Posts from 2026
Revealing the Mystery and the Beauty of the Mass
Blessings everyone! Follow our weekly reflections revealing of the parts of the Mass, how they inspire us to worship and bring us to community. The Mass is the most important prayer for Catholics. It is a time set aside to pray and come humbly before our God in prayer and worship. We may come to the Church feeling happy, sad, angry, joyful, anxious, busy or at peace. We may come alone, with friends or with family. We may even come…
Nelson CWL Diocesan Bursary
A Bursary of $500 will be awarded to 2 students who have completed 1 year or more in a recognized Post Secondary School program and are intending to take further academic studies or trades training on a full time basis. Who can apply? A student who shows leadership skills and concerns for the community and is a daughter/son or granddaughter/grandson of a CWL member of good standing for at least 2 years within the Diocese of Nelson. Or the student…
Bishop Thomas J. Lobsinger Memorial Bursary Program
Below you will find some information regarding this year’s Bishop Thomas J. Lobsinger, OMI, Memorial Bursaries. Feel free to bring it to the attention of any young Catholic students you know who are planning to attend a post-secondary institution in BC in the fall. For a full list of the Terms of Reference please download the information form below. Any interested and qualified student must write to the State Bursary Chairman, at the following address, to request a bursary application…
Funeral for Honorato Augusto Marques
The family of Honorato Augusto Marques of Penticton, BC is saddened to announce his passing. Augusto passed away peacefully on February 4, 2026 at McKinney Place in Oliver. His Funeral Service will be held in St. Ann’s Church on Saturday, February 14 beginning at 10:30am. A reception in St. Ann’s Hall will follow the Funeral Service and Burial at the Cemetery. Augusto’s obituary can be found on the Providence Funeral Homes website.
Funeral for Father Jim Ratcliffe
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Nelson, British Columbia, has lost a beloved priest with the peaceful passing of Reverend James “Jim” Ratcliffe of Kelowna on Monday, February 2, 2026, at Sun Pointe Village. Father Jim’s obituary can be found on the Springfield website. A prayer service will be held at Immaculate Conception Church on Wednesday evening, February 11, 2026, at 7:00 PM. The Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 10:30 AM at Immaculate Conception Church.…
Why Should Bill C-9 be Withdrawn?
Core Arguments for Withdrawal (Summarized) Here’s why many believe Bill C-9 should be withdrawn — especially to protect religious freedom: ✅ 1. It Risks Criminalizing Faith-Based Speech Without the religious-expression defence, quoting scripture or teaching doctrine honestly could be legally risky. ✅ 2. Creates Legal Uncertainty Faith communities may curtail religious teachings out of fear of misinterpretation or legal complaint. ✅ 3. Threatens Charter Freedoms Freedom of religion and expression are fundamental rights in Canada’s Charter — and critics believe…