SEPTEMBER 2026 BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENTS

BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENTS

September 2026

Upcoming Events:

CATHOLIC YOUNG ADULTS CONFERENCE 2026: The Young Adults are organizing the annual Conference on Saturday, September 19^th at St. Raphael Parish from 9:30am to 7:00pm. During the conference we will have spiritual talks, praise and worship band, Art Booths, Adoration, confession and Thanksgiving Mass with Bishop Wayne Lobsinger. The theme for the conference will be “I am the light of the world, he who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12) All young adults (single and married) ages 19 to 40 years are encouraged to join. Price is $25.00. For more information, please visit: https://cyaconference.ca/.

YOUTH MINISTER’S RETREAT We are inviting all youth ministers, youth ministry coordinators and leaders in youth ministry, to join us for our annual retreat on September 19 at Mount Mary Retreat Centre in Ancaster. Registration deadline is September 11. For all information and to register, please visit: https://hamiltondiocese.com/events/2026/07/2026-youth-ministers-retreat/.

MEMORIAL MASS FOR LEONOR SORGER All are warmly invited to a Memorial Mass for Leonor Sorger, who passed away on January 12, 2025, at the age of 94. The Mass will be celebrated at the Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King on Friday, September 25, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. In 1978, Leonor co-founded the Office for Refugees, Diocese of Hamilton, a ministry that continues to welcome and sponsor refugees seeking safety and a new beginning in Canada. Please join us as we give thanks for Leonor’s extraordinary legacy of faith and service and pray for the repose of her soul. All are welcome.

MULTICULTURAL MASS All are warmly invited to celebrate the rich cultural diversity of our Diocese at the Multicultural Mass on Sunday, September 27, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at the Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King, 700 King St. West, Hamilton. The Mass will be celebrated by The Most Reverend Joseph Dabrowski, C.S.M.A., Bishop of Hamilton, and followed by a multicultural celebration in McNally Hall. All are welcome!

WORLD DAY OF MIGRANTS AND REFUGEES The 112th World Day of Migrants and Refugees will be observed this year on Sunday September 27, under the theme, “Even just one of these children.” This is taken from the Lord’s promise that “Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me” (Matthew 18:5). The theme draws attention to the Church’s special concern for children affected by migration. We are called to welcome every child with the love and dignity of Christ, recognizing their immeasurable value and need for care, protection, and hope. On this occasion, we pray in solidarity with migrants, refugees, and displaced people throughout the world.

CCYMN NATIONAL CONFERENCE The Canadian Catholic Youth Ministry Network is excited to announce that registration is NOW OPEN for the National Youth Leadership Conference, taking place October 2-4, 2026, in Winnipeg, Manitoba. All youth ministry leaders, volunteers, clergy and all those serving young people across Canada will gather for prayer, learning, networking and inspiration. More details and how to register can be found on their website: https://www.ccymn.ca/national-conference.html.

YOUNG ADULTS NIGHT Fr. John Ha, our new Vocations Director, invites all young adults (ages 20s and 30s) of our diocese to attend an evening of prayer, fellowship and praise music in support of your vocations.  The Young Adults Night includes a Holy Hour (6:30pm-7:30 pm), social with food (7:30pm-8:00pm), praise night with vocations testimony (8:00pm-9:00pm), and Compline (9:00pm) on Saturday, October 3rd at the Basilica of Our Lady Immaculate (28 Norfolk Street, Guelph). Sponsored by the Vocations Office of the Diocese of Hamilton: https://hamiltondiocese.com/vocations/ For more information, please contact: vocations@hamiltondiocese.com.

HEARTS RENEWED: A Franciscan Retreat Day As we celebrate the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi during this Jubilee Year dedicated to his witness, you are invited to step away from the demands of ministry and spend a weekend renewing your heart in God’s presence. Inspired by the life of St. Francis—whose joyful simplicity, deep love for Christ, and compassionate service transformed the Church—this retreat offers time for prayer, silence, reflection, community, and rest. Together we will rediscover the joy of our baptismal call and be renewed for the work of evangelization and service entrusted to us. Whether you serve in parish ministry, Catholic education, chaplaincy, or diocesan leadership, this retreat is an opportunity to be refreshed spiritually and return to your ministry with renewed hope, peace, and joy.

