"The task of evangelizing all people constitutes the essential mission of the Church." - Pope John Paul II

Ellie, overwhelmed by family struggles, reached her breaking point and “quit” praying, feeling unheard by God.

Living in a noisy house with her twin brothers and a mother struggling to make ends meet, Ellie grew frustrated as Christmas approached with no lights, no tree, and little hope.

After being asked to shovel the sidewalk for her elderly neighbor, Mr. Grady, she found unexpected comfort in his words—reminding her that prayer isn’t always about fixing the world, but enduring it.

When an anonymous box of groceries and a peppermint stick appeared on her porch, Ellie realized that answered prayers come in small, quiet ways: in community, kindness, and simply showing up.

She discovered the true meaning of the season isn’t about getting what you wish, but being a source of light—especially amidst hardship.

Spiritual dryness can feel sudden, arriving like a switch flipped in silence.

For many, this emptiness is less about abandonment and more like a mysterious invitation to grow deeper in faith.

God’s perceived distance may actually be a sign of trust—He believes you’re ready for more.

Periods of quietness or emotional fog have shaped spiritual heroes from David to Jesus, often preceding seasons of profound growth.

Sometimes, it’s our noisy lives that make God’s voice hard to hear—stress and distractions drown Him out, not His absence.

We often rely on secondhand faith from sermons or social media, but firsthand spiritual experience happens when we return to Scripture ourselves.

The answer isn’t to struggle harder but to gently surrender—letting go of control and trusting God’s timing.

Spiritual distance isn’t failure—it’s a chance to rediscover a steady, rooted relationship with God. You’re not lost, just invited onward.

Our Lady of the Mountains Church in Whistler, BC, is preparing to reveal its dramatically renovated sanctuary following five years of planning and construction.

This transformation provides Whistler’s only Catholic church with a dedicated spiritual space, echoing the mountain town’s alpine character while welcoming locals and an annual influx of nearly three million visitors.

The redesign converts the former multipurpose hall into a stunning sacred environment, featuring a new sanctuary, a 15-foot choir loft for 25 members, and interiors adorned with 23 sacred elements including a communion rail and statues.

Highlighting Whistler’s ski-town heritage, the church now boasts soaring 40-foot timber-frame ceilings reminiscent of a classic chalet.

Despite budget hikes from $5.5 million to $6.7 million due to unexpected challenges, dedicated parishioners—led by philanthropist Andy Szocs—and donors ensured the vision was realized.

The newly expanded church will triple seating, enabling community growth and seasonal celebrations, and serve as a beacon for events and retreats.