COME HOME FOR CHRISTMAS
is an initiative of the Stewardship and Development Office aimed at inviting the faithful to return to the celebration of Mass. As is all too evident in many of our Parish communities, a significant number of parishioners have not yet returned to regular attendance at Sunday Mass. Christmas presents us with a wonderful opportunity to invite all of the faithful to Come Home for Christmas and return to full participation within their Parish communities.
(from Bishop Crosby’s Heart to Heart – November 25th)
World Youth Day 2023 Lisbon, Por
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World Youth Day (WYD) is the gathering of young people from all over the world with the Pope. It is also a pilgrimage, a celebration of young people, an expression of the universal Church and a beautiful moment of evangelization for the youthful world.
Letter of Endorsement, re WYD2023 from Bishop Crosby, June 15, 2022
BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENTS
DECEMBER 2022
Evenings with His Excellency – Auxiliary Bishop Wayne Lobsinger invites everyone to join him for “Evenings with His Excellency.” An opportunity to learn more about our Catholic Faith based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Class is the second Friday of each month from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at St. Ann Parish in Ancaster. It is also available on St. Ann’s YouTube channel. No cost, no homework, just an opportunity to learn about our faith. All are welcome.
The Reel Justice Film Festival is back for another year! 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 injustice. Join us on December 15, 2022 at 7:00 PM for the holiday classic, It’s a Wonderful Life, connecting to themes of community, dignity of the person, economic and housing insecurity. The screening will be hosted online. Grab your pajamas and some hot chocolate for this Christmas screening! R.S.V.P. and view our full schedule of events at www.reeljusticefilmfestival.wordpress.com.
Third Sunday of Advent – We know that at Christmas our hearts will be full – we want our pews to be full also! Throughout Advent, Parishes across the Diocese are being encouraged to invite all the faithful to Come Home for Christmas. We all know people who have fallen away from regular Mass attendance, and Christmas provides a privileged occasion to welcome them home. All parishioners are encouraged to join in this effort to extend a warm invitation to return – for more information, visit http://hamiltondiocese.com.
Fourth Sunday of Advent – Any time is a good time to invite family, friends, and neighbours to attend Mass. Especially so during the beautiful Christmas season. What better gift can we give a loved one who is away from the Church than a warm invitation to Come Home for Christmas? Whether they have been away for a short time or a long time, we want all Catholics to know that they are warmly welcomed back to our Parish community. Please consider extending this invitation to loved ones, neighbours, and colleagues – for more information, visit http://hamiltondiocese.com.
PARENTING TIP OF THE MONTH – Christmas is an exciting and busy time of year, a time when it is vital for parents to counter the secular side of the holiday, so heavily promoted, by helping their children understand the real ‘reason for the season’. Ensuring you have a nativity set and Advent wreath in your home are important reminders that it is Christ we celebrate. Attending Mass, placing Jesus in the manger before opening presents on Christmas morning, giving to charity and reminding your children Baptism calls all of you to do so, are ways to give a place of importance to the birth of Jesus. If Christmas becomes only about Santa, it is a real loss for your children and their faith. From: Family Ministry Office.
MARRIAGE TIP OF THE MONTH – As we move toward the end of the year, take some time as a couple to reflect on your last twelve months together. Ask yourselves what you did well and what you might do better, both for each other and for your marriage. Check in to see if you spent enough time together, if you a remembered to compliment each other, showed gratitude for the gifts your spouse brings to your life and whether you felt joy more often than not. If your relationship needs strengthening, commit to finding the help you need to make it strong; if you feel good after your assessment, celebrate your love and thank God for his never-ending support. From: Family Ministry Office.
RESTART: Refresh, Renew Revive – A gathering for separated and divorced individuals offering learning, support and fun! These get-togethers offer continual support and insights for people on their journey through the divorce/separation process and beyond. Held the 2nd & 3rd Fridays of each month, you can join in-person (700 King St. West, Hamilton), or by ZOOM. No registration required. For ZOOM link contact Sarah at familyministry@hamiltondiocese.com, or 905-528-7988 ext. 2249.
Mastering Your Money: A Financial Wellness Presentation for the Diocese of Hamilton – Financial worries are the top source of stress for all Canadians, ranking above work concerns, health worries and even relationship struggles. The need for financial literacy has never been more pressing. Join us for this special zoom session on Tuesday, January 24, 2023 from 7-8:30 p.m., presented by Mr. Fred Masters, President & Founder of Masters Money Management Inc., and the author of the critically-acclaimed new book ‘Lessons on Mastering Money’. He has delivered dozens of financial literacy presentations and is a sought-after media commentator on financial literacy. This is a free virtual event, but you must register at hamiltondiocese.com under Upcoming events, or call 905-528-7988 ext. 2249, to receive the Zoom link.
ReSTART: Moving Forward – This is a new and updated 10 week program offering support to anyone seeking to heal and move forward after divorce or separation. The program runs from Tuesdays, March 21st to May 23rd. The sessions take place 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 $25 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 ReSTART Program: Support for Separated and Divorced – Diocese of Hamilton (hamiltondiocese.com).
The Diocesan Wedding Anniversary Mass is Back! Are you celebrating your 25th, 40th, 50th, 60th, or 60+ Wedding Anniversary in the year 2023? If you are, you are cordially invited to join couples from across the Diocese of Hamilton for a Wedding Anniversary Mass on Sunday, April 16, 2023 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 1 guest if you require assistance). Registration will be available in early January at www.hamiltondiocese.com.
Struggling After an Abortion? Your own, or someone else’s? Do you feel alone, emotional, or angry? Project Rachel is available to help – you can heal from the pain. 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. Your call is important to us.
