Old Catholic Church

Saint Raphael's Old Catholic Church at 715 East 51st Avenue (at Fraser Street) in Vancouver.

Gifts come in many shapes and sizes. They come in different packaging. Some gifts you aren't expecting. Like the gift I received last Sunday. This gift came through the very sad and sudden passing of one of Joe's uncles.

At his uncle's funeral a few weeks ago, the priest extended an invitation to the mourners to join him at his church the following Sunday. Molly attended that mass with her grandparents, aunts and uncles. She called me the next night saying, "Mom! You and Dad have to come with me to St. Raphael's Church one day. I think you will really like it."

So this morning saw me at mass at the Old Catholic Church with Molly and Paige. I instantly fell in love with the building. It was the same size as the neighbouring houses, painted blue and white. I fell more in love with it when I walked inside. Talk about visual interest! Silk flowers, paintings, stained glass, icons, and crucifixes adorned the sanctuary from floor to ceiling. The pews would hold 50 people on a good day.

Molly warned Paige and I that there would be a lot of kneeling. There was. And the singing was joyful and surprisingly loud from such a small group of parishioners. The bishop (who lives next door) gave a heartfelt homily that was full of hope and goodness. No fire and brimstone to be heard anywhere. I felt so warm and welcomed. But my favourite part of the service happened after the congregation said 'The Lord's Prayer' in English and then people took their turn reciting the prayer in their native tongue. It sounded lovely. It made me wish I could speak another language.

As the church bells rang after mass, the bishops and priests led the procession outside where they greeted each person as they exited the church. The bishop, who hails from Quebec, gave everyone a kiss on each cheek. Molly and Paige introduced themselves as sisters and the bishop asked with a twinkle in his eye, "From the same father?" They replied, "Here's our mother. You'll have to ask her about that." I just laughed and said, "Yes, they look very different, but I can assure you they share the same father."

When the priests were told about our connection to the church through Joe's uncle's funeral, they invited the girls and I to take photos with them. We told them we'd be back. The next time with Joe in tow.

If you'd like to learn more about the 'Old Catholic Church' in general and Saint Raphael's in particular, click here.