Issue #464

FORWARD TOGETHER IN CHRIST. As the COVID restrictions on our Parishes and liturgical life are being lifted, it is necessary for the Diocese to determine the best path forward for our lives as Disciples of Christ. To help determine this, the Diocese is embarking on a process we are calling “Forward Together in Christ”. Through this process, the voices of our clergy and laity, will help determine our best way Forward Together in Christ. Consultations with Deacons and Lay Parish Pastoral Ministers are already underway. Meetings with the Priests will occur over the next few weeks in each of the Deaneries. Pope Francis has made it clear that we are not returning to the “normal” of February 2020, but that this is a time of grace to determine our “new normal” as the People of God moving Forward Together in Christ!

An announcement from His Excellency Auxiliary Bishop Wayne Lobsinger – Forward Together in Christ

Date posted on March 10, 2022

His Excellency, Auxiliary Bishop Wayne Lobsinger, is pleased to announce a new Diocesan initiative called “Forward Together in Christ.”

Towards a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission

Date posted on March 7, 2022

Pope Francis is asking each and every one of us to become involved in the synodal process leading up to the Synod of Bishops to be held in Rome in 2023. Today we begin the first phase in our Diocese. We invite you to watch the video and share your voice by filling out the survey:

Issue #463

THE CONSTRUCTION OF ST. CATHERINE OF SIENA CHURCH on Hamilton Mountain is beginning to show! The steel beams are being erected revealing the building’s shape and size. Father Mark Gatto inspects the site regularly along with building overseer, Deacon Tom Vert. During a recent visit, Father Mark had a close up view of the cranes that are doing the “heavy lifting”. It is an exciting time for parishioners who have waited a long time for their new church!

Issue #462

POPE FRANCIS HAS CALLED FOR MARCH 2ND, ASH WEDNESDAY, to be a day of prayer and fasting for Ukraine. Because it is Ash Wednesday, we already follow the practice of prayer, fasting, and abstinence. So the Pope’s call can be met with a strong response from Catholic’s world-wide. Here in our Diocese, with churches able to welcome worshippers at full capacity for the first time in two years, we, and all people of good will, are encouraged to heed the Pope’s call. If you are unable or reticent to return “in person”, many Parishes will be “live-streaming” their services. As well, our Diocesan website has a pre-taped Liturgy of the Word for Ash Wednesday, with Bishop Wayne Lobsinger presiding at St. Ann Parish, Ancaster. Let us pray fervently for our suffering sisters and brothers in Ukraine.

Updated Covid-19 Protocols

Lent 2022 Virtual Resources

Date posted on February 22, 2022

The Diocese of Hamilton is pleased to offer you an Ash Wednesday Liturgy of the Word that can be celebrated virtually in a classroom or at home. You will find tips for celebrating the Lenten season with your family, and a video with the Gospel Proclamation and Reflection by Bishop Wayne Lobsinger.

Issue #461

OUR OWN DR. MOIRA MCQUEEN has written a very informative book on the synodal experience in the Church. In Walking Together-A Primer on the New Synodality, Dr. McQueen explains the purpose and history of synods, the desire of the Fathers of the Second Vatican Council regarding synods, and the commitment of Popes since the Council to the synodal process. She reflects on the 20 synods since the Council, Pope Francis’ approach to synods, and his plan for the 2023 Synod. Moira shares her own experience as a participant at a recent Synod. The book is available through Novalis. Once read, you will want to participate in the preparation process for the upcoming synod which is being encouraged throughout the Diocese.

Issue #460

PEOPLE AND PLANET FIRST! This is the theme for the annual Share Lent campaign sponsored by Development and Peace – Caritas Canada. It highlights the work of Development and Peace partners who create alternatives to unjust social and economic systems. We join in solidarity with brothers and sisters in the global south when we open our hearts to the message of this campaign. Development and Peace provides liturgical resources, a virtual Share Lent workshop, an exciting new program for schools, and it invites financial contributions to support those most in need. An excellent Lenten program.

Issue #459

CATHERINE HARTNETT AND TERESA HARTNETT have teamed up to author a book titled Nighttime Devotional for Teen Girls. The book is a series of 5-minute daily guided reflections about issues and concerns for girls from a spiritual perspective. A perfect book to give as a gift – or for a father or mother to share with a daughter. Congratulations to the mother/daughter duo on having the discipline, the humility and the courage to produce such an insightful self-reflective publication!

Issue #458

CARL HETU IS THE NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR of the Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace – Caritas Canada, effective February 14, 2022. He returns to the organization following 18 years as National Director of CNEWA Canada, where he opened the Ottawa office in 2005 and coordinated awareness, educational and development activities. He looks forward to the coming years of working with the CCODP staff, engaging the public and promoting the organization’s mission in collaboration with its partners in the global south. We offer our congratulations and good wishes as Carl takes on this new service to the Church in Canada!

A Day of Prayer for Peace over Ukraine

Date posted on January 25, 2022

Let us join Pope Francis in prayer on Wednesday, January 26, 2022 for peace in Ukraine. The Pope has expressed his concern regarding the tensions over Ukraine, and makes “a heartfelt appeal to all people of good will to raise prayers to Almighty God that all political actions and initiatives may be at the service of human brotherhood rather than partisan interests.”