It was late in December of 2019 when I came with Fadi Sarraf to visit Copper Ridge. At that time, the project was in the late stages of completion and with activities already planned, the first of which was scheduled for mid-February of 2020. After a tour of the building, he offered me the opportunity to take care of the day-to-day operations and maintenance of the Conference Centre.

Even though I was not involved in the project, I was already very familiar with the area which together with some friends, including Fr Joseph Soria, we used to explore regularly from the time the property was bought in 2007. I was very lucky to spend many moments admiring the view that is the delight of everyone who sees it. Therefore, realizing that the project was now a reality, I accepted Fadi’s offer which for me was like “The Call of Copper Ridge”.

Some time ago, I came across a book with stories that narrate the reasons why people go to the mountains. In one of these stories, the author describes the experience an excursion group had on a sunny day after ascending a high mountain in the Pyrenees. They were all overwhelmed by the breathtaking beauty of the panorama. In the “summit book,” where mountaineers write their reflections upon reaching the top of the mountain, one of the members of this group stamped a phrase that reflected everyone’s feelings: “Admire the created, and praise the Creator.” That is the same feeling one has at Copper Ridge. The joy of contemplating this stupendous beauty leads us immediately to think of God.

The phrase “Admire the created, and praise the Creator” got me thinking a lot during this year while fulfilling all my day-to-day responsibilities at Copper Ridge. It has somehow consolidated the natural and supernatural outlook that can be applied to life. It has helped me grow in human virtues, as well as improve my relationship with God. At times, seeing a starry night, the winter twilight, the awaking of spring, the summer flowers, the seasonal habitat of birds, bears, deer, and other species, that phrase has led me to an authentic enchantment. Other times, especially during the global pandemic, it has helped me deal, with peace and joy, the work that is required to maintain all aspects of the conference centre (mechanical, electrical, security, plumbing, fire protection, elevators, kitchen, roofing, landscaping, the septic system, etc.) necessary to meet the expectations of the Administration team. 

We have had many visitors at Copper Ridge, but a recent one was particularly noteworthy. Fr. Antoine de Rochebrune, the newly appointed regional vicar of Opus Dei in Canada, visited Vancouver for the first time in March and I had the privilege of meeting him in person at the conference centre. He celebrated Mass in the oratory, and I received, for the first time in months, the Holy Eucharist. Looking back on a year during which the pandemic has prevented most of the Catholic world from participating in person in the Eucharistic celebration, he stressed that this is something that we will remember all our lives, and which will help us realize how important this sacrament is in our Christian vocation. Fr. Antoine mentioned that Copper Ridge needs to be more than ever a place of conversion. He encouraged us to meet, and through our personal apostolate in continuation of the apostolate of Christ, to bring many people to this beautiful location.

My Memories of Helen, an example of loyalty, constancy, serenity, and humour.

When I was asked to write my reminiscences of Helen Ryan to share with the readers of the Copper Ridge newsletter, I paused to consider what can I say? I had known Helen for many years; we worked together on numerous projects in Canada and lived together at Crestwell Centre in Vancouver for almost 23 years.

Helen was born in Dublin, Ireland on February 25^th, 1930. She originally wanted to be a veterinarian but her mother encouraged her to explore her other talents. Reflecting, she decided to study architecture. I confess I am very grateful to her mother because as an architect, Helen helped in many projects of Opus Dei in Canada. In addition to her regular work for architectural firms, she designed the first house for the staff in Montreal, designed several oratories in various cities and adapted a number of houses to meet our specific needs.

While working as an architect in Montreal, a colleague spoke to her about Opus Dei. Helen began participating in activities and soon realized that God was asking her to become one of those few members of Opus Dei at that time in Canada in order to spread and live the universal call to sanctity. With courage and enthusiasm, she gave herself wholeheartedly to this call.

Helen had a great zest for life. In her last ten years she suffered several serious illnesses; however she was always cheerful and never complained. She would even joke that she enjoyed having breakfast in bed! When we reminded her of an illness, she claimed she had ‘forgotten’ it and dismissed it as a trifle, diverting the conversation away from herself.

Helen visited Copper Ridge Conference Centre only once. She had dearly wanted to attend a retreat but it turned out that God had other plans for her. I am sure Helen is now enjoying it from heaven.

