Heart to Heart: Issue #554

Date posted on October 11, 2024

CONGRATULATIONS TO ARCHBISHOP FRANCIS LEO, named Cardinal last Sunday, by Pope Francis. The Consistory will take place on Sunday, December 8, 2024, in Rome. We pray in thanksgiving for this appointment and assure the Archbishop of our ongoing prayers for his well-being!

THANKS TO FATHER PAUL MATHEW, Pastor of St. Mary and the Missions Parish in Owen Sound for assuming the duties of Dean of Bruce-Grey Deanery, following the transfer of Father David Reitzel to St. Mary of the Visitation Parish, Cambridge. Deans assure pastoral care for the priests in their Deaneries, and organize regular gathering of the priests under their care.

THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS STATE (ONTARIO) COUNCIL is promoting COR, a program that features “prayer” – lifting the mind and heart to God, “formation” – becoming like Christ, and “fraternity” – centering brotherhood on Christ! These three elements are present for every gathering of Knights! COR lasts approximately 60-90 minutes once a month, although some groups may wish to hold meetings weekly. The goal of each meeting is to provide the opportunity for men to encounter Christ, to pray together, to be formed in their faith, and to strengthen their bonds of brotherhood, preparing them for courageous leadership and the mission of evangelization for their families and communities.  A worthwhile program indeed!

HEARTY CONGRATULATIONS TO WAYSIDE HOUSE-Hamilton, recipient of the Spirit of Hope Award at yesterday’s Mental Health Day sponsored by St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton! WAYSIDE HOUSE welcomes men seeking support in the fight against drug addiction. Under the direction of Regan Anderson, the self-help program is highly successful in supporting a recovery that works! A well-merited honour!

THE ONTARIO PROVINCIAL COUNCIL of the Catholic Women’s League met earlier this week with the Assembly of Catholic Bishops of Ontario. There are more than 34,000 CWL members throughout the Province of Ontario. Colleen Martin, from Thunder Bay, is the Provincial CWL President, assisted by Karen MacDonald, Vice President. The Ontario Provincial Council promotes a lively program for CWL members. Every Catholic woman might consider joining the League and supporting their good works!

THE THANKSGIVING DAY LONG WEEKEND is a time to consider the many blessings we experience in Canada and in the Diocese of Hamilton. Hundreds of Masses of Thanksgiving are celebrated throughout the Diocese all weekend and on Monday! We have much for which to give thanks. God has blessed us richly. May the holiday be a time to “count our blessings” and share generously with others – especially those who are in need!

A THANKSGIVING PRAYER written by Amazing Worenwu, a student at St. Mary’s Catholic Secondary School in Hamilton, follows: Lord Jesus, all too often we take our loved ones, friends and classmates for granted. As we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving this weekend, I pray that You increase the gift of gratitude in our hearts and help us recognize the many blessings You offer us. May we connect more closely with You, our family, friends and those in our community. God, open our eyes to see the image of You in each other and in the beauty of nature. Thank YOU, Lord, for the opportunity to be grateful and celebrate Thanksgiving. AMEN!

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

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