerns about the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, how he is personally, and the financial state of the Archdiocese.

Mar 12, 2021
B.C. gov’t rejects archbishop’s request for indoor services

Archbishop J. Michael Miller’s request for the B.C. government to open Catholic churches to 10 per cent of their capacity as Easter approaches has been rejected.

Mar 5, 2021
Archbishop asks health officials to reconsider B.C. public worship ban

As Easter approaches, I want to assure you that the Archdiocese is taking steps to advocate with the Provincial Government for a safe return to in-person attendance at Mass.

Feb 24, 2021
Archbishop Miller’s Letter on Share Lent 2021

During this Lenten Season, the Lord calls on us as his disciples to devote ourselves more intentionally to prayer, fasting and almsgiving.

Feb 17, 2021
Archbishop Miller’s Lunar New Year Message 2021

It is a great joy for me to convey heartfelt greetings and prayers to the Asian Catholic community in the Archdiocese of Vancouver, as you prepare to celebrate the Lunar New Year on Friday, February 12, just days before Ash Wednesday.

Feb 4, 2021
Note from the Vatican on vaccines

Diverse and sometimes conflicting pronouncements in the mass media by bishops, Catholic associations, and experts have raised questions about the morality of the use of these vaccines.

Jan 8, 2021
CCCB President’s Christmas Message 2020

Wishing to you all and your loved ones and communities of faith a happy and healthy Christmas season and a New Year filled with the Lord’s choicest blessings.

Dec 16, 2020
2020 Update Report on Clergy Sexual Abuse

This report gives an overview on the progress of that group, a few more updates and the publication of an additional three priests involved in abuse settlements that have not been previously published.

Dec 14, 2020
Special Indulgence for the Bicentenary of the Birth of Saint Andrew Kim

The Catholic Bishop’s Conference of Korea has established a Jubilee Year to mark the 200th anniversary of the birth of Saint Andrew Kim Tae-gon, the first Korean priest and the patron saint of Korean priests. The Jubilee will begin on November 29, 2020, and extend until November 27, 2021.

Nov 27, 2020
Comments by the Archbishop regarding new restrictions on religious worship

The restrictions placed on banning congregations, even limited ones, from attending Holy Mass are, of course, a matter of grave concern to us both as Catholics and as citizens of British Columbia.

Nov 22, 2020
Suspension of Holy Mass Celebrated in Public

After today’s Provincial Health Order from Dr. Bonnie Henry, and with considerable sadness, I must direct that all Masses, whether Sunday or weekday, beginning on Friday, November 20 and until further notice, are to be offered without a public congregation.

Nov 19, 2020
Annual Report 2019/2020

Archbishop Miller: “I offer this annual report, with its theme Baptized and Sent, as a sign of our commitment to responding to Christ’s call.”

Nov 5, 2020
Archbishop Miller’s Letter on Praying for the Departed

As we approach the month of November and All Souls’ Day, Monday, November 2, I invite you to reflect on this month in the liturgical year when the Church asks us to look forward to our heavenly homeland, to offer prayers for the faithful departed and to recognize the importance of burial in a Catholic cemetery.

Oct 25, 2020
Religious Leaders in Canada oppose Bill C-7

We are obliged to express our strong concern and opposition to Bill C-7 which, among other things, expands access to euthanasia and assisted suicide to those who are not dying.

Oct 14, 2020
Media Statement About Class Action Lawsuit

Beginning in late 2018, the Archdiocese of Vancouver — working with victims/survivors and independent investigators — conducted a thorough review of historic files relating to sexual abuse by clergy.

Aug 27, 2020
Archbishop Miller’s Statement on the Explosion in Lebanon

I reach out in solidarity to our beloved members of the Chaldean, Maronite, and Melkite Greek Catholic communities as we look with shock and grief at the devastation that has taken place in Beirut.

Aug 5, 2020
Archbishop Miller's Letter to Holy Family Staff

In the arduous and complex situation you are facing, I wish to thank you for your ongoing dedication as you serve the residents and families of Holy Family Hospital Long Term Care with commitment and compassion.

Jul 9, 2020
Archbishop Miller's Letter on the Feast of the Chinese Martyrs

On July 9, the Church celebrates the feast of the Chinese Martyrs, commemorating the martyrdom of St. Augustine Zhao Rong and 119 companions.

Jul 7, 2020
CCCB’s Statement on Racism

It has been with great distress and sorrow that the world witnessed the tragic events that took place in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on 25 May 2020.

Jun 8, 2020
Archbishop Miller’s Letter on Racism

I invite the faithful of the Archdiocese of Vancouver to recognize the serious problems that the protesters are raising and to contribute to the dialogue with earnest prayer and active participation.

Jun 7, 2020
Archbishop Miller’s Good Shepherd Sunday Letter

On this Good Shepherd Sunday, I wish to thank our priests for their dedication to the people of God and to affirm your continued need for their pastoral care during these unusual and challenging times.

