Issue #411

THE 106TH WORLD DAY OF MIGRANTS AND REFUGEES will be celebrated this Sunday, September 27th. This year’s theme is Forced Like Jesus Christ To Flee! Pope Francis encourages us to reflect on the community of internally displaced peoples across the globe – those who have been forcibly displaced within the borders of their country of citizenship. At the end of 2019, the UN Refugee Agency reported that an astonishing 45.7 million people were internally displaced due to armed conflict, generalized violence or human rights violations. It is noteworthy that this number is larger than the world’s refugee population – those who have been forced to cross an international border in search of protection. While COVID-19 has undermined the ability of the Diocese of Hamilton to host our Annual Multicultural Mass this year, we encourage everyone to call to mind this important day in your prayers!

Blessings in the Midst of Trial
Volume 7

Date posted on September 23, 2020

The youth ministry at St. Augustine’s in Dundas didn’t shut down during the pandemic. It invited the parish to “Do Something Good” in the community. “Do Good” is one of the parish’s youth ministry mottos and supports its “Youth With Purpose” and “Youth in Action” movements. One of those projects was to create and send “Joy Cards” to the residents and staff at St. Joseph’s Villa in Dundas…

Issue #410

OCTOBER 4th-10th IS NATIONAL CATHOLIC HEALTH CARE WEEK. The week recognizes the inspiring work of Catholic health care organizations in our Province and across Canada. At the heart of Catholic health care is a deep respect for the intrinsic value and dignity of every human being and an unwavering commitment to serving all people, from all backgrounds and faiths – especially society’s most vulnerable. The COVID-19 pandemic has called us to reflect on the importance of human connection, quality of life, and the meaning of well-being – body, mind and spirit. We give thanks for the courageous gift of Catholic health care during these challenging times – in hospitals, community health centres, and senior care centres. For more information visit the website of the Catholic Health Alliance of Canada.

Issue #409

THE DIOCESE WELCOMED FOUR NEW PRIESTS to its ranks on August 15th! Congratulations to Father Paul Edmondstone (St. Matthew Parish, Oakville), Father Francisco Sordo, (St. Michael Parish, Oakville), Father Pawel Stankiewicz (Blessed Sacrament Parish, Kitchener) and Father Hayden Starczala (Holy Cross Parish, Georgetown), who were ordained Priests at the Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King. Because of COVID-19 protocols, the number of clergy and lay people who gathered for the celebration was restricted. Still, a spirit of joyful thanksgiving marked the event! We wish them well in their new ministry!

Highlights from the 2020 Diocese of Hamilton Ordinations

Date posted on August 19, 2020

On Friday, August 14th, 2020 and Saturday, August 15th, 2020, the Diocese of Hamilton gained two new permanent deacons and four new priests respectively.

Blessings in the Midst of Trial
Volume 6

Date posted on July 31, 2020

As St. Teresa Parish in Kitchener prepared for Pentecost, nine cedars were planted along the church to symbolize the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit…

Blessings in the Midst of Trial
Volume 5

Date posted on July 24, 2020

The people of St. Clement have stayed true to their small-town roots, living their faith with neighbourly acts of care.

Blessings in the Midst of Trial
Volume 4

Date posted on July 23, 2020

Thanks to the One Heart, One Soul Campaign, St. Ann’s has been able to move its Music Ministry into the church loft, paint the church interior, install a tile floor to replaced the 37-year-old carpet, install a new sound system in the church and pay down the parish’s Diocesan loan by 30%.

Blessings in the Midst of Trial
Volume 3

Date posted on July 9, 2020

The Blessed Sacrament placed in the window of the Holy Rosary office in Guelph has become a “huge inspiration” to the parish and the neighbourhood, said Fr. Vernon Boyd, the parish’s pastor…

Blessings in the Midst of Trial
Volume 2

Date posted on July 3, 2020

The pandemic hasn’t halted the good work of the Church. The Stewardship and Development Office asked for examples, and parishes provided a wealth of them. A few are here, and more are to come!

Issue #408

THE CANADIAN CONFERENCE OF CATHOLIC BISHOPS will hold its September 2020 Plenary Assembly by video conference. The decision was made the CCCB Permanent Council at its recent meeting and was communicated to the Bishops by the General Secretary, Monsignor Frank Leo. The decision was taken because of the fluid state of the pandemic crisis, and concern for the safety and well-being of staff and members. The structure of the video conference is being developed in the coming weeks and will include reflections and decisions on matters that affect the Church in Canada into the future. We pray for the good work of the Conference, and thank the CCCB personnel for their effective service!

Issue #407

THE CHANCERY OFFICE IS RE-OPENING next Thursday, July 2, following a three-and-a-half month shutdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The re-opening will take place under careful constraints mandated by the Government of Ontario, including the use of hand sanitizers, face coverings, physical distancing guidelines and certain office protocols to protect office personnel and visitors. Plexiglas shields have been placed at desks situated in public areas. Visitors to the Chancery will be welcomed by appointment only. The Chancery will be operating at summer hours until Labour Day in September!