Issue #445

POPE FRANCIS HAS ANNOUNCED that the next Synod of Bishops will take place in October 2023. The theme for the Synod is: For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission. It will be the culmination of a “three-year path” involving the People of God at every level of the Church. Pope Francis will officially inaugurate the event on the weekend of October 9-10. The first phase of the synodal path will take place in each Diocese beginning on the weekend of October 17th, under the leadership of the Bishop. This will be marked in the Sunday liturgies in all our parishes, and most particularly at the 4 p.m. Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King. A Synod Committee has been established composed of David and Linda Dayler (chairpersons), Paula Dawson, Bishop Wayne Lobsinger and Monsignor Kroetsch. They will facilitate the synodal process so that as many parishioners as are interested in participating can be engaged. More information will be provided as the process gets underway.

Issue #444

THE FIRST NATIONAL DAY FOR TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION is September 30th. It is a federal statutory holiday enacted by Parliament on June 3rd, of this year. Commemoration of the painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process. On September 30th, Masses will be offered in our Parishes to pray that the truth of residential schools be heard and for healing and reconciliation.

Statement of Apology by the Catholic Bishops of Canada to the Indigenous Peoples of this Land

Date posted on September 24, 2021

The Catholic Bishops of Canada, gathered in Plenary this week, took the opportunity to affirm and acknowledge to the Indigenous Peoples the suffering experienced in Canada’s Indian Residential Schools in a Statement of Apology, dated September 24, 2021. Many Catholic religious communities and dioceses participated in this system, which led to the suppression of Indigenous languages, culture and spirituality…

Issue #443

THE THIRD ANNUAL NATIONAL CATHOLIC HEALTH CARE WEEK runs from Sunday, October 3rd to Saturday, October 9th. Established by the Catholic Health Alliance of Canada, this year’s celebration seeks to build understanding, connection and trust about the organization’s mission and contribution to the pandemic response in Canada. Through stories, reflection and prayer, the week also seeks to foster healing, and to advance Catholic health care’s commitment to social justice and the values of inclusiveness and compassion in the spirit of reconciliation. In the Diocese of Hamilton, St. Joseph’s Health System embodies these fundamental values! How blessed are we! This year, more than ever, we must celebrate the importance of healthcare in our community.

Issue #442

CONNIE CRAMAROSSA has worked at the Chancery Office of the Diocese of Hamilton for 40 years! She began on September 8, 1981, in the Religious Education Office with Gerry Woodman and Carol Daly. In 1984, she moved to the Printing and Mail Room. There she has served the Church assuring the mail was prepared and sent, received and delivered! Thank you Connie for your happy and helpful presence and service! The Chancery staff offered congratulations and good wishes at a celebration in McNally Hall yesterday afternoon.

Issue #441

THE SUDDEN DEATH of Father John Redmond last month, during a family wedding, was a very sad loss for his family, friends, parishioners, and for the Diocese. Thank you for the messages of condolence and assurance of prayers. They console us, strengthen us, and confirm us in faith! Father Andrew Czarny generously accepted to return to St. Pius X Parish, Brantford, as Administrator, until a Pastor is appointed. We are grateful for his service.

Transitional Deacon Ordination of Kevin Upendran

Date posted on August 19, 2021

At 7 o’clock in the evening of the Feast of St. Lawrence, Tuesday, August 10th, 2021, Kevin Upendran was ordained to the Transitional Diaconate. Bishop Wayne Lobsinger was the principal celebrant along with concelebrating priests and deacons. The Mass took place at Holy Cross Parish in Georgetown.

Memorandum with Updated Directives Concerning Church Use

Ordination to the Priesthood of Patrick Ohl and Peter Robinson

Date posted on July 12, 2021

On June 26th, 2021, the Diocese of Hamilton welcomed two new priests! Patrick Ohl and Peter Robinson were ordained to the order of presbyter in the Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King. Bishop Crosby remarked that, “This is an important and joyful day for the Diocese of Hamilton. Both Patrick and Peter have heard the call of the Lord. They knew they had to respond. And that response led them to this beautiful Cathedral Basilica today.”

Issue #440

CONGRATULATIONS TO FATHER PATRICK OHL AND FATHER PETER ROBINSON who will be ordained Priests at a Mass celebrated at the Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King tomorrow morning. The Ordination was to have taken place on May 1, 2021, but the pandemic restrictions made that impossible. We had planned to proceed with two Ordinations, but the recent easing of restrictions made it possible for both to be ordained at the same ceremony in the presence of fellow Priests, family and friends. Still, because of the limited restrictions, only invited guests will participate at the event. Both Priests will celebrate their Masses of Thanksgiving this weekend. Pray for God’s blessing on them and their ministry!

Prayer for National Indigenous Peoples Day

Date posted on June 21, 2021

In honour of National Indigenous Peoples Day, 21 June, the Canadian Catholic Indigenous Council has released the prayer entitled Prayer for Tolerance, Forgiveness, Reconciliation.

Issue #439

THIS WEEK’S WELCOME ANNOUNCEMENT from the Premier of Ontario permits us to open our churches for Masses and other services at 15% of capacity starting today – Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus! This is good news – which comes after a very long and debilitating shutdown!  This is Step 1. Step 2, which is foreseen to take place in three weeks, if all the signs are good, should allow us to open to an even higher percent of capacity. One step at a time! Pastors are reminded to observe all the usual protocols in place to assure the safest possible environment in our parishes.  Priests and parishioners are also encouraged to get any one of the vaccines, for their own well-being and for the safety of those who worship with us!