On January 6^th I was with Helen in the early hours of the morning. I invited Trisha, a friend, to join us for half an hour. It was evident Helen’s condition had deteriorated considerably. Trisha began to sing for Helen, first some Christmas carols and then some Irish songs. When Helen heard the first Irish song, she opened her eyes. Trisha sang on and finished with a song in Gaelic. Helen listened very intently. After this we played her an audio message from Spain.  And finally, I asked her to pray for the special intentions of three particular ladies.  Just after I made this request, Helen gasped slightly and then stopped breathing.

Trisha and I prayed for the repose of her soul and I phoned home to tell everyone Helen had left us for Heaven. While we were still praying all her housemates arrived, followed shortly by her priest. He celebrated Mass in her hospital room. Many of the staff caring for Helen were clearly amazed to see a priest coming frequently to celebrate Holy Mass for her; it was evident they were very moved by this.

I thanked Our Lord for allowing me to be with Helen in her last moments in this world, as sad as this experience was. By her steadfast service to souls and the suffering she experienced during her last illness I am sure she left us greatly purified. While the proponents of euthanasia may not know or appreciate the value of suffering, we do and Helen certainly did.

During her wake I placed in Helen’s hands some prayer cards with her photo and a quotation from The Way, one of St. Josemaría’s works, that speaks about being faithful to the little things. This certainly characterized Helen. As I left I gathered all the cards to give to other people and to keep one for myself. The next day, very much to my surprise, I saw written on the back of that card “Thank you for your friendship.” It made me realize how many people could have written those words: indeed, all of us, including me.  

What would I want to say to everybody after saying goodbye to Helen? Two things come to mind: first, the value of time — none of us knows how much we have left. Use it to do all the good you can. Second, the value of love and of showing it with deeds without waiting for tomorrow, without taking it for granted, today and now! Husbands and wives should tell each how much they love each other without remembering something that went wrong before. Never let the sun set without making up over any disagreements. Show all those Our Lord has put by your side how much you care for them: remember, neither you nor they will be there forever.

Marie M.

The annual CRCC Fundraising Dinner could not be held in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions on group activities.

Like many others who came up with creative ideas to support CRCC, instead of the standard dinner format, we devised an alternative flexible option – two menu choices for lunch or dinner, either dine-in or takeout.

With the kind cooperation of Victoria Chinese Restaurant where we had our fundraising dinner events in the last few years, the current event takes the form of a dim sum lunch or an 8-course dinner, each for 6, with two menu choices for each. The lunch costs $250 (with a donation receipt of $120). A dinner costs $300 (with a donation receipt of $140). The cost includes tax, tip and soft drinks.

Reviews have been great!

SH did a dine-in dim sum lunch with his family and made the following remarks: “We had Menu “C” and we all thought the food was good, great service and we even get to pack some leftovers home. We all enjoyed it.”

ED had a takeout dinner. Her comments were “good portions, great food.”

JY did a takeout dim sum lunch but actually served it as the Christmas eve dinner celebration. His comments were “good portions and superior food quality”.

To order your ticket(s), please go to https://copperridgeconferencecentre.ca/2020-dinner/. Then phone the restaurant at 604-669-8383 to make your reservation (dine-in or takeout) and to order your menu choices. Simply present your ticket at the restaurant as your payment for your lunch or dinner. The offer is valid until September 30, 2021.

Free parking. Two hours free for lunch and from 6:00 pm for dinner (Tuesday to Friday, restaurant is closed on Monday), and free parking all day on Sat and Sun. Guests just need to give their license plate number(s) to the Restaurant.

We were overjoyed when the construction was completed and we were able to announce the long awaited opening of the Copper Ridge Conference Centre on March 2. On March 16, after three successful retreats were held, CRCC had to close due to the pandemic.  After many weeks of adjusting protocols according to Public Health Orders and WorkSafe BC regulations, CRCC reopened on July 26, although only at half capacity, in order to maintain all health and safety precautions. 

November 19 saw the sudden news of a second closure.  As some of you will recall, this order came on a Thursday, just hours before a weekend retreat for men was to begin. You cannot imagine the near chaos that followed.  A decision had to be made as to whether this order applied to CRCC.  Phones were ringing everywhere – between members of the Board of Directors, the registrar, the director, the priest, and the administration staff. But the decision was made. Again, CRCC would be closed. All the participants had to be contacted and told that their retreat was cancelled. Instead of driving to CRCC, they unpacked their suitcases and reorganized their weekend plans.  

The Administration team, too, had to throw all their preparations into reverse. They had purchased the food for the weekend, prepared the rooms, even added the homey touch of Christmas decorations for each table, and were waiting for the guests to arrive.  

