New carpets might not have the glamour of a brand-new parish centre, but for communities like St. Mary’s in Vancouver and St. Anthony’s in West Vancouver, replacing outdated flooring is about more than aesthetics—it is about safety and hospitality.
Likewise, “moss removal” rarely appears in headlines, yet for Holy Rosary Cathedral, it is a $145,000 necessity. To preserve the 126-year-old heritage building, the parish must repair tile work and flashing while scrubbing away the moss, mold, and algae that threaten the historic roof.
A survey of this year’s Project Advance wish lists reveals the wide-ranging scale of needs across the Archdiocese. While the annual appeal supports diocesan initiatives, the “rebate” portion allows parishes to fund their own priorities. The result is a catalogue of local Catholic life that ranges from heavy construction and high-tech upgrades to the humble purchase of tables and chairs.
For many pastors, the priority is simply keeping the elements at bay. Sts. Joachim and Ann in Aldergrove is building a contingency fund for the eventual replacement of its roof and original four furnaces, while St. Bernadette in Surrey is directing funds toward maintenance on the skylights in the church, rectory, and hall.
In some cases, the needs are urgent. Our Lady of Fatima in Coquitlam is looking to replace a portable daycare centre that is no longer up to standards, requiring a new structure on a concrete foundation. Similarly, St. Michael’s in New Westminster is saving for the seismic upgrade of its school, which will eventually need to be replaced to meet safety standards.
Accessibility is another major theme in structural improvements. Holy Name of Jesus in Vancouver plans to relocate its parish office from the rectory to the church to make it reachable by elevator, alongside installing automatic door openers for those using mobility devices.
While some parish projects may be on the mundane side, others are dedicated to preserving beauty. St. Augustine’s in Vancouver wants to restore two of its greatest treasures: its stained-glass windows, which require expert restoration at $30,000 per panel, and its beloved pipe organ. Another Vancouver church, Corpus Christi, is installing protective glass for its own stained-glass windows.
Beautification efforts also include Holy Trinity in North Vancouver, which is commissioning a new Sacred Heart of Jesus statue, and Guardian Angels, which is purchasing new pastoral vestments while also making landscaping improvements.
A modern parish also requires modern infrastructure. Our Lady of the Assumption in Port Coquitlam, having already upgraded its parish centre, is now focusing on a new website and revamped livestream equipment to build a communications team. Immaculate Conception in Delta and Holy Trinity in North Vancouver are both upgrading sound systems, while St. Joseph in Langley plans to install two large viewing screens and projection equipment on either side of the altar to aid in worship.
Sometimes the funds go toward the unglamorous equipment that makes community events possible. Our Lady of Lourdes in Coquitlam is nearing the completion of a basement renovation but needs Project Advance funds to buy the actual “furniture, fixtures, and equipment” — specifically fridges, dishes, tables, and chairs. Our Lady of Good Counsel in Surrey is renovating bathrooms in its Don Bosco Youth Centre, and St. Patrick’s in Vancouver is upgrading safety equipment in its recreation centre.
Then there are the parking lots. Star of the Sea in Surrey is paving lots at both its churches, while St. Joseph in Squamish is working on its driveway.
One of the most quintessentially Canadian items on this year’s list belongs to St. Francis de Sales. The Burnaby parish’s goal is to purchase a new parish tractor that doubles as a snowplow—a vital tool for keeping the parish running through the winter—while simultaneously funding evangelization efforts.
Whether it’s St. Clare of Assisi building a residence for its priests in Coquitlam, St. Matthew’s in Surrey paying down the mortgage on its parish centre, or St. Francis Xavier in Vancouver maintaining its school, the projects all share a common thread: investing in the future of the parish community.
Project Advance officials said the majority of funds raised through Project Advance are directed back to local parish projects, with less than half supporting archdiocesan ministries and initiatives. remind them that contributions do more than just balance a ledger, they fix leaks, heat the church, and ensure the doors remain open—and automatic—for everyone.
To donate to Project Advance before the end of the year and receive at 2025 charitable receipt, visit rcav.org/project-advance.
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