Heart to Heart: Issue #556
DILEXIT NOS (He Loved Us) is the title of the fourth Encyclical of Pope Francis, published yesterday in Vatican City. The Pope reflects on the enduring symbol of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and refers to several passages from the Gospel of St. John in the opening paragraph of the letter. He emphasizes the importance of “the heart” and urges the reader to nurture lives of mercy and hope – two central themes for the upcoming Jubilee Year of Hope. The encyclical will surely be an important read as we reflect on our lives as Pilgrims of Hope.
LISTENING TOGETHER is a reflection series hosted by the Office for Evangelization and Catechesis throughout the month of November. The pre-2024 Synod meditations of Cardinal-designate Timothy Radcliffe, O.P., will be shared. The discussions are virtual sessions, hosted on Tuesday afternoons from 1 to 2 p.m. with readings provided as digital texts a week in advance. All are welcome to participate; registration can be found here.
THE MAY 2024 INTERFAITH SYMPOSIUM ON PALLIATIVE CARE which took place in Toronto, has published a statement and recommendations emerging from the gathering. Towards a Narrative of Hope is the title of the document. Sponsored by the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Pontifical Academy for Life, in collaboration with other partners, the conference reflects on palliative care from the Catholic tradition. The document proposes recommendations for future action. You can read the document here.
UNIVERSITY CHAPLAINS AND CAMPUS MINISTERS, Bishops and Chancery staff met earlier this week to discuss ministry activities and shared events. Plans were presented for the Students’ Winter Retreat to be held at Mount Mary Retreat Centre, based on the Year of Hope theme: Hope Does Not Disappoint. Several students from each Chaplaincy are preparing for the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil! Christina Mines, Director of Evangelization and Catechesis spoke of the Certificate in Catholic Leadership at St. Jerome’s University and their capstone international service experience in partnership with Planting Seeds in Guatemala! Lots happening – lively communities of faith!
THE CARMELITE COMMITTEE are loyal supporters of the Carmelite Nuns at the Carmel of St. Joseph in St. Agatha. The committee holds their annual fundraiser on Monday evening at the Holy Family Croatian Parish Hall in Kitchener. The event is always a happy gathering of loyal supporters, and the Nuns are beneficiaries of their generosity. It is an expression of gratitude for their presence and prayers in our Diocese!
THE SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION is celebrated in the Diocese of Hamilton for students in Grade 7 throughout the current pastoral year. Tomorrow the sacrament will be celebrated at Paroisse Notre Dame in Hamilton. Pray for the young people who are preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation – a celebration of God’s love for them and the promise of the gifts of the Holy Spirit empower them to do great things!
THE WHITE MASS, at which we pray with and for those who serve in the medical professions, will be celebrated on Sunday at Canadian Martyrs Parish in Hamilton. We remember the caregivers who tend to our well-being when we need them most! We pray especially for those who serve at institutions throughout the Diocese in the St. Joseph’s Health System, the legacy of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Hamilton!
ALL SOULS DAY is marked at Marymount Cemetery in Guelph with a Mass on November 2nd, at 11 a.m. We will also pray for all of our loved ones that have died during Mass at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Burlington, on Sunday, November 3rd, at 2 p.m. May they rest in peace!
OUR LADY OF THE ANNUNCIATION, pray for us.
Ex corde, +Douglas, OMI