Holy Week
Commemorate the Lord's passion, death, and resurrection during the Sacred Triduum.
Holy Thursday
Thursday, March 28
Mass at 7 pm, Adoration on the Altar of Repose at 8:30 pm, ending with Night Prayer at 10 pm
Good Friday
Friday, March 29
Stations of the Cross at 11 am, Passion of the Lord at 3 pm
Holy Saturday
Saturday, March 30
Blessing of the Easter food at 10 am, Easter Vigil at 9 pm
Easter Sunday
Sunday, March 31
Masses at 9 am, 11 am, and 5 pm
What is Lent?
Ash Wednesday begins the season of Lent, a time of self-examination, fasting, and penance to prepare us for the joyful celebration of Easter. “By the solemn forty days of Lent the Church unites herself each year to the mystery of Jesus in the desert” (Catechism of the Catholic Church #540).
Lent is marked by three things: prayer, fasting and almsgiving. By offering up small sacrifices through the season, we unite ourselves to Christ's sacrifice on the cross for our sins.
Ash Wednesday Masses
Ash Wednesday Mass and distribution of ashes will be celebrated at the following times:
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8:00 am
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9:00 am (school Mass)
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7:00 pm
Our Lenten Prayer Initiative
This Lent, we're focusing on strengthening or starting a personal prayer time. Prayer seems simple, but it can be challenging to carve out time to sit with Jesus or even to know what exactly to do.
We're inviting all individuals and ministries to pray with this "Personal Prayer Time" booklet, which will be available in the church foyer, this Lent. Commit to praying with it for 15 minutes each day and see how your life is transformed.
Pope Francis has called for 2024 to be a Year of Prayer in advance of next year's Jubilee year. This initiative is just the start of a rich prayer life we can cultivate this year!
Free Prayer Retreat with Andre Regnier
Every week, CCO will email you a short 10-15 min video from Andre Regnier, Co-Founder of CCO. He will share his insights based on 35 years of working in ministry and over 40 years of walking daily with Jesus. The topics include what prayer is, how to approach praying as a relationship, how to be honest and vulnerable in prayer, and how to bring your prayer into your life. A few days later, you will get an email with a few tips on implementing Andre’s lessons. Finally, if you feel that you are struggling and want some more personal advice, you can email us at prayer@cco.ca, and every Friday, Andre will do a YouTube Live video where he answers your questions on prayer.
Parish Events
There's something for everyone happening at the parish this Lent.
Who Are You, Lord Jesus Christ, and Who Am I?
From loneliness to openness of heart
Lenten Parish Mission with Fr. Jan Kunes
We are excited to welcome Fr. Jan Kunes to our parish to give a Lenten mission on prayer. Who is this God we pray to, and why do we pray? How might we open our hearts to God so as to better heart his voice?
This mission is suitable for everyone from teenagers to adults, so be sure to invite your kids, grandkids, family, and friends!
About Fr. Jan: Father Jan serves as Pastor of Sts. Cyril & Methodius Parish in New Westminster and is chaplain to Royal Columbian Hospital and Archbishop Carney Regional Secondary School. Father completed his PhD Studies in Rome in Psychology, Theological Anthropology, and Patristics and has taught philosophy at St. Mark's College.
When: Tuesday, February 27 at 7:00 pm
Where: Gym
Fridays: Stations of the Cross
Come reflect and pray through the Stations of the Cross on Friday evenings throughout Lent, led each week by Fr. Paul or Deacon Steve.
When: Fridays during Lent at 7:00 pm
Where: Church
If you can't make it to Stations of the Cross or would like to pray it on your own, you can find a previous year's recording of Stations of the Cross featuring our own parish Stations of the Cross and the voices of parishioners here.
Tuesdays: Adoration & Confession
Come pray with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament surrounded by traditional sacred music and receive the sacrament of confession.
When: March 12 and 19 at 7:00 pm
Where: Church
Water in the Desert, an hour of Adoration and Worship
Water in the Desert is a monthly adoration event with music, prayer ministry, and testimony from a parishioner. You don't have to do anything; simply come and be refreshed during this peaceful evening.
When: Saturday, February 24 and Saturday, March 16 at 7:00 pm
Where: Church
Women's Book Study: I Believe in Love
What does it mean to have humble, unshakeable confidence in God? St. Thérèse of Lisieux lived with this disposition in her daily life. This Lent, we're running a book study for women on I Believe in Love by Fr. Jean C.J. d'Elbée, based on the teaching of St. Thérèse. But it's not just a book; it's an invitation to encounter God's love in the simplicity of daily living. Join us on Tuesdays at 7:00 pm as we unpack the key themes of surrender, humility, and childlike trust, inviting you into a deeper relationship with God. If you can't make all the sessions, no worries! We would love to have you for as many sessions as you can attend. You can purchase the book on Amazon as a paperback, audiobook, or Kindle version.
