FEBRUARY 2026 BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENTS
The Reel Justice Film Festival brings you an insightful exploration of the dangers of book banning and the loss of intellectual freedom with a screening of The Librarians on February 26, 2026 7:00 – 9:00 PM. The film is told through the personal experiences of librarians under siege as they fight for democracy alongside everyday people who join their ranks in defense of books. The screening and discussion will be hosted online via Zoom. Register and view our full schedule of events at: https://hamiltondiocese.com/reel-justice-film-festival/ A partnership between the Bishop Farrell Library & Archives and Development and Peace, the Reel Justice Film Festival shines a spotlight on issues of social, political, and economic injustices.
ReSTART: Moving Forward – Have you experienced a divorce or separation? Are you looking to learn ways to cope, for support from others and to gain a feeling of moving forward? Our 10-week program offers education and support to anyone seeking to heal or simply learn more. The sessions will run Tuesdays from Feb. 17 – April 21 from 7-9 pm and are held at the Chancery Office at 700 King St. West in person. Cost is $35 for materials, but no one is turned away. Registration online can be found by going to hamiltondiocese.com an looking for the date under Upcoming Events, or by contacting Sarah at 905-528-7988 ext. 2249 or at familyministry@hamiltondiocese.com.
Looking for Support for your Marriage – Does your marriage feel like it is more trouble than joy, does it feel stagnant, or disconnected? Is it causing you constant stress? The solution is Retrouvaille – whose one purpose is to help couples restore their marriage and rebuild a loving relationship. This is a practical program, where sharing is not required except between the couple themselves. It is designed to improve communication, build stronger marriages, and help couples reconnect. This is for struggling couples, including those who may be considering separation or divorce. The next Retrouvaille weekend is March 13-15, 2026. For more information call 905-664-5212 or email 1013r@helpourmarriage.org.
ENHANCING SELF-ESTEEM – This program provides the opportunity to increase awareness of yourself and to learn specific skills for building a positive self-esteem. It can help you to feel stronger in all areas of your life. 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 future. The program will run Tuesdays from Feb. 17 – April 21 from 7-9 pm and are held at the Chancery Office at 700 King St. West Hamilton. Cost is $35 for materials. Registration online can be found by going to hamiltondiocese.com and looking for the date under Upcoming Events, or by contacting Sarah at 905-528-7988 ext. 2249, or at familyministry@hamiltondiocese.com.
PARENTING TIP OF THE MONTH #176 We are constantly teaching our kids by what we choose to make a priority. We encourage schoolwork to be done well, engage in extra-curricular activities for fun and development, pray and attend Mass so faith stays at the forefront of our family values. We are however, also teaching our children when we are not trying to teach them. In those moments we are silently saying, you matter and I love being with you, that family time to relax is vital to good mental health and that undertaking chores together connects us as a family. So, enjoy the non-teaching times because they matter more than you might think! (From: Teresa Hartnett, Family Ministry Office; 905-528-7988 ext. 2250)
MARRIAGE TIP OF THE MONTH #156 We communicate by using words, sometimes without thinking about their impact. Words can build someone up or tear them down. It is the same in our relationships, the words we choose to express ourselves can impact our relationship, even when there is an issue, positively or negatively. Severe words that criticize, words used in harsh tones, words that are not true, or worse, saying nothing at all but acting angry, all escalate sometimes small matters into a storm. Speaking the truth and expressing needs in ways that are not negative will resolve matters and do no harm, in fact, they will strengthen your love and bond. (From: Teresa Hartnett, Family Ministry Office; 905-528-7988 ext. 2250)
The Diocesan Wedding Anniversary Mass – Save the Date! Are you celebrating your 25th, 40th, 50th, 60th, or 60+ Wedding Anniversary in the year 2026? You are cordially invited to join Bishop Dabrowski and couples from across the Diocese of Hamilton for a Wedding Anniversary Mass on Sunday, May 31, 2026 at the Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King in Hamilton at 1:30 pm. (Space allows room for Anniversary couples only – those married 60 years or more may bring one guest if you require assistance). Registration is found under Upcoming Events on the home page at hamiltondiocese.com or call the Family Ministry Office at 905-528-7988 ext. 2249.
RESTART: Refresh, Renew, Revive Support Group – Struggling after divorce or separation? Join us for learning, support and fun on Friday evenings. It is 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. Register here: https://sites.google.com/view/hamilton-restart/home anytime the week of the session, or contact Sarah at familyministry@hamiltondiocese.com, or 905-528-7988 ext. 2249. We look forward to seeing you!
Young Adults Night Fr. Mark Morley invites young adults (ages 20s and 30s) of our diocese to attend an evening of Adoration, fellowship and music for Lent in support of you as you discern your vocation and as we prepare to celebrate Easter. The Young Adults Night includes a Holy Hour (6:30pm-7:30pm), social with food, vocations testimony, Lenten music concert, and Compline (9:00pm) on Saturday, March 7th at St. Ann Church (120 Sherman Avenue North, Hamilton, ON). Sponsored by the Vocations Office of the Diocese of Hamilton. https://hamiltondiocese.com/vocations/ For information, contact: vocations@hamiltondiocese.com.
Ministerial Formation through VLCFF The Diocese of Hamilton is proud to partner with Dayton University’s Virtual Learning Community for Adult Faith Formation (VLCFF) to offer certificate programs for ministry and enrichment for adult faith formation. We are currently taking enrollment for the Youth Ministry Certification Program and the Catechist Formation Program for the Diocese of Hamilton, which begins in September 2026. Three and five week e-seminars are also available at a discounted rate for all adults in the Diocese looking to further their learning. For more information about our programs, and how to register, visit us at www.hamiltondioceselearns.com .
Speaking Synodality The Office for Evangelization and Catechesis invites you to join our three-part workshop series on Synodality and its applications in local parish settings. This seminar is encouraged for those involved in parish councils, pastoral planning, and leadership at all levels of Catholic community living. There will be 2 locations for each 3-part session series: Hamilton (with a Zoom option) and, Guelph. Registration and further details can be found here: https://hamiltondiocese.com/events/
Spring Book Club: “On Love of the Poor” The Office for Evangelization and Catechesis invite you to join us for a four-week virtual book club, exploring Pope Leo XIV’s first Apostolic Exhortation, “On Love of the Poor.” Aligned with our Lenten journey, this series will explore the key themes and messages of our Holy Father’s message on love and solidarity with those who experience marginalization. Registration can be made here: https://hamiltondiocese.com/events/
When Life Changes Grief Program – Using Dr. Bill Webster’s grief material these programs are intended to help you to understand your grief and provide practical tips and support for helping you through. Both part one and two will be offered at the Chancery Office at 700 King St. West. All are welcome. To register look for the program start date under Upcoming Events on the Diocesan home page at hamiltondiocese.com or call the Family Ministry Office at 905-528-7988 ext. 2249.
Part One – When Life Changes will be offered on Wednesday afternoons from February 18- March 25 from 1:30 – 3:00 pm.
Part Two – The Ongoing Journey (for those who have previously completed Part One) is offered on Wednesday evenings from April 8 – May 13 from 7:00-8:30pm.