May 3, 2020
Archbishop Richard Gagnon’s Easter Message 2020

The Gospel for this year’s Easter Vigil underscores both the fear and the joy that was present among the first witnesses of the resurrection and continues to be our feelings today when we seek to witness to Christ who is among us.

Apr 6, 2020
Message to Canadians from Religious Leaders in Canada in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic

In spite of present sufferings, which can seem overwhelming at times, the flames of hope cannot be extinguished.

Mar 31, 2020
Archbishop Miller’s Letter on Share Lent Collection Postponement

This year a crucial part of Share Lent, the Solidarity Sunday collection that would have been taken up on March 28/29, 2020, has been postponed until the pandemic is over.

Mar 27, 2020
Archbishop Miller’s Letter on Coronavirus (COVID-19) 

I direct that all Masses, whether Sunday or weekday, beginning on Saturday, March 21, are to be offered without a public congregation, until further notice.

Mar 20, 2020
Archbishop Miller’s Letter on Coronavirus (COVID-19)

After weighing before the Lord the gravity of the current coronavirus situation, which is worsening daily, I believe that now is the time to leave to the conscience of each pastor whether and how to celebrate Holy Mass with a congregation.

Mar 19, 2020
Archbishop Miller’s Video Message on Coronavirus (COVID-19)

March 18, 2020 : Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB gives a video message to the faithful of the Archdiocese of Vancouver.

Mar 18, 2020
Archbishop Miller’s Letter on Coronavirus (COVID-19)

All parishes are to continue offering Sunday and daily Mass at the appointed times.

Mar 17, 2020
Archbishop Miller’s Letter on Coronavirus (COVID-19)

In accordance with the Public Health Officer Order issued this morning, attendance at Mass or any other parish or Archdiocesan event is limited to a maximum of 50 people, effective immediately.

Mar 16, 2020
Archbishop Miller’s Letter on Coronavirus (COVID-19)

In order to continue assisting local public health efforts to limit the spread of COVID-19, the obligation to attend Sunday Mass is lifted for everyone until further notice.

Mar 14, 2020
Archbishop Miller’s Letter on Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Yesterday afternoon, amid increasing concerns over the spread of COVID-19, British Columbia’s Public Health Officer directed “all event organizers to cancel any gathering larger than 250 people.”

Mar 13, 2020
CCCB’s Statement on the Coronavirus  

As Catholics, we see in every illness a reminder of our own mortality, as well as an invitation to share in Christ’s ministry of healing.

Mar 13, 2020
Archbishop Miller’s Letter on Coronavirus (COVID-19)

This afternoon, British Columbia Premier John Horgan, Minister of Health Adrian Dix and Public Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry held a teleconference with faith community leaders from across the Province to discuss preventative measures to contain the spread of COVID-19.

Mar 11, 2020
Archbishop Miller’s Letter on Coronavirus (COVID-19)

The Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry, the senior public health official for BC, has issued some recommendations in reference to preventing the transmission of the COVID-19 virus.

Mar 5, 2020
Archbishop Miller’s Letter on Coronavirus (COVID-19) (Chinese)

本省首席衛生官寶尼.韓莉醫生Dr. Bonnie Henry對防止「新型冠狀肺炎病毒COVID-19 virus」，發出了公告指引。

Mar 5, 2020
Archbishop Miller’s Letter on Share Lent 2020 

As we journey through the Lenten Season, we devote ourselves to the traditional practices of prayer, fasting, and alms-giving.

Feb 26, 2020
CCCB’s Statement Regarding Jean Vanier

Statement from the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops Regarding Jean Vanier

Feb 25, 2020
Archbishop Miller’s Statement on Jean Vanier Allegations

The distressing news we received on the weekend is extraordinarily painful and disturbing, and for many, especially victims/survivors of clerical sexual abuse, it means re-experiencing the pain and disillusionment they have suffered.

Feb 24, 2020
Archbishop Miller’s Lunar New Year Message 2020

It gives me great pleasure to reach out to the Asian Catholic community of the Archdiocese of Vancouver and offer my prayers and best wishes for a Happy New Year – gong hei fat choy!

Jan 25, 2020
The Catholic Bishops of B.C. and Yukon: Endorsement of the Pastoral Letter Remaining True to Christ Now and at the Hour of Our Death by the Catholic Bishops of Alberta and the Northwest Territories

We agreed together that this Pastoral Letter reflects our concerns about the legalization of these practices in our country, and the recently proposed expansion of eligibility beyond people who are nearing the end of their lives.

Jan 24, 2020
2019 Report on Clergy Sexual Abuse

This report contains 31 recommendations and responses and naming of Vancouver priests who have been criminally convicted, named in settled lawsuits or have been the subject of other public cases.

Nov 25, 2019
Archived Statements and Letters 2017 - 2019

Jan 1, 2017
Archived Statements and Letters 2014 - 2016

Jan 1, 2014
Archived Statements and Letters 2013 and earlier

Jan 1, 2013