When: Tuesday evenings at 7:00 pm
Where: McCarthy Room
Confession Times
Experience God's love and mercy through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Confession is offered at the following times as we come closer to Easter:
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Saturdays from 9:30 – 10:00 am
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Sundays from 4:00 – 4:45 pm (before 5:00 pm Mass)
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Wednesdays from 8:20 – 8:50 am (before 9:00 am Mass) beginning Feb. 21
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Tuesday, March 12 and 19 at 7:00 pm
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Thursday, March 21 at 7:30 pm: Penitential Service at Holy Trinity Parish (multiple priests available)
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Tuesday, March 26 at 7:00 pm: Penitential Service at Christ the Redeemer (multiple priests available)
Lenten Almsgiving: The Harvest Project
This Lent, CTR is partnering with local charity Harvest Project to help them continue to lift up our neighbors here on the North Shore experiencing life challenges.
By Helping our Neighbours, the Entire Community Becomes Healthier.
There are three ways to help Harvest Project during Lent:
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Donate gently used or new ‘Spring’ and/or ‘Summer’ clothing for men, women, and children that will go directly to Harvest Project’s 'Clothes for Change' Thrift Boutique.
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Donate food from the list below for their ‘Weekly Grocery Support’ and Emergency Food programs.
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Harvest Project is also accepting “unwearable” clothing: those fabrics that you would otherwise throw away due to damage, they will happily take for another fundraising effort. Please bring in a separate bag, if possible.
All donations dropped in church foyer inside boxes marked Harvest Project.
Food Items List
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Canned Fruit and Fruit Cups
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Cookies, Crackers, Granola Bars
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Coffee (1lb pack ground)
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Flour, Sugar, Salt, Pepper (All 1-2lb packs maximum)
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Oil, Vinegar (500ml)
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Soup Broth / Bouillon
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Small soup cans (with easy hand opening)
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Small Baked Beans (with easy hand opening)
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Small Canned Vegetables (with easy hand opening)
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Canned Tuna
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Canned Meats
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Rice (1lb bags)
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Pasta Sauce (Tomato, Cream, Cheese...)
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Toothbrushes (individually packed)
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Toothpaste (regular size)
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Shampoo
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Conditioner
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Disposable Razors
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Dish Soap
Why Harvest Project?
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Recent surveys show thousands of North Shore residents are forced to spend more than 60% of family income on accommodation.
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Parents are quite often forced to choose between staying housed or providing food for their family.
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Each month, HP supports 1,000+ individuals by providing:
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One-on-one client care coaching
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Grocery support programs
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A Rent Bank
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Emergency Food program
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Clothing Support program
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Clothes for Change thrift store
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By working with each client and family individually, Harvest Project ensures that each person is seen, heard and understood as they encourage and empower them to work towards a more positive future.
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The majority of donations received by HP are within the last six months of the year which requires them to stretch out their resources over the first six months.
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The Christian Connection. HP was formed in 1993 when successful West Vancouver businessman, David Foster, found himself homeless, collecting welfare and accessing local food banks. Through help from local churches and other local charities, David began to embrace the Christian faith and was inspired to begin Harvest Project as an expression of solidarity with those experiencing poverty.
Other Lenten Resources
Below is a list of Lenten resources which you might find helpful over the next 40 days. If you are inspired to share something else with us, please contact the parish office. God bless your Lenten journey!
Archdiocese of Vancouver Lent Resources
Find resources to support you on your Lenten journey.
FORMED
Create a free account and select "Christ the Redeemer Parish" from the dropdown to access all the content FORMED has to offer. They have a selection of Lent reflections and resources.
Hallow Prayer Challenge
Walk through the life-changing, spiritual classic He Leadeth Me, written by Fr. Walter J. Ciszek, S.J. Fr. Walter, a Jesuit priest and missionary, was imprisoned for more than 20 years in the Soviet Union. Amidst some of the most brutal conditions imaginable, Fr. Walter underwent a profound spiritual journey.
The Kids' Bulletin
A fun way for Catholic kids to learn about the Faith every week.
Best Lent Ever
Lenten reflections from Dynamic Catholic.
dynamiccatholic.com/bestlentever
40 Days for Life Lenten Campaign
An international focused pro-life campaign with a vision to access God’s power through prayer, fasting, & peaceful vigil to end abortion.
