Diocese of Hamilton Announcements

LINK TO DIOCESE OF HAMILTON

LINK TO BISHOP DOUGLAS CROSBY’S HEART TO HEART

A JOURNEY THROUGH LENT

(from Hamilton Diocese – NEWS)

What is Lent?
Lent is the yearly celebration of the Church in preparation for Easter. Lent has two major purposes: It recalls or prepares for Baptism, and emphasizes a spirit of penance. Through forty days of closer attention to God’s Word and of more fervent prayer, believers are prepared to celebrate the Paschal Mystery.
During Lent, the reminder of baptism already received, as well as the theme of repentance, renew the entire community along with those being prepared to celebrate the paschal mystery, in which each of the elect will share through the sacraments of initiation. (RCIA 125, Ad gentes, 14)
For those already baptized Lent is a time of preparation to celebrate the paschal mystery through reminders of our baptism and penitential practices. (GNLYC 27)
Lent is a privileged time for prayer, fasting and almsgiving. This season provides an opportunity to renew and deepen our relationship with Jesus, and to renew the choices we make, so that we might live as he taught.

[READ MORE..]


LENTEN MESSAGE 2024

Most Rev. Douglas Crosby (Bishop of Hamilton)

Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Lent is upon us- a time to strengthen our relationship with Jesus Christ and seek inner transformation through fasting, prayer , and acts of generosity. The Church assists us by providing many supports. Throughout Lent we are invited to participate in community celebration of the Holy Eucharist – on Sundays and at daily Mass during the week. Reading and reflecting on the Scripture passages of the day is an excellent practice, as is any reading that guides you closer to the Lord. [READ MORE…]

 BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENTS
MARCH 2024

 

Ministers of Music Retreat   The Liturgy Office is pleased to offer a Ministers of Music Retreat on Saturday, March 16th, 2024, at Annunciation of Our Lord Parish in Hamilton from 9:30 am to 3:00 pm. Dr. Glenn CJ Byer will lead the retreat with the theme of Near Occasions of Grace. Participants may register using the Diocese of Hamilton website under Upcoming Events/Workshops.

 

Ministers of the Word  Saturday, April 13, 2024, St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, Waterdown, ON. 9:30 am to 3:00 pm. Participants may register using the Diocese of Hamilton website under Upcoming Events/Workshops.

Extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion  Saturday, April 20. 2024, St. John the Baptist Parish, Guelph, ON. 9:30 am to 3:00 pm. Participants may register using the Diocese of Hamilton website under Upcoming Events/Workshops.

Reel Justice Film Festival March 28, 7:00 – 9:00 PM Join us for our special youth screening of Island of Lemurs, Madagascar. An insightful documentary for the whole family! Follow Dr. Patricia C. Wright’s mission to help lemurs, the highly evolved creatures who arrived on Madagascar millions of years ago as castaways but are now highly endangered. Daytime screening for D&P Schools also available. The screening and discussion will be hosted online via Zoom. Register at: https://reeljustice.hamiltondiocese.com/  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.

Young Adults Night Fr. Mark Morley invites all young adults (ages 20s and 30s) of our diocese to celebrate the Easter Season by attending an evening of Adoration, 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, April 6th at the Basilica of Our Lady Immaculate (28 Norfolk Street, Guelph). Sponsored by the Vocations Office of the Diocese of Hamilton. For more information, please contact: vocations@hamiltondiocese.com

Holy Week Resource for Teens   The Office of Youth Ministry will be publishing, Walking the Way a Holy Week Journal for Teens. This resource has been developed for youth aged 13-16 in mind. The journal bridges the Gospel readings for each day of Holy Week to practical ways young people can live out the message. The journal also has reflections from Pope Francis’ letter, Chistus Vivit for young people to consider. The Holy Week Journal can be found here: http://tinyurl.com/yyxvxwyj

 

Adult Faith 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 2024.  Three & 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

Vacation Bible School Workshop 2024   The Office for Evangelization and Catechesis invites all parish ministers, youth ministry leaders to join in our annual Vacation Bible School workshop in preparation for summer children’s ministry.  New to VBS?  Looking to learn more about recruiting youth volunteers?  Want a peek at new VBS kits available this year?  Come and join us for this informative virtual workshop on April 10, 2024 from 7:00-8:30pm.  Registration is available on the Diocesan website: https://bit.ly/DoHVBS2024

Confirmation Preparation Workshops 2024  The Office for Evangelization and Catechesis is happy to offer a new Confirmation Preparation Program for the Diocese of Hamilton.  We invite all those involved in Sacramental Preparation to take part in this new formation workshop in the early spring with dates available in multiple locations of the Diocese.  To learn more about these offerings, register here: https://bit.ly/ConfirmationPrep2024

PARENTING TIP OF THE MONTH   Vacations or ‘Stay-cations’ are a wonderful time to step away from the busy-ness of everyday family living and reconnect with each other. As you laugh and play this March break, do not forget to stay connected to your faith. Be the family that plays and prays together. Take some time to talk about Lent and how it leads us to the great celebration at Easter!

MARRIAGE TIP OF THE MONTH   Marriage in the Catholic Church is a sacrament: our love for each other is to mirror the love of God for each person. When you look at your relationship, do you see it truly reflecting the total love and giving of God’s love? Love is a choice and the decision to love can and should influence how we treat our spouse. When we purposely act in ways that reflect God’s love, our marriages are better and will then echo, through our relationship, a visible love showing God’s invisible love to the world.

 

Step/Blended Family: Smart Steps for Building Family – Are you a parent or stepparent adjusting to blended family life? Smart Steps offers practical insights and suggestions on how to make the relationships work well for all.  The next session will be held at the Basilica of Our Lady Immaculate in Guelph, 28 Norfolk Street. TIME: 9:15AM – 3:30PM.  PRICE: $50 per person (includes lunch). DATE: Saturday, April 20, 2024. Register on line at hamiltondiocese.com and look under Upcoming Events. For more information, contact the Family Ministry Office at 905-528-7988 ext. 2249.

ReSTART: Moving Forward – Our 10 week program offers education and support to anyone seeking to heal and move forward after divorce or separation.  The sessions will take place on Mondays from April 7th to June 17th from 7-9 pm at the Chancery Office at 700 King St. West in person, or you are welcome to join our zoom classroom. Cost is $35 for materials, but no one is turned away. Registration is required so please call Sarah at 905-528-7988 ext. 2249, e-mail familyministry@hamiltondiocese.com, or register on line at hamiltondiocese.com and look under Upcoming Events. For more information call the Family Ministry Office at 905-528-7988 ext. 2249.

The Diocesan Wedding Anniversary Mass – Are you celebrating your 25th, 40th, 50th, 60th, or 60+ Wedding Anniversary in the year 2024?  If you are, you are cordially invited to join couples from across the Diocese of Hamilton for a Wedding Anniversary Mass on Sunday, May 26, 2024, 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 available on line at hamiltondiocese.com under Upcoming Events.