Dcn. Andrew Bennett

Ad Orientem

Jesus’ victory over death is unchanging

November 14, 2024

During this month when Roman Catholics mark the month of the Holy Souls death is perhaps more top of mind for many of us as we remember our family members and friends who have died. What is our attitude to death in the 21st century Church?

Ad Orientem

Helping Catholics grow as people of The Book

October 4, 2024

People new to, or wishing to grow deeper in faith, often ask me to recommend good Catholic books. The height of understatement is to say coming up with such a list is a daunting challenge in a tradition that, beginning with the Holy Scriptures, has an almost inexhaustible treasury of books.

Ad Orientem

Put aside politics for incarnational truth

September 12, 2024

Some of you may remember a folk rock band from BC that was moderately popular in the 1990s named Spirit of the West. One of their hits was titled “Political”.

Ad Orientem

Parishes answer the scandal of squalor

July 25, 2024

The number 8 bus travels down Main Street in Mount Pleasant, a neighbourhood in Vancouver known for its trendy shops, trendier cafes, and urbane urban dwellers.

Ad Orientem

What makes you Catholic?

*The Register* wants to know, what makes you Catholic?

May 31, 2024

What does it mean to be a Catholic? The realities of the Church in the world today make it unfortunately quite complicated to answer this question.

Ad Orientem

Fiction that reveals the truth of Christ

May 2, 2024

Some readers who, like me, have a fondness for a good English novel, particularly those with a Catholic bent, will be familiar with the works of Fr. Robert Hugh Benson (1871-1914).

Ad Orientem

Friendship as the path to sainthood

April 18, 2024

Have you watched the series The Chosen? If yes, then you like me have been treated to a well-produced and Biblically-faithful, yet embellished account of Our Lord’s earthly ministry.