Heart to Heart: Issue #558

Date posted on November 8, 2024

AID TO THE CHURCH IN NEED ACN Canada is organizing RED WEDNESDAY, November 20, 2024. It is a day to pray for persecuted Christians – a Mass, a Vigil, a Rosary, a prayer. Whatever you do, big or small, it will go straight to the heart of ACN project partners who suffer from persecution. Our prayer is their strength! Check here to find more information and resources!

THE DIOCESAN PASTORAL MINISTERS gather at Mount Carmel Renewal Centre in Niagara Falls this week for their annual Conference. This year, with facilitator Sr. Rosemary Howarth, SSND, their theme is: Resilient Pastoral Ministry – Pastoral Ministers as Pilgrims of Hope. A time of sharing, praying, and celebrating, it is an opportunity for our Pastoral Ministers to deepen faith and renew pastoral approaches. Thank you for your ministry in the Diocese!

THE CATHOLIC YOUTH ORGANIZATION (CYO) in the Diocese of Hamilton is in good hands with the new Executive Director, Mr. Brett Martin. Appointed in July, he began his service this month. Brett grew up with CYO, participating in their programs as a young person, serving as a volunteer, working as seasonal staff, and facilitating  many leadership development programs over his 20 year involvement. He is the 5th Executive Director of CYO since 1958. He will work closely with John Spatazzo, whose retirement is effective January 1, 2025. We wish you well, Brett!

ECHOES OF HOPE: A RETREAT FOR ALL CATECHISTS, is being offered at Mount Mary Retreat Centre on Saturday, November 23, 2024. Offered by the Office for Evangelization and Catechesis, the day of preparation for the Jubilee of Hope will feature prayer, conversation and thanksgiving for the gift of ministry. The day also includes group and personal reflection, and a catechist resource fair. Registration and information is here.

THE CANADIAN CATHOLIC BIOETHICS INSTITUTE has published its most recent CCBI News. It contains excellent reflections on Catholic health care concerns, Euthanasia in the UK, and MAiD Death Review. Always insightful reflections, it is worth a read. Check it out here.

AN ADVENT HYMN FESTIVAL, sponsored by the Diocesan Choir, will take place on Sunday, December 1, 2024, at 7 p.m. at St. Joseph Parish, 260 Herkimer Street, Hamilton. No registration is required. No charge – however a good will offering will go to St. Joseph Parish Neighbours in Need Program. Check out the Diocesan website!

THE ANNUAL OPEN HOUSE AT MOUNT MARY RETREAT CENTRE, ANCASTER – Come Home for Christmas, takes place on Sunday, December 1, 2024, from 1 p.m.- 4 p.m. Activities for children include cookie decorating, face painting, and ornament making. Local vendors will sell small items. Refreshments for all. No entry fee. Donations of unused socks, gloves, hats, scarves and soap, for DeMazenod Door Outreach are welcome.

WELCOME TO THE PRESBYTERAL COUNCIL on Tuesday, November 12th. It is an opportunity to hear Deanery Reports, and to share information with Deans and Deanery representatives. Always a vibrant gathering!

THE COUNCIL OF CATHOLIC SERVICE ORGANIZATION meets on Tuesday evening. It is an opportunity for the Catholic organizations serving in the Hamilton Deanery to share their ministries and resources. Sarah Guinta from our Office for Justice and Peace will update the members about the Indigenous Reconciliation Fund. See you there!

Our Lady of the Annunciation, pray for us! Ex corde, +Douglas, OMI

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