The process of Renewal that launched last Pentecost is taking greater shape with the creation of a prayer card. This is meant to be a means for the faithful to pray together for the intention of listening for what the Lord is calling us to do in the work of renewal.
The cards, which began arriving in parishes during the month of September, features the Prayer for Renewal in the Archdiocese of Vancouver, written by Archbishop Smith. The other side of the card includes a newly designed image that is meant to visually represent this process.
The goal of the prayer cards is to invite the faithful to pray this prayer together and often, discerning the movements of the Holy Spirit at work.
“Behold, I make all things new”
On the front of the prayer card, there is an image of a crucifix over mountains and rivers. The crucifix at the centre of the image reminds us that, whatever our own efforts and contributions, renewal is ultimately the work of the Lord.
From the crucifix, everything else flows. This is symbolized by the rising mountains and flowing rivers flowing from the crucifix – a testament to our geographical landscape that makes up the Archdiocese of Vancouver. The imagery of the river also symbolizes the work that is already in motion – what Archbishop Smith has called a “current of grace” that is already at work in the Archdiocese. A lot of this work isn’t necessarily new; rather, it is a continuation of what the Lord is already doing.
Surrounding this image is the passage from the Book of Revelation that was chosen to guide this process of Renewal: “Behold, I make all things new” (Revelation 21:5). In his letter to the Christian faithful this past May, Archbishop Smith told the faithful that these words “assure us that Christ is renewing his Church, and that our task is to listen, discern, and follow.”
The Prayer for Renewal
On the other side of the prayer card is the Prayer for Renewal in the Archdiocese of Vancouver.
The opening line of the prayer cites Pope Leo XIV’s Apostolic Exhortation Dilexi Te, highlighting the fact that “all genuine renewal in the Church has the care for the poor at the centre.”
The prayer comprises five short intentions, each tying back to one of the pillars of the Renewal Process: priestly life, parish life, liturgy, schools, and infrastructure.
It closes with a reminder of the heart of this initiative: that renewal is not simply an administrative process, but a spiritual journey that calls each of us to deeper holiness, discipleship, and mission. Further, it is an invitation to embrace more fully our baptismal call to holiness and mission – invoking a personal Pentecost within our lives and the life of our local Church.
As this prayer continues to be distributed across the Archdiocese, Archbishop Smith hopes that through this common prayer, we may “remain attentive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, grateful for the grace already at work among us, and open to where the Lord desires to lead our local Church.”
Prayer for Renewal in the Archdiocese of Vancouver
O God,
who make all things new in your Son, Jesus Christ,
grant us, we pray, a new and mighty outpouring of your Holy Spirit and renew your Church in the Archdiocese of Vancouver.
Open our hearts to the cry of your poor and enliven our pastoral charity.
Make our celebrations of the Sacred Liturgy fitting offerings of praise to your great glory.
Sanctify our Archbishop and priests and send them anew as compassionate shepherds of your people.
Revitalize our schools as communities of Catholic faith and authentic humanity.
Grant us new wisdom to steward our resources well in service of the Church’s mission.
Infuse our parish families with apostolic boldness to announce the joy of the Gospel.
Thoroughly renew us all, Heavenly Father, by your love and mercy. Inspire us to embrace once again our baptismal call to holiness and mission.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Learn more about the process of Renewal by visiting rcav.org/renewal.
