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.
I grew up with an idyllic vision of camping, but my parents were farmers who spent a lot of time in the outdoors and had no interest in sleeping under … Continued
My daughters were having a conversation one day and admitted that they didn’t know how they could ever be mothers because – wait for it! – they didn’t think they … Continued
During my first years of driving, I made good use of maps. Paper road maps and a Duo-Tang of handwritten directions filled my glove box, and I made sure to … Continued
Now that summer is here, we are gradually re-entering so-called “normal” life. While we spent months pining for this normalcy, I must admit there are some aspects of the return … Continued
When I graduated from university, I remember hearing others speak of the sense of accomplishment they felt in finally receiving “that piece of paper” at the end of four years. … Continued
Recently I examined a Bible passage with which I was previously unfamiliar. The story in Acts 5:1-11 caused me to ponder what it means to fear the Lord. In the … Continued
Lately I have been feeling incredibly pensive. A woman I knew in high school died very suddenly and the news has affected me deeply. I feel overwhelming sympathy for her … Continued
“And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues, as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim” (Acts 2:4). These words from the Pentecost … Continued
In every difficult time, there is a silver lining. One silver lining of the pandemic has come in the form of livestream Masses. In addition to allowing the faithful to … Continued
One of my favourite teaching stories centres around a school Easter Mass. During a popular resurrection hymn, the children all sang enthusiastically of the empty tomb; however, one primary student … Continued