When they received the cancellation call they dismantled the table settings, put the decorations away, loaded the cars with the perishable foods, turned off all the building systems, and headed back to Vancouver.  There was a quiet sense of loss in the air. 

Then another change in direction! The retreat directors engaged technology to ensure that the retreat could go ahead, albeit virtually. 

For all of us, in our own circumstances, this 2020 has indeed been disorienting!

However, the CRCC Administration Staff and the Board of Directors would like to say a very heartfelt thank you to our 465 subscribers for the prayers and support you have given to the conference centre during this past year.  To our great surprise, the Virtual Race for the Ridge, exceeded its goal of $15,000 by $5000.  A very generous supporter then matched the total donations.  Our annual Chinese Dinner celebration has gone virtual as well and we now have an opportunity to purchase tables for 6 for lunch or dinner anytime up until May 31.  For those unable to host their annual Christmas or New Year’s family meal at their home, you may want to reserve tables at Victoria Chinese Restaurant instead: https://copperridgeconferencecentre.ca/2020-dinner/.  For all the uncertainty of 2020, we see an equal amount of creativity.  God does write straight with crooked lines!

For those who have suffered sickness, loss of loved ones, or financial setbacks, we offer our prayers and consolation.  For those who have created new ways of celebrating weddings, educating children, holding family events, facing the pandemic with a positive attitude and in that, giving encouragement and hope to others, we salute you. 

Christmas 2020, in its own way may even be the most memorable ever! May the smallest joys in life be yours in abundance.

Merry Christmas and warmest greetings from the CRCC team to each and every one of you. 

Fadi Sarraf, former chairman of the Copper Ridge Board of Directors, was ordained as a deacon on November 21, after three months of final preparation in the Eternal City. Before he left Canada, he was instrumental in steering successfully into port the first phase of the Copper Ridge Conference Centre.

His voyage in Canada began in the late eighties, when his family emigrated from Damascus, Syria to Montreal, Canada. At the start of Fadi’s engineering studies at McGill University, he met a student in one of his classes who invited him to visit Riverview, a residence for university students close to the campus, and attend formational activities there. This is where Fadi had his “Damascus moment” and saw his call to Opus Dei to sanctify his university studies and, after graduation, his professional work.

During his undergraduate studies, Fadi was asked to be the director of Boisgomin, a residence for university students in Quebec City where he moved to complete his undergraduate degree at Laval University. He went on to obtain a Master’s in Business Administration from the same university. In the mid 90’s, he moved again, this time to Toronto to become the first director of the newly opened Ernescliff College, a residence for students in the heart of the campus of the University of Toronto. After a short but fruitful stay there he was called back to Montreal to help coordinate the many foundations that oversee the apostolates of Opus Dei in Canada.

In the early 2000’s, Fadi was instrumental in the fundraising, planning, and construction of the Hospitality Management Building at the Manoir de Beaujeu, near Montreal, the first Conference Centre of Opus Dei in Canada.

Since the purchase of the property for Copper Ridge Conference Centre in 2006, Fadi has been at the helm of the project. Whether from Montreal or on frequent visits to Vancouver, he has guided all the phases of this venture, from zoning, through building the road, installing services, to designing and constructing the building and finally organizing a board of directors for Copper Ridge which now also functions as an operations board for the completed conference centre.

Copper Ridge was not Fadi’s first port of call when it came to big projects! He has been helping build people and conference centres from coast to coast for the past thirty years and will continue to do so as he embarks on his voyage as a deacon and, soon, a priest.

ORDER TICKETS

Each fall we look forward to our annual fundraising event at the Victoria Chinese Restaurant. This year it will be very different! As the restaurant has had to limit the number of guests, they have offered us a unique opportunity to purchase tickets for tables of six for either lunch or dinner at any time from November 1, 2020 through September 30, 2021, with the exception of a blocked period, February 11– 14, 2021.

• For dinners, each table of six will cost $300; for lunches, each
  table of six will cost $250.
• There will be two set-menu choices for each meal (see below).
• A tax receipt for a portion of the ticket price will be issued to one person at the table. 

This is a marvelous opportunity just to get together with family and friends or to give to somebody as a gift for an anniversary, birthday or as a Christmas present! 

We are excited to partner with the Victoria Chinese Restaurant for the first event of this kind to be offered for charity fundraising.

