St. Catherine's Day Celebration

On Sunday, November 23, we celebrated our patron saint, St. Catherine of Alexandria, whose feast day is November 25.  The colour of the day was red to recognize St. Catherine's martyrdom.  After the service, the congregation enjoyed the traditional St. Catherine's wheel cookies prepared by Dorothy Poitras. 

Some interesting facts about St. Catherine of Alexandria (from Catholic Online):

She is venerated as the patroness of philosophers and preachers. St. Catherine's was one of the voices heard by St. Joan of Arc.

Catherine of Alexandria, the daughter of a noble family, converted to Christianity through a vision. She denounced the Emperor Maxentius for persecuting Christians and converted many, including Maxentius’ wife.  Maxentius had had his wife and other converts put to death.  He also condemned Catherine to death.  She was put on a spiked wheel, but the wheel broke.  Unrepentant, Maxentius had her beheaded.

“Maxentius' blind fury against St. Catherine is symbolic of the anger of the world in the face of truth and justice.  When we live a life of truth and justice, we can expect the forces of evil to oppose us.  Our perseverance in good, however, will be everlasting.”

Photos by Ann Blue.  Left to right:  St. Catherine's statue that stood in the church on Shaughnessy Street; Rev. Karen Urquart in red vestment; St. Catherine's wheel cookies.

Hello and Good-bye

Rev. Karen Urquhart and Clare

On November 9 St. Catherine’s welcomed our new rector, Reverend Karen Urquhart.  Karen+, accompanied by her daughter Clare, has come to us from Western Australia.  In her inaugural sermon she spoke of her excitement at receiving the call from St. Catherine’s.  Our parish is excited, too, at Karen’s arrival.

 

 

 

 

 

Gord+ at an Earlier Event -
the Anniversary of His Ordination

A week earlier we fondly said farewell to our interim priest, Reverend Gordon Dominey, at a potluck brunch held in his honour.  Gord+ has been our caring and able leader for the past 18 months as St. Catherine’s sought a permanent rector.  He also served as interim priest-in-charge of St. Columba's, Pitt Meadows, where he will remain until the end of the year.

Bernie Poitras Receives the Order of the Diocese

Long-time parishioner Bernie Poitras was invested with the Order of the Diocese of New Westminster (ODNW) in a service at Christ Church Cathedral on November 2. 

The ODNW recognizes outstanding service and commitment of the laity.  Bernie serves as chief cook and organizer of Paul’s Place, which feeds about 150 needy or lonely people each week.  Bernie also makes himself available to cook for fund raisers or other parish get-togethers.  He is a skilled wood-working artist whose works are featured at the parish’s silent auctions.  Bernie is always there with his hammer and saw to help when the church-owned duplex needs repairs.  This is a well-deserved award, Bernie.

This is the third year in a row that a member of St. Catherine’s congregation has been honoured with the ODNW.  Previous recipients are Ann Blue (2012) and Margaret Warwick (2013).

Follow Mark and Jane in Chemainus

Over a month ago St. Catherine's said 'farewell' to two active parishioners, Mark and Jane Hird-Rutter.  The send-off included a cake.

Mark is embarking on retirement, and the two are building a house in Chemainus.  You can follow the progress of the Hird-Rutters' house on their blog "Jane and Mark in Chemainus".