Heart to Heart: Issue #541

Date posted on May 3, 2024

CATHOLIC EDUCATION WEEK begins on Sunday, May 5th and continues through Friday, May 10th! This year’s theme for Catholic Education Week is, “We are called to love”. Each year the Diocese highlights the good things that are taking place in our Catholic Schools. Videos, photos and witness statements are shared to showcase the value that is Catholic Education. Each day one of the seven Catholic District School Boards in the Diocese is featured in a video highlighting the theme for the day. Check out the many resources available on our Diocesan website here. The Hamilton Wentworth Catholic District School Board holds its annual Pilgrimage Mass at Cathedral High School on Sunday morning, followed by thousands of young people walking in Pilgrimage behind the Holy Cross – a powerful witness of faith! Happy celebration of Catholic Education Week!

2024 CATHOLIC LEADERSHIP AWARDS AND DINNER is celebrated on Monday, May 6th, by the Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board. It is an opportunity during Catholic Education Week to celebrate the gifted leadership of students. The celebratory event takes place at St. John’s College in Brantford.

THE NATIONAL WEEK OF FAMILY AND LIFE is celebrated in Dioceses across Canada next week, from May 13-19. This year’s theme, “Love hopes all things”, is inspired by the words of Saint Paul the Apostle: “Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things”. (1 Corinthians 13:7)  A variety of resources, for use at home, in schools, and parishes, emphasizing the joy and beauty of family and life are available on our website under Upcoming Events. Take a look and engage with your family. For Priests and Deacons, a homily idea and suggested Prayers of the Faithful are offered! Prepare well.

THE MONTH OF MAY IS THE MONTH OF MARY! On May 1st, Archbishop Francis Leo, a noted Marian scholar and a devotee of the Blessed Mother, published a Pastoral Letter to the Metropolitan Province of Toronto (which includes the Diocese of Hamilton) on The Month of the Blessed Mother. The entire text of the letter can be found here. “Mary is THE way to get closer to the Saviour and when we have a deep, authentic and personal relationship with her, she leads us, without fail, directly to Him. This is her vocation, her mission, her calling as willed by the Lord’s loving providence.” His letter is a good guide for our reflection during this special month!

THE 2024 DIOCESAN WEDDING ANNIVERSARY MASS is fast approaching, and there is still time to register. If you celebrate your 25th, 40th, 50th, or 60+ wedding anniversary in 2024, we would love to see you at this wonderful celebration. The 2024 Wedding Anniversary Mass takes place on Sunday, May 26th, at the Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King, Hamilton, beginning at 1:30 p.m. Register here, or contact the Family Ministry Office at 905-528-7988 ext. 2249.

THE NATIONAL MARCH FOR LIFE takes place on Thursday, May 9th. The theme is: “I Will Never Forget You”. We do not forget when we stand firm for the pre-born, pregnant mothers, those targeted due to disability, and the elderly in hospitals and care homes. In solidarity with the vulnerable and marginalized, the March reminds people and government officials that life matters from conception to natural death. Many of the local Right to Life organizations in the Diocese are organizing same day bus trips to the event, so reach out to reserve a spot and travel with them to stand firm for life!

SAINT JOSEPH’S HEALTH SYSTEM (SJHS) holds its 2024 Mission Day on May 8th at the Royal Botanical Gardens, Burlington. The Mission Day brings together representatives from all the health care institutions in the System throughout the Diocese. The event gives participants the opportunity to reflect on the mission, vision and values of the organization, so important for our Catholic identity.

OUR LADY OF THE ANNUNCIATION, pray for us! Ex corde, +Douglas, OMI

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