Find out what's been going on in the Parish
In this issue
Testimony
Father Don Ordination anniversary
ST. VINCENT de PAUL Thank you note
Testimony
Testimonies are powerful tools for evangelization. Over the next few months, we want to inspire you with people's stories about how they came to know Jesus!
Here's a testimony from Marijana
Thank you Father. Good morning, my name is Marijana Palmieri.
Like many of us, I grew up cradle Catholic. I have memories of attending Sunday Mass at the Croatian Church on 1st Avenue in Vancouver. I was a first generation Croatian Catholic. I’ll always be grateful to my parents, many priests and our nuns for their service and sacrifice and for planting those seeds of faith.
Despite everyone’s best efforts, my personal relationship with Jesus, was practically non-existent. Sure I believed and prayed occasionally but it didn’t go much further than that. I would never have spoken openly about my faith or even mentioned the word Jesus.
Although I felt this persistent emptiness life continued as it does for most people, school, work, relationships. Church took a back seat as I tried to figure it out my way. At a time in my life when I absolutely should have put my trust in GOD, I was too spiritually immature to recognize or listen to the nudges.
Then in the 90’s, a good Christian friend invited me to a Women’s conference. I had never seen anything like this growing up. There were thousands of women there in love with Jesus. The testimonies I heard that day were life changing. Something cracked within me and once the tears started there was no stopping. I remember thinking, Jesus is real and I want to know HIM. My friend bought me my first Bible and ever so slowly my search now had a road map to get me to where I was going.
After the birth our two sons, we had them baptized here at All Saints and a few years later signed them up for catechism. This was the start of my time in the parish as a volunteer. From assisting with Prep, to singing in the choir, joining Alpha pre-Covid, then hosting Alpha, refreshing my catechism by joining RCIA, leading CCO faith studies, the parish has become like my 2nd home.
In addition to getting involved at our parish, I learned to make time for sacred inner space and to pray. I’ve learned, men and women were created to live in a relationship with GOD. Without that relationship there will always be a hunger, an emptiness, a feeling that something is missing.
The sudden loss of my brother Nick in 2016, followed by the loss of my mother in 2018 and my dear Dad this past October changed the way I viewed this earthy life. It was with their passing’s, that I came to the realization that this earthly life is a journey towards the cross and redemption, through the gospel of Jesus. I have learned that being a Christian, is more like falling in love than understanding a series of ideas. Another big change occurred in my life in 2017 when my marriage of 24 years ended. While this might have torn most people apart, the grace I receive in personally knowing and loving Jesus saw me through all these sufferings.
I thank GOD for carrying me through those most difficult times. As difficult as it was, I wouldn’t change a thing, as they brought me to a closer and very real personal relationship with Jesus. Truly Jesus is at the centre of my life, and I seek HIM every day.
Life still has its challenges, but my house is built on stone, and I will follow where GOD leads me. I kindly encourage you to sign up for Alpha or any of the CCO faith studies when they become available in the fall.
Thank you and God Bless.
Father Don Ordination anniversary
Father Don celebrate his ordination anniversary last Sunday, here’s a picture of him with his cake!
ST. VINCENT de PAUL Thank you note
HELPLINE 604-518-7200
We are very grateful for the outpouring of food gifts placed on the altar on Holy Thursday. We shared the food with Suwa`lkh School for their 10 weekly hampers and some went to SSVP Main St. store to help feed people in need who come into the store looking for food. The rest will go toward the hamper requests we receive through our Helpline.
We are still in need of approximately 100 used or new bicycles to replace the bikes lost during last years flood in the Fraser Valley. Phone our helpline if you can help. Thank you & God bless,
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