Deacon to promote good relations between Catholics, Lutherans

VANCOUVER—Relationships between Anglicans and Catholics are thriving in parts of New Westminster, and a local deacon is hoping to bring that same spirit to North Vancouver.

“There is desire to get to know each other better as fellow Christians,” said Deacon Hilmar Pabel, a Catholic permanent deacon serving at St. Pius X Parish.

Three years ago, he attended a series of events in New Westminster that welcomed members of local Anglican and Catholic churches. The groups discussed their similarities, differences, and ways they could collaborate in the community. Deacon Pabel remembers seeing good relationships and a healthy turnout.

“In Coquitlam and New West, I noticed that the desire to do things together, to meet with each other in prayer groups, to work together in soup kitchens, to do God’s work together, just grew up out of the ground.”

Now, he hopes to bring that same spirit of ecumenism to his own neighbourhood. Deacon Pabel and pastor Jennifer Marlor of North Vancouver's Gloria Dei Lutheran Church will facilitate a series of events for area Catholics and Lutherans interested in forming relationships and finding ways to jointly serve their communities.

“People will first come together and they won’t know each other,” said Deacon Pabel. “We’re trying to build on: what experiences do you have with other Christians? Some people might say ‘I’m Catholic and I’m married to a Lutheran!’ Or ‘I have a good friend who is an Anglican.’”

That first conversation is planned for Sept. 9. Co-hosts Deacon Pabel and Marlor plan to move the conversation to the community connections between the two churches Sept. 16, and then talk about baptism, a sacrament both traditions have in common, Sept. 23. 

“That will be an opportunity for us to reflect and explore what baptism means to us and how we can see its value in a greater light from encountering other Christians who share this sacrament with us.”

Deacon Pabel said there are currently no events or groups on the North Shore uniting Catholics and Lutherans this way. He hopes to change that.

The first event will be held at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church Sept. 9. More information about all three sessions is available on the RCAV website.