St. Thomas the Apostle Parish (715 Centre Rd, Waterdown)

Saturday, October 3, 2026

9:00am – 3:00pm

Register here: https://hamiltondiocese.com/events/2026/07/hearts-renewed-a-st-francis-retreat-for-those-in-ministry/

WALK WITH JESUS: A Retreat Day for Parents Who Have Experienced the Death of a Child The loss of a child is a most challenging event in the life of any parent. This grief is acute and challenging. The Diocese of Hamilton invites you to join us for this healing day. Whether the loss is recent or some time ago, we know this day will help to restore your inner core. The retreat will be offered from 9 am to 4 pm on Saturday, October 10 or Saturday, November 7th. The $20 fee includes lunch. Registration is required for set up and lunch. You can register on the Diocesan home page at hamiltondiocese.com under upcoming events (look for the date of the retreat), or by calling the office at 905-528-7988 ext. 2249.

AI AND HUMAN DIGNITY The Office for Evangelization and Catechesis invites you to join us as we explore Pope Leo’s first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas and our call to protect human dignity in an age of technological revolution.  There will be 2 locations for this series:
Kitchener: Saturday, October 24th, 2026 (1:00 – 3:00pm): St. Anthony Daniel Parish, Kitchener
Hamilton: Tuesday, November 3rd, 2026 (1:00 – 3:00pm): Chancery Office, Hamilton
Registration and more information can be found here: https://hamiltondiocese.com/events/2026/07/ai-and-human-dignity-workshop/.

MARRIAGE ENRICHMENT Healthy marriages matter in so many ways! Proven benefits include: having a support system, learning to grow with another, having increased happiness levels and many physical benefits proven in research. Keeping your marriage healthy and strong requires love, but also time spent fine tuning your marriage and reconnecting. Join us November 21^st for a day to reconnect and spend time with the one you love! Registration can be found online at hamiltondiocese.com, under Upcoming Events, or contact Sarah at 905-528-7988 ext. 2249, or e-mail familyministry@hamiltondiocese.com.

Registration & Formation:

FALL BOOK CLUB: Into the Heart of Middle-Earth Step into the rich world of J.R.R. Tolkien and discover how his stories illuminate timeless truths about faith, hope, virtue, and the Christian life. Join us for a book club exploring Into the Heart of Middle-earth by Kaitlyn Facista, where together we’ll uncover the spiritual themes woven throughout Tolkien’s beloved works and reflect on what they can teach us about following Christ today. Whether you’re a lifelong Tolkien fan or simply curious about the deeper meaning behind Middle-earth, all are welcome! Registration and more information can be found here: https://hamiltondiocese.com/events/2026/07/fall-book-club/.

FRASSATI LEADERSHIP PROGRAM Calling all Grade 10 students! Are you looking to grow in your faith? Do you want to explore what it means to be a Catholic leader? The Frassati Leadership Program may be for you. Join other Grade 10 Catholic leaders from across the diocese as we reflect on the foundations of Catholic leadership and foster opportunities for you to grow in your own faith and leadership skills. Registration closes on October 23. For more information and to register please visit: https://hamiltondiocese.com/office/pastoral-offices/youth-ministry/frassati/.

YOUTH MINISTRY CERTIFICATION PROGRAM We are still accepting enrollment for the Youth Ministry Certification Program. Join us as we explore the practical strategies for youth ministry and the accompaniment of young people in our diocesan community. To review a full course list and for more information, please visit: www.hamiltondioceselearns.com.

