Heart to Heart: Issue #570
40th ANNUAL BISHOP’S CHARITIES DINNER DANCE sponsored by the Knights of Columbus Councils in the Hamilton area takes place on Saturday evening, March 1st, at Carmens Banquet Hall. Besides being a happy gathering of our Catholic parishes and organizations, the event raises funds in support many of the Bishop’s “favourite charities”. Over the years the Knights have raised around $3M! Thanks to Corrado Ciapanna and Robert Chwalyk, and all the Knights who have worked to assure the success of the evening! We will welcome, the Ontario State Deputy for the Knights of Columbus, Bruce Poulin. See you there!
TODAY THE HAMILTON WENTWORTH CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD holds its annual Faith Day for staff. Mass is celebrated twice during the day to facilitate participation by all. Former Saskatchewan Chief Cadmus Delorme will speak about the healing and reconciliation promoted by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and by Catholic communities across the country. We pray that this Faith Day will be richly blessed.
FAITH LEADERS IN THE HAMILTON AREA signed a public letter to elected officials imploring a unified response to the growing issue of homelessness and the ever-increasing housing rental costs that make it difficult, if not impossible, for low-income earners to secure a home. The letter encourages newly elected Provincial government officials to effect legislative changes that will lead to a resolution of this growing concern. It can be read here.
ASH WEDNESDAY marks the start of the Season of Lent. Masses will be celebrated throughout the Diocese at which Ashes will be distributed, reminding us of the effect of sin and the opportunity Lent provides to “turn away from sin”! It is a long-standing practice for Catholics to undertake some penitential action throughout Lent that nurtures holiness inwardly and promotes charity and justice outwardly. May this Lent be an opportunity to do both!
THE HOLY CROSS FATHERS in Welland, have alerted us to the deteriorating health of Archbishop James MacDonald, C.S.C. Born on April 28, 1925, the Archbishop is almost 100 years old! The Archbishop served as Parish Priest in our Diocese prior to his appointment as Auxiliary Bishop of Hamilton on February 9, 1978. He was ordained Bishop on April 17th, that same year. On August 12, 1982, he was appointed Bishop of Charlottetown, and on February 2, 1991, Archbishop of St. John’s, Newfoundland. He retired on December 4, 2000. We hold him in our prayers. May he receive the reward promised to good and faithful servants!
INTERESTED IN A CONVERSATION on Nurturing Ecological Conversion? Here is a Group Retreat based on the wisdom of Laudato Si’! Lead by Trevor Scott S.J., John McCarthy, S.J., and Simon Appolloni, the one-hour webinar promises to inform, challenge and excite those who are intrigued by Laudato Si’ and Pope Francis’ call to Care for Our Common Home! Here is a Lenten experience that will touch your minds and hearts – and may lead to changes in your life that will surprise you! Register here!
THE SAINT ANTHONY FEAST COMMITTEE and Father Francesco Cucchi, Pastor of St. Anthony’s Parish, Hamilton, donated the gallons of olive oil that will be blessed this year at the Mass of Chrism. It is used in the Sacrament of the Sick, for the anointing of Catechumens along their journey toward Baptism, and the consecrated oil mixed with balsam for Sacred Chrism. It will mark the way to salvation for the unbaptized, it will bring comfort and peace to the sick and dying in the homes and hospitals. Sacred Chrism will anoint the newly Baptized, those who are Confirmed, Priests and Bishops at their Ordinations, and new Altars and Churches. It prepares people and places to serve! Thank you for such a gift!
WE CONTINUE TO PRAY WITH THE UNIVERSAL CHURCH, for the well-being of Pope Francis!
Our Lady of the Annunciation, pray for us!
Ex corde, +Douglas, OMI