Originally from a farm in Southwestern Ontario, Julia O’Shea VanSpall (“Julie”) moved to BC in 1992 to pursue her dream of teaching. After marrying Stephen VanSpall, she became a stay-home mom to their four children for ten years before returning to her career. Julie currently teaches at IC Delta School and has been writing for the BC Catholic since 2006.
Tired of COVID cramping our style and wanting to give ourselves something to look forward to in 2022, a close friend and I were excited to find a weekly activity … Continued
Since the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord on Jan. 9, I have been pondering the significance of the sacrament, not only in relation to what it means to … Continued
As 2021 came to an end, I saw memes reflecting the toll this calendar year has taken on so many. One, intending to show a beginning-and-end-of-year portrayal of a young … Continued
When I began teaching in the early ’90s, the school’s music teacher introduced the Advent song Stay Awake! by Christopher Walker. Written in 1988, the song is based on Matthew … Continued
Recently a parent driver teased my daughter that she didn’t have Christmas spirit, presumably because we had no exterior Christmas lights at the time. The comment was said in jest … Continued
“Rejoice the Lord is King: your Lord and King adore!” These words from the classic hymn written by Charles Wesley in 1744 ring through my head whenever I ponder the … Continued
I have heard many people say autumn is their favourite season, and I can see why. Fall’s colours are vibrant, cool breezes refresh, sweaters and fireplaces feel cozy, and if … Continued
Do you ever watch the evening news and then lie awake in shock? Lately, I find that just when I think we have reached a new low, something worse happens. … Continued
This year, I write my Thanksgiving reflection dressed in an orange shirt – not to match the fall decor I have added to my home, but in an effort to … Continued
When we moved to our community 20 years ago this fall, we had a two-year-old and a four-month-old. Although our little family continued to grow with the births of two … Continued