Issue #376

POPE FRANCIS DECLARED ALL OF OCTOBER 2019 to be an Extraordinary Mission Month with the theme Baptized and Sent: The Church of Christ on Mission to the World. It marks the hundredth anniversary of the Apostolic Letter on the missionary activity of the Church issued by Pope Benedict XV in the aftermath of World War I, Maximum Illud. The aim of the special month, explained Pope Francis, is “to foster an increased awareness of the missio ad gentes, and taking up again with renewed fervor the missionary transformation of the Church’s life and pastoral activity.”  The Diocese of Hamilton has a healthy missionary outreach. Through our Missionary Cooperative Program our Parishes generously support many Dioceses, Religious Communities, Parishes, and projects around the world. Additionally, following the devastating earthquake of 2010, we have entered into a contractual arrangement with the Archdiocese of Port-au-Prince by which we strongly support  their seminary formation program, assuring the education of priests for service in the Archdiocese into the future. As well, we reach out to many “mission” Dioceses in Canada, providing clergy support and financial support when requested. We have a special concern to assist the Diocese of Churchill-Hudson Bay, by providing administrative advice, pastoral programming, and clergy assistance during the past several years. Our Parishes are “mission minded” when parishioners “go out” into their communities to visit the sick, the homebound, and the prisons. Our Catholic schools provide marvelous opportunities for students to visit developing countries and participate in projects and programs that assist the local communities and are “life-changing” for the students. We are sent to carry out the missionary mandate of Jesus Christ at the end of every Mass: “Go announce the Gospel of the Lord.”

Issue #375

“YOU HAVE CHOSEN TO COME TO A MARVELOUS PLACE – UNIVERSITY!  … You have chosen a Catholic university; be emboldened by its vision to educate students to become informed, courageous citizens who have the humility to work together for the common good and the courage to lead by example to build a more just and peaceful society. In the end, choose to act and not be passive.” Excerpt from the first address of Chancellor Bruce Rodriguez, St. Jerome University, Waterloo.

Issue #374

REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE DIOCESAN REFUGEE SPONSORSHIP COMMUNITY, Diane Jones from St. Michael Parish, Waterloo and Elizabeth Meakes from St. Anne Parish, Kitchener, along with Erin Pease, Director of our Refugee Office, had the honour of spending an evening with The Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, Elizabeth Dowdeswell. In celebration of 40 years of success of Canada’s private sponsorship program, sponsoring stakeholders from across the Province were invited to convene at the Lieutenant Governor’s Suite at Queen’s Park. A key reflection that underpinned the spirit of much of the evening was expressed in the words of young Malala Yousfzai: “We realize the importance of our voices only when we are silenced.” Thanks to all who are part of our sponsorship community!

Issue #373

MR. KYLE DALY has been hired as the Retreat Coordinator at Mount Mary Retreat Centre, in Ancaster. He began working in mid-July. In this position, Kyle will report to Mr. Jim Long, the Episcopal Director of Finance and Administration. We welcome Kyle, and we have every assurance that the Centre is in capable and dependable hands. It is a busy place, and will only get busier!

Issue #372

32 TEAMS GATHERED for the Bishop’s Charities Invitational Golf Tournament on Wednesday at the iconic Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville. The weather was perfect for the tourney: sunny all day, with a slight breeze. There was added excitement when 26 year-old Joshua Santucci hit a hole-in-one on hole number three – and won $20,000! His team, and several Chancery personnel volunteering for the day (including me), were witnesses to the exciting event. Once the teams had all completed the 18-hole course, there was a delicious lunch at which prize winners were announced. Thanks to the all the Sponsors, and especially Presenting Sponsor Tripemco Insurance, for their generosity – all in aid of DeMazenod Door at St. Patrick Parish and St. Patrick Catholic Elementary School where hundreds of needy folks are fed everyday! 

Issue #371

THE NEW MARIAN CHAPEL AT ST. PETER’S SEMINARY is dedicated to Our Lady of the Annunciation as an expression of gratitude for the assistance of the Diocese of Hamilton with the renovation of the building. The Chapel dedication occurred on Tuesday following a meeting of the Seminary Board of Directors. A beautiful tapestry of the Annunciation, a gift from the Diocese of Hamilton, was hung in the Chapel prior to the dedication. The renovation of the building continues until next Spring when the Seminary will celebrate its completion at the Alumni Reunion 2020!

Issue #370

THIS YEAR’S WEDDING ANNIVERSARY MASS LAST SUNDAY was a remarkably blessed event. 400 couples represented 18,574 years of married life – a powerful witness! One couple celebrated their 72nd anniversary! Congratulations and thanks to Teresa Hartnett and Lena Settimi, from the Diocesan Family Ministry Office for the success of this year’s celebration. As it happened, Teresa and Joe Harnett celebrated their 40th anniversary! Another important reason to celebrate! 

Issue #369

THE CCCB STANDING COMMITTEE for Relations with Catholic Movements and Associations has published a special Pentecost message. “The first proclamation of salvation motivates us to urgent collaboration with others, which includes fostering unity, charity, and a dialogue of salvation. We truly desire that the young generations with all their desires will discover a yearning for God, to seek him, to love him, and to serve him.”

Issue #368

ST. PETER YU KOREAN PARISH celebrated their 25^th Anniversary last Sunday. Twenty-two members of the Korean Catholic Community in Hamilton were Confirmed as a part of the day-long event. Following the Mass of Thanksgiving and outdoor photos a traditional Korean feast was prepared for parishioners and guests. Former Pastors visiting from Korea joined Father Young Hoon Kim, current pastor and Korean Priests from other Canadian communities, including Father Jung Heong Kwak from St. Paul Chung Parish in Kitchener. Korean Deacon TJ Han, who also serves at St. Anthony Daniel Parish in Kitchener, served as the Deacon for the Mass. May the Parish thrive well into the future!

Issue #367

HUNTER HALL – THE NEW KITCHEN AND DINING FACILITY at Camp Brebeuf was officially opened and blessed yesterday. The hall was named in honour of Hunter Goemans who died in a tragic accident a few years ago. Dark clouds threatened rain, but when the speeches began the sun broke through – and the ribbon was cut! Inside the new dining hall was bright and clean and beautiful. Hunter Hall is ready to welcome hungry campers! Congratulations to the Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) on the completion of this major improvement at the camp. The pool – done! The kitchen and dining hall – done! Now for the improvements to the cottages! 

Ordination to the Priesthood: Father Merkley, Father Schnurr & Father Trindade

Date posted on May 21, 2019

On May 4, 2019, Father Gregory Merkley, Father John Schnurr, and Father Vivek Trindade were ordained priests for service in the Diocese of Hamilton at the Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King by Bishop Douglas Crosby, OMI! Let us pray that Jesus may be glorified in the ministry and service of these three new priests…

Issue #366

THE FRANCIS IMPACT is the title of the most recent documentary on Pope Francis produced by Salt and Light Television. Sequel to its documentary The Francis Effect, it has been programmed for several showings each week on their website or on their television channel. It is a highly emotional and very informative presentation which Pope Francis himself concludes! It is too good to miss!