Heart to Heart: Issue #593
WELCOME TO BISHOP JOSEPH DABROWSKI, recently appointed Bishop of Hamilton. The Bishop will meet Chancery personnel, celebrate Mass at the Cathedral and meet with the Planning Committee to discuss his upcoming celebration of the “Taking Possession of the See”, scheduled for February 2nd. The visit will give him an overview of the Diocese and help him to prepare for his return in the new year. We look forward to welcoming him!
WELCOME ALSO TO BISHOP ANSELM UMOREN, Auxiliary Bishop of Abuja, Nigeria. The Bishop served in Stephenville, Newfoundland, when I was Bishop of the Diocese of Corner Brook and Labrador. He completed his Doctoral Thesis there and returned to Africa, where he was elected Superior General of the Missionaries of St. Paul, his religious community. He welcomed me to Abuja when I visited several African Dioceses a few years ago. This visit gives us the opportunity to renew our friendship and provides him with the occasion to visit friends in Canada.
THE CATHEDRAL OF CHRIST THE KING, blessed on December 19, 1933, was officially dedicated by Bishop Paul F. Reding, on November 21, 1982. This year, Friday, November 21st, at 12 noon, I will celebrate the Dedication Anniversary Mass at the Cathedral Basilica. The feast of the Dedication of the Cathedral is celebrated in parishes throughout the Diocese on the same date. Thank you to Father David Wynen, Rector of the Cathedral Basilica, for bringing this important annual Anniversary celebration to our attention!
THE CERTIFICATE IN CATHOLIC LEADERSHIP, offered by St. Jerome’s University has empowered participants to grow in faith and recognize the unique gifts that they bring to their educational communities. “The mentoring component has provided valuable opportunities for our staff to engage in meaningful conversations with the participants about Catholic leadership and the discernment of their vocational call.” So writes Lorrie Naar, Superintendent of Education, Halton Catholic District School Board. The certificate program has welcomed 30 new participants for the current year. Thanks to St. Jerome’s University President, Peter Meehan, for this important opportunity for the formation of Catholic educators, health-care providers and social service workers. This important program provides a solid Catholic formation!
THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS are promoting COR, consisting of three key elements that must be present at every gathering of Knights: prayer, formation, and fraternity. The 60 to 90 minute gatherings work closely with Pastors of parishes, local leaders, and committed men from the parish. Held at least twice a month or even weekly, the program promotes the key values of the Knights of Columbus and strengthens the men’s organization! Last week, Knights in the Hamilton Deanery sponsored a time of prayer at St. Francis Xavier Parish for brother-Knights deceased in the past year. They also sponsored a fraternal dinner with priests who serve in the Deanery at the Knights of Columbus Hall, adjacent to St. Eugene Parish. Thanks for your commitment to the brothers!
MARK YOUR CALENDAR! A CLOSING MASS FOR THE JUBILEE YEAR OF HOPE will be celebrated at the Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King on Sunday, December 28th, at 3 p.m. It will also be the Mass of Thanksgiving offered for my 15-years of service as Bishop of Hamilton. Priests, Deacons and Parishioners are invited to join in this time of prayer! Thank you for this blessed moment.
OUR LADY OF THE ANNUNCIATION, pray for us!
Ex corde, +Douglas, OMI