For ticket purchases please contact Johnny Yang at 778-773-8375 or Erlinda Delleva at 778-822-3189.

DINNER MENU A

1. Hot-and-sour Soup 
2. Peking Duck Roll
3. Stir-Fried Lobster in Green Onion and Ginger Sauce
4. Stewed Bean Curd Sheet and Pumpkin 
5. Sesame Chicken in Lemon Sauce
6. Steam Turbot Country Style
7. Yang Zhou Fried Rice
8. Dessert of the Day

 DINNER MENU B 

1. Wonton Soup
2. Stir-fried BC Crab in Green Onion and Ginger 
3. Free-range Soy Sauce Chicken
4. Stewed Bean Curd Sheet with Bok Choi
5. Stir-fried Beef Tenderloin with Eggplant
6. Stir-fried Halibut Kama in Maggi Sauce
7. Spicy Fried Rice with Pineapple and Seafood
8. Dessert of the Day 

Each table of six for dinner will cost $300 (this includes taxes, soft drinks and a tip).

 LUNCH MENU C

1. Dim Sum: Steamed Shrimp Dumplings, Steamed Pork and Shrimp Dumplings, Sticky Rice in Lotus Leaf, Steamed BBQ Pork Buns, Pan-fried Mini Pork Bun, Spring Rolls (six pieces each), Hand-pulled Steamed Beef Cannelloni, Hand-pulled Steamed Shrimp Cannelloni 
2. Fried Rice Noodles with Beef in Supreme Soy Sauce
3. Yang Zhou Fried Rice
4. Dessert of the Day 

LUNCH MENU D

1. Dim Sum: Shrimp Dumplings, Pork and Shrimp Dumplings, BBQ Pork Buns, Pot Stickers, Beef Meat Ball, Chicken Feet in Black Bean Sauce (six pieces each) Pan Fried Plain Chinese Cannelloni 
2. Fried Shrimp with Salt and Pepper 
3. Spicy Green Bean with Minced Pork Szechuan Style
4. Fried Vermicelli with Beef Tenderloin and Eggplant 
5. Dessert of the Day

Each table of six for lunch will cost $250 (this includes taxes, soft drinks and a tip).

ORDER TICKETS

As part of John Yun’s trail building project at Copper Ridge Conference Centre, on a sunny, late August morning, Paul Adam, friend and fellow veteran of rock, snow and bush and I headed downhill from the parking lot midway between Britannia Beach and Browning Lake to check the possibilities on the narrow strip of Copper Ridge land sandwiched between Highway 99 and Howe Sound.  We knew before we set off that the terrain would be challenging, so it was no surprise to us that it was indeed pretty bushy and steep, even vertical. There are several unmarked and very sketchy trails. One of those trails led us to a precipice 35 metres above the beach. (It turns out that Squamish rock climbers on the hunt for a new cliff seized upon this one, naming it “Seal Cove.”)

We followed another faint trail, an even steeper and rockier one, that did take us to the beach. There are a number of attractive viewpoints above or on the beach. The problem: these desirable spots are isolated from each other by cliffs and tangled bush.

During our three-hour foray we discovered a section of the original 1950’s highway.  We noted that someone had taken a liking to this portion of the long-abandoned and well-hidden road bed, as indicated by a neatly rolled up blue tarp and cords strung between the trees.

What to make of it all?  Yes, there are some truly lovely spots by the beach: but how do you access them?  They are separated from each other by steep and bushy terrain.  Sadly, Copper Ridge’s beachfront real estate remains for the foreseeable future out of reach and tantalizing.

Arnold Shives
October 7, 2020

I have just shared an opportunity of a lifetime with 12 other men. We were blessed to take part in the first ever workshop at the incredible Copper Ridge Conference Center (CRCC). The views are world class, the facility is superb and the food provided by the administration was wonderful. Nature was on display in so many ways with beautiful flowers and even a bear sighting. While retreats at CRCC are also amazing, there are many aspects of a workshop that are different.     

Retreats are silent and focussed on growing in our personal relationship with Jesus. Workshops are twice as long and focus more on the family life of Opus Dei as well as the study of Church doctrine. Every year we also take a course on an aspect of our faith such as liturgy or Mariology. We receive talks on family and professional life that help us to build the virtues required to sanctify those two key areas in which we develop our faith.

My career is in the sports field and I understand well the significant advantage of having a coach to work with. A workshop also gives one lots of time to take advantage of the “spiritual coaching” offered by the priest and the director in order to learn more about oneself and to set goals to keep developing spiritually. 

