After Mass on the last Sunday before I left Union Hall for Canada, two ladies approached me. They asked how I could justify six months’ sabbatical in the light of the shortage of priests. I suggested now was the time to get away, before the shortage got even worse!
I haven’t changed my mind. In fact, here in Victoria on Canada’s west coast, I am getting an inkling of where Ireland might be headed. Those who care about such things suggest that where we are now in Ireland is where the Church in Canada was about 30 years ago, or at least the church in Victoria.
Nones
The situation here in British Colombia is that the ‘nones’, those who profess no religion, are in the majority: 54% of the population. The place seems full of groupings and sects, some very dubious, even occult or satanic. The mainstream Protestant churches seem to have embraced ‘wokery’, causing their stronger supporters to stay away, while attracting no new converts.
The speaker stressed how unique and distinctive the Catholic standpoint was in the context of the secularity of Canada, almost goading attendees to walk away”
In that context, the Catholic Church gets to shine out, as a place of hospitality, community and clarity.
In this cathedral parish alone, 40 adults have been attending weekly classes since last September, which they hope will lead to their being baptised at the Easter Vigil. I attended one of these classes; along with the cathedral’s cohort, another 25 came from other parishes, each with a sponsor tagging along. The topic that evening was the consistent ethic of life, from conception to natural death, as well as other aspects of Catholic social teaching. The speaker stressed how unique and distinctive the Catholic standpoint was in the context of the secularity of Canada, almost goading attendees to walk away. None did; this was why the Church attracted them.
Seeing full churches is part of my sabbatical experience too, particularly the 90-minute ‘high Mass’ in St Andrews Cathedral every Sunday, which is full to the rafters. Living in the adjoining cathedral presbytery, I get to see the work that goes into preparing that liturgy.
I have seen the altar servers who spend a couple of hours on Saturdays learning how to serve, under the guidance of committed young people. Taller teenagers carry the thurible, candles and cross in the entrance procession, while another ten children also take part, learning to walk slowly and solemnly, as they look forward to the day when they too can take the bigger roles. They know what an honour that is. Faith is important in their families.
Attending the weekly team meeting in the rectory, I learn of the work of the fulltime pastoral person who coordinates caring ministries; making sure no one terminally ill who requests help dies alone, and helping people resist Canada’s encouragement of euthanasia. Her role extends also to protecting women trafficked who turn to the Church for help, and supporting immigrants in all the sorts of things the Good Shepherd might wish.
More next time I write; my email for my sabbatical is BCinBC26@gmail.com
Decriminalising drugtaking is a hot topic in many countries, including Ireland. I currently live in a province where this was tried. A three-year pilot project starting in January 2023 allowed the decriminalisation of small amounts of certain illegal drugs: opioids, cocaine and ecstasy. It was hoped that drug use could be seen as a health issue rather than a criminal one, which might reduce stigma and encourage users to seek help. The policy failed. Drug use spiralled and public disorder spread on city streets; police could do nothing. The policy change was abandoned. Interested? Google it to learn more…
Have I met any Irish people in British Columbia? Last week I travelled to three rural parishes for Sunday Mass, along with the Congolese curate of the Cathedral parish. In the second of the parishes, at St Joseph’s Church, one older lady greeted me with “Cárbh as duit?” “Iarthar Chorcaí” arsa mise, agus chuir mé an ceist céanna uirthi. “Is as Mainistir na Búille i gContae Ros Comáin atáim”, said she. It was the last conversation I expected in Chemainus in rural Vancouver Island. And everywhere people report Irish parentage or a partial Irish heritage. Yes, the Irish are everywhere!