Issue #239

ST. GABRIEL’S CATHOLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOL IN STONEY CREEK WAS BLESSED on Wednesday evening. The newest school in the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board was full of excited students, happy teachers and parents, and proud school officials for the dedication. Crosses for each classroom were blessed and given to students, staff and parents to be carried to each room. The school is bright and beautiful – and full! Already there are “portables” because the students outnumber space in the school.

Issue #238

THE MASS WITH NEW CATHOLICS IN THE DIOCESE OF HAMILTON takes place this Sunday at the Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King. Catholics who were initiated and those received into the Church during the Easter Vigil last Saturday evening have been invited to join those who worship at the 11 a.m. Sunday Mass. It is always a joy for us to welcome them and an encouragement for them to see how many have made the life-changing decision. We pray for God’s rich blessing for all of them!

Issue #237

THE EASTER TRIDUUM BEGINS TONIGHT with the Mass of the Lords Supper. Our prayer and reflection on the total gift of the Lord Jesus, and the celebration of His Resurrection from the dead, call us to a generous giving of self in the Lord’s service and a joyful proclamation of God’s love for all!

Issue #236

HOLY WEEK BEGINS THIS WEEKEND WITH THE CELEBRATION OF PALM SUNDAY. As is the custom in the Diocese of Hamilton, the Chrism Mass will be celebrated at the Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King on Monday evening, beginning at 7 p.m. A dinner for the Bishops, Priests, Deacons and Seminarians begins at 4 p.m. Bishop Wesley Spiewak, C.R., the new Bishop of Hamilton (Bermuda), will be our special guest for the evening. He is currently visiting members of the Congregation of the Resurrection in the Diocese. We warmly welcome him and the over-200 clergy who will be present for the event at which the Priests renew their commitment to the Diocese. See you there!

Issue #235

FATHER ANGELICO (ANGE) VALERIOTE WAS 92 WHEN HE DIED YESTERDAY following a life of service. He will be remembered for his good humour, his broad smile, and his unique laugh. He lived “the joy of the Gospel”! May God give him the reward due a good and faithful servant! Our condolences to the Valeriote family who remained so close to him, especially during his final years!

Issue #234

“24 HOURS FOR THE LORD: IMMERSED IN GOD’S MERCY!” Pope Francis begins “24 hours for the Lord” with a penitential celebration in St. Peter’s Basilica this afternoon. The world-wide initiative, promoted by the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelization, is in its third year. In the Diocese of Hamilton, the Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King and one Parish in each Deanery has increased the availability of Confessors beginning today and through tomorrow. Please check the Diocesan website for precise times and locations. During this Holy Year of Mercy, make the celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation a priority. “24 hours for the Lord” is a perfect opportunity!

Issue #233

ON FEBRUARY 29, 1856, POPE PIUS IX SIGNED A PAPAL DECREE forming the Diocese of Hamilton. On the same day, he signed a decree appointing Bishop John Farrell the first Bishop of the new Diocese. On Sunday, February 28th, the 11 a.m. Mass at the Cathedral Basilica in Hamilton will be celebrated in thanksgiving for the blessings of God over the past 160 years. Archbishop Luigi Bonazzi, Apostolic Nuncio to Canada, will preach the homily at the Mass. On Monday, at 11:45 a.m., the actual date of the Anniversary, a Mass of Thanksgiving will be celebrated, followed by a reception in McNally Hall at the Cathedral. All Masses are public events. All are welcome.

Issue #232

THE 2016 CATHOLIC YOUTH ORGANIZATION (CYO) CELEBRITY DINNER takes place next Thursday evening (February 25th) at the Hamilton Convention Centre. It is a time to celebrate and support the good work of the organization throughout the year, but especially during the summer months. The special focus of the evening is the “one-on-one” program offered at Camp Marydale for children with special needs. The highlight of the evening is always the presentation of the Honorary Camper. Congratulations to the CYO – may the evening be a smashing success

Issue #231

THERE ARE TWO LOCATIONS FOR THE RITE OF ELECTION ON SUNDAY. 83 catechumens will “sign in” at the ceremony at the Cathedral Basilica in Hamilton, and 37 catechumens will “sign in” at the ceremony at the Basilica of Our Lady in Guelph. Both events begin at 1:30 p.m. and mark the beginning of intense preparation for the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil in Parishes throughout the Diocese. Thanks to Pastors and RCIA Teams for the care you take in ensuring the preparation of the Elect!

Issue #230

THE CHINESE, VIETNAMESE AND KOREAN COMMUNITIES IN THE DIOCESE celebrate Lunar New Year this weekend. The celebration, called TET in Vietnamese, begins the Year of the Monkey. The Korean Catholic community will join the Vietnamese community at Our Lady of Vietnam Parish for the colourful celebration. We send greetings and good wishes for a blessed New Year!

Issue #229

FATHER RON COTE IS RECOVERING FROM A SUCCESSFUL SURGERY at the Juravinski Hospital in Hamilton. He is in good spirits and says that he looks forward to getting back to “retirement” ministry soon. He will spend a time at St. Joseph’s Convent in Dundas after he gets out of the hospital. Thank you for prayers – don’t stop just yet!

Issue #228

TWO COUNCILS OF THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS COUNCILS participated in the Coats for Kids initiative, promoted by the Supreme Council of the Order. Representatives from Council 5860 and Council 8380 delivered two large boxes of children’s winter coats to Erin Pease, Director of the Office for Refugees for the Diocese.

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Issue #239

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Issue #233

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Issue #229

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