ARCHDIOCESAN NEWS – World Day of the Poor: November 18, 2018- In Canada, 1.9m families struggle to make ends meet. Poverty is more than just low income: food insecurity, social exclusion, inadequate housing, lack of access to transportation and services and more. In recognition of this World Day of the Poor, the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul is in need of financial donations and non-perishable food items in their parishes and communities. Donate today at https://www.imakeanonlinedonation.org/ssvp-national/
and help them to provide assistance to the less fortunate.

Ordination of Deacon Guy Zidago and Felix Min – The Archdiocese of Vancouver joyfully announces the ordination of Deacon Guy Zidago to the Sacred Order of the Priesthood and Felix Min to the Sacred Order of the Diaconate through the laying on of hands and the invocation of the Holy Spirit by Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB. You are cordially invited to celebrate with us on the Solemnity of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on Saturday, Dec. 8, at 12 noon at Holy Rosary Cathedral, Vancouver.

STA NEWS – Poinsettia sale – It is time once again for the St. Thomas Aquinas Poinsettia Sale! We have a variety of sizes and styles, and this year, we’ve included a larger 10 inch poinsettia. This link provides the information and ordering form. https://stthomasaquinas.growingsmilesfundraising.com/home. Note that the last day to order is approaching soon, on November 16! After ordering, please provide a cheque or cash to the STA office, attention to Angela, along with the printed confirmation form. This helps in the administration of the order.

Remembrance Day Mass on November 11 -Join us as we remember our veterans who gave their lives so that we may have a better life. Mass will begin on Sunday, Nov. 11, at 10 am at Gardens of Gethsemane, Surrey. Directly following Mass we will process to the Cenotaph, led by our bagpiper and the Knights of Columbus Honor Guard. There will be laying of wreaths and a moment of silence. Everyone is welcome.

SOCIETY OF ST. VINCENT DE PAUL – is looking for male & female volunteers to help distribute sandwiches, once a month on the Food truck, to the Homeless in Downtown Vancouver. Please contact Rose Morin – 604 -985-9674.
The Society would also like to give out blankets & candy to the homeless when they distribute sandwiches. Any leftover candy from Halloween is welcome! Please bring these to the parish office on weekdays. Your generosity is greatly appreciated!

The ANNUAL FORTY HOURS ADORATION takes place on NOVEMBER 20-22, 2018. This Annual Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament will take place in the church from Tuesday, November 20 to Thursday evening, November 22nd. There will be Adoration all day: after morning Mass, from 9 am to midnight on Tuesday & Wednesday. On Thursday, Nov. 22nd, adoration begins at 9 am and closes with Mass at 7 pm. Sign-up sheets are in the entrance of the church. Everyone is encouraged to come and spend some time with Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament during these days.

There will be a SECOND COLLECTION at all Masses next week-end, November 17 and 18, for Home Missions. This collection is to support two major Archdiocese projects: the 12 Catholic missions in First Nations communities throughout the Archdiocese of Vancouver, and, the Apostleship of the Sea serving seafarers who work on ships that visit Vancouver’s ports. Please give generously at your local parish. Thank you for supporting the projects.

The St. Stephen’s Parish Office will be closed on Monday, November 12th in commemoration of Remembrance Day holiday. Mass is at 8:30 am. We will be back on Tuesday, November 13. Thank you.

This year’s Annual Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament will take place in the church from Tuesday, November 20 to Thursday evening, November 22nd. Adoration all day, after morning Mass, from 9 am to midnight on Tuesday & Wednesday. On Thursday, Nov. 22nd, adoration begins at 9 am and closes with Mass at 7 pm. Sign-up sheets are in the entrance of the church. Everyone is encouraged to come and spend some time with Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament during these days.

Please join the community for PANCAKE BREAKFAST- after the 2 MORNING MASSES—Nov. 4TH—in the Parish Hall. Come and enjoy a hearty breakfast prepared by the Knights of Columbus. Proceeds go to the various projects of the organization that benefits the community. All are welcome. Tickets available at the entrance.

There will be a Second Collection —at all Masses, November 3 & 4 for Peter’s Pence.

The Peter’s Pence Collection derives its name from an ancient custom. In ninth-century England. King Alfred the Great collected money – a “pence” – from landowners as financial support for the Pope. Today, the Peter’s Pence Collection supports the Pope’s philanthropy by giving the Holy Father the means to provide emergency assistance to those in need because of natural disaster, war, oppression, and disease.

FIRST FRIDAY DEVOTION – November 2, 2018 – Adoration begins after morning Mass at 9 am and ends with Mass at 7 pm. Please sign up on the sheet in the entrance of the church.
A reminder that November 2nd – is also All Souls Day. The Books of Remembrance will be in front of the Altar during the month of November to pray for all the deceased loved ones.

Please pray for the repose of the soul of Peter Webb, husband of Gloria Webb of our parish, who died suddenly. There will be a service for Mr. Webb on Tuesday, October 30th at St. Martin’s Anglican Church at 11 am. Please keep Gloria and the family in your prayers.

Please pray for the repose of the soul of Stephania Hewko, mother of Gloria Yasayko of our parish, who passed away in Edmonton, Alberta. Please keep her family in your prayers.

Your prayers are requested for Jim Alden, John Barry, Virgil Billesberger, Jennifer Blore, Edward Carter, Joe Dinahan, Denis Doll, Thelma Fairleigh, Mark Hamilton, Dylan Kemper, Cecilia Lam, Cyndi Lawless, Sherry Liu, John Magee, Ariel Nonan, Diego Nunez, John Toljanich, and Jarrod Weisner.

ST. STEPHEN’S PRAYER GROUP EVENT would like to invite all Parishioners to a unique event. We are Viewing an excellent, timely, Renewal Ministries DVD series called “Arise”, weekly, on Thursdays at 7:30 pm. This series started last Oct. 11. There are Four (4) talks: by Ralph Martin, Sr. Miriam, Peter Herbeck, Sr. Ann Shields. Next event is on October 25th. If you are interested to join us, please contact Ted: 604-924-0573 or Alfred: hoathome@shaw.ca.