We’re approaching the time of year when several Archdiocesan and National special collections are taken up in the Archdiocese of Vancouver. Some are less known than others, prompting people to wonder what the difference is, for example, between the Collection for the Needs of the Church and the Collection for Catholic Missions in Canada.
Here is a brief summary of the collections, what they are for, and when they take place. As always, your generosity is greatly appreciated.
The B.C. Catholic/Catholic Press – This collection supports the parish in its circulation of the official newspaper of the Archdiocese of Vancouver. This collection is retained by the parish to defray the parish costs of distribution. First Sunday in February
St. Joseph’s Society (Archdiocesan) – This collection supports priests in their retirement years. First Sunday of Lent
Share Lent (National) – This collection helps the Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace (CCODP) fight poverty in third-world countries and foster international justice. Fifth Sunday of Lent
Holy Land (National) – This collection supports Christians in the Holy Land. Good Friday
Work of Vocations (Archdiocesan) – This collection supports seminarians studying to become priests for the Archdiocese of Vancouver. Fourth Sunday of Easter
Pope’s Pastoral Works (National) – This collection supports the Holy Father in administering the Holy See and serving the Universal Church. Sixth Sunday of Easter.
Catholic Missions in Canada (National) – This collection provides support for over 600 remote and poor mission communities across Canada. First Sunday in June
Healing and Reconciliation – This collection provides grants for local projects developed and administered by Indigenous peoples, bringing healing and reconciliation to communities and families, promoting culture and language revitalization, providing opportunities for education and community building, and facilitating dialogue. Second Sunday in September
Needs of the Church in Canada (National) – This collection supports the work of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops. Last Sunday in September
Evangelization of the Nations (National) – This collection helps the Society for the Propagation of the Faith assist missionary bishops and dioceses throughout the world. World Mission Sunday, Oct. 22, in 2023
Peter’s Pence (National) – Peter’s Pence is the name given to the financial support offered by the faithful to the Holy Father as a sign of their sharing in the concern of the Successor of Peter for the many different needs of the Universal Church and for the relief of those most in need. First Sunday in November
Home Missions (Archdiocesan) – This collection supports Archdiocesan programs. Third Sunday in November
Youth Ministry (Archdiocesan) – This collection supports Archdiocesan youth programs. Parishes that have youth programs receive a rebate for 50 per cent of the collection. First Sunday in December