Ongoing Ministries & Opportunities

ENHANCING SELF-ESTEEM – Healthy self-esteem is linked to positive mental health outcomes, which is so important to each of us. Our program provides the opportunity to increase your self-awareness and to learn specific skills for building positive self-esteem. Issues covered during the course include taking responsibility for your own thoughts and feelings, positive ways to behave assertively and setting realistic goals for your own future. The program will be offered in September and is held at the Chancery Office at 700 King St. West Hamilton. Cost is $35 for materials. Registration is online at hamiltondiocese.com and can be found under Upcoming Events, or contact Sarah at 905-528-7988 ext. 2249, or e-mail familyministry@hamiltondiocese.com.

HEARTACHE TO HEALING: Grief Support Grief support provides companionship on the long journey through the grief process.  The support group follows the process developed by Dr. Bill Webster, an experienced leader in grief counselling. All who have suffered a loss are welcome, regardless of how much time has passed since your loss.  There are 2 programs available — https://www.stmichaelw.ca/grief-support

1) Monthly informal drop-in support – available at St. Michael Parish on the 2nd Wednesday of the month; 7pm in the Parish Resource Centre/Library.

 2) Part 2 – 6 week Program-theory and sharing – The program runs Wednesday evenings (6 consecutive weeks) from October 14th to November 18th at 7pm, at St. Michael Parish, Waterloo.  Registration is required by September 30th for this program by contacting St. Michael’s Parish office 519-884-9311, or email parish@stmichaelw.ca.

PROJECT RACHEL Struggling After an Abortion? Either your own, or someone else’s? Do you feel alone, emotional, or angry and in need of support? Project Rachel is available to help. This confidential service allows people to work through their feelings on an individual basis, with a trained counsellor, to find hope and healing. Please contact us at 905-526-1999 or toll free at 1-888-385-3850.

RESTART: Refresh, Renew, Revive Support Group Struggling after divorce or separation – as others are? Join us for learning, support and fun on Friday evenings. Held the 2nd & 3rd Fridays of each month. These get-togethers offer continual support and insights for people as they journey through the divorce/separation process and beyond. For summer sessions or gatherings, register here: https://sites.google.com/view/hamilton-restart/home, or contact Sarah at familyministry@hamiltondiocese.com, or 905-528-7988 ext. 2249. We look forward to seeing you!

ReSTART: Moving Forward – Struggling after a divorce or separation? ReStart can help you move forward with support, education and positive encouragement from our experienced facilitators. Our 11-week program offers help to anyone seeking to heal and move forward.  The new session will start in September and will be held at the Chancery Office at 700 King St. West in  Hamilton in person. Cost is $35 for materials, but no one is turned away. Registration can be found at hamiltondiocese.com under Upcoming Events for September, or contact Sarah at 905-528-7988 ext. 2249, e-mail familyministry@hamiltondiocese.com.

SEPARATED & DIVORCED SUPPORT GROUP The Act II monthly, informal support group meets on the 3rd Tuesday of every month at 7:30pm, in the Resource Centre/Library at St. Michael parish, Waterloo. With the support of others, you can begin to heal the emotional, social and spiritual devastation of divorce.  Join us when you can.  Visit www.stmichaelw.ca/separated-and-divorced, or contact St. Michael’s parish office 519-884-9311, or email parish@stmichaelw.ca for more information.

Monthly Family Ministry:

PARENTING TIP OF THE MONTH “When we look at the research in child development and psychology, the message is actually much simpler. Young children do not need perfect parents. They do not need constant stimulation, expensive toys, or carefully curated routines. What matters most is the relationship they have with the adults who care for them.” (Psychology Canada) (From: Teresa Hartnett, Family Ministry Office; 905-528-7988 ext. 2250).

MARRIAGE TIP OF THE MONTH “Once our hearts welcome the love of Christ in complete trust, and enable its fire to spread in our lives, we become capable of loving others as Christ did, in humility and closeness to all.” (Dilexit Nos #203) In June we celebrated the Sacred Heart of Jesus, who taught us that we are loved, loved enough for him to accept the Cross for us. This understanding can help to transform us to love in the same meek and intimate ways he did. Our marriage bond will continue to grow as we learn to love more like the Sacred Heart of Jesus. (From: Teresa Hartnett, Family Ministry Office; 905-528-7988 ext. 2250).