Because workshops are longer than a retreat, the two hour recreation period in the afternoon gives us informal time to build wonderful friendships with each other as we take advantage of the natural surroundings by going for hikes, swimming at nearby Browning Lake in Murrin Park, celebrating birthdays, etc. 

Anyone who experiences a workshop at Copper Ridge will, by the end, fall in love with the experience!

Since Copper Ridge Conference Centre opened March 2 and re-opened July 26, many of us have been astonished to find in the hustle and bustle of everyday life an environment such as our Conference Centre offers for prayer, reflection and study. For those of us who were used to attending retreats, conferences and study weeks at hotels and local colleges, the difference is incomparable.

A recent retreat attendee wrote:

For me, 2020 started out with an experience that in every way nurtured my soul. The entire three-day period was an extraordinary delight. None of my past retreats have come close to the ‘home away from home’ feeling found at Copper Ridge.

The oratory is without doubt the most magnificent oratory I have seen in my lifetime. From the tabernacle, Our Lord embraced my heart; I felt captivated and did not want to leave Him.

Other areas promoting peaceful meditation are varied; some are more spacious than others, some are more private, but all are bright and cheerful with breathtaking views of God’s creation. An ambiance of comfort, simplicity and refinement pervades throughout.

The dining room features exquisite table settings, complete with linen tablecloths and napkins. The astounding view is enhanced by the fabulous cuisine and the artful presentations of every meal.

Throughout our private rooms, gathering areas, lounges and the library, the remarkable attention to detail is evident – nothing is lacking.

But the Oratory is still my best memory. The life-size carvings of our crucified Lord, our Holy Mother and the Apostle John capture one’s sight to the exclusion of almost everything else, were it not for the four panels of stained glass depictions of the Annunciation, the Nativity, Jesus with St Joseph in his workshop, and the Wedding Feast at Cana. There is certainly no dearth of contemplation aids. Central to all, of course, is the tabernacle at the foot of the Cross.

My retreat was a wonderful and exciting journey and I look forward to future events at Copper Ridge with immense anticipation and gratitude for our blessings.

St Josemaria wrote in The Way, no. 527

“That woman in the house of Simon the leper in Bethany, who anoints the Master’s head with precious ointment, reminds us of our duty to be generous in the worship of God.

All beauty, richness and majesty seem little to me.

And against those who attack the richness of sacred vessels, of vestments and altars, stands the praise given by Jesus: ‘opus enim bonum operata est in me — she has acted well towards me’.”

We look forward to welcoming all of you to Copper Ridge Conference Centre where you too, can experience all that has been prepared for us through this amazing venue.

Planting at Copper Ridge was definitely not the typical landscape project. Given the beautiful architecture and stunning setting, the centre could have been considered complete without adding a single plant. Nevertheless, in the spirit of the Work, which calls for loving attention to be paid to every detail, we went about selecting plants.

Much like buying shoes, the more you have to choose from, the more difficult the selection process can be. The first step in narrowing down the list was to eliminate any plants which would be difficult to maintain. Potential damage by deer and bears was also considered. Inspection of plants which were thriving in neighborhood gardens gave an indication of what would be most likely to survive in the area. We targeted a balance between native and ornamental plants to provide some colour and interest without detracting from the natural environment, and some flowers were included to provide cutting material for the altar. It was an honour to provide the plants for this centre as they will be appreciated by so many.

The most special plant in the garden is a small, humble, native dogwood tree planted at the entrance to the parking lot. The tree was planted by the Prelate, Monsignor Fernando Ocariz, during his visit to Vancouver in 2019. It is easily identifiable as it is surrounded by a small fence to help protect it. The dogwood flower is the provincial flower of BC and will highlight the landscape in spring with its large, pure white flowers. When the tree gains strength the fence will be removed and perhaps a generous soul will donate funds for a beautiful engraved stone plaque (hint). Like the Work in Vancouver, hopefully the tree will grow into a strong and beautiful specimen which attracts people from all over.

Part of the project was to create a public trail through the property for residents from the town to access Murrin Park. Some small existing pathways were rerouted to minimize steep slopes and detour the public away from the statue of our Lady to preserve a prayerful spot. The trail starts where the entry road crosses the creek and enters into the forest where there are old growth trees, babbling brooks, and scenic views. It will make an enjoyable walk and provide good exercise for retreat visitors or workshop participants.