Heart to Heart 2013

Bishop Crosby's weekly letter to clergy and parishioners in the Diocese.

Dec202013

The Bishop's Levee for New Years Day takes place in the hall of the Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King on January 1. The Diocesan Office for Family Ministry was overwhelmed by the number of responses by parishioners to the Questionnaire for the Extraordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops on the Pastoral Challenges to the Family in the Context of Evangelization. Most of our Seminarians and many of our Priests, and several young men who aspire to study for service as Priests in the Diocese will gather at the Cathedral Basilica next Friday. This is the last issue of Heart to Heart for 2013!

Dec132013

Before he went to the Conclave, where he was elected Pope, Cardinal Jorge Maria Bergoglio stayed in Room 203 at the Domus Paulus VI on Via della Scrofa, in Rome. (Remember the picture of the new Pope paying his bill at the front desk?) It is the very room I was given on my arrival here last week. I will surely mention it to him when we meet later today! Please pray for Fr. Robert Walz, who died on December 10th. Father Walz retired as Pastor of St. Maryâ€™s in Elora in June 2011 and had been residing in Fergus.

Dec062013

The Canadian Government has extended the deadline for matching donations dollar-for-dollar for the Philippine Typhoon Relief. A special Mass is being offered at the Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King this Sunday in Memory of Bishop Paul F. Reding. On my arrival in Rome on Monday, I was invited to a concert in Paul VI Hall, a major fundraiser for Bambino Gesu Hospital in Rome. Supported by other Italian singing stars was Andrea Bocelli - the music was sublime! Prayers are requested for Father Jim Profit, SJ; on the advice of his doctors, he has stopped treatment for his cancers.

Nov292013

Congratulations to Victoria Docouto and Matthew Odem who will marry tomorrow at a ceremony at St. Margaret Mary Parish in Hamilton. Vicky prepares Heart to Heart for distribution every Friday morning. The Office of Family Ministry has published the Questionnaire in preparation for the Extraordinary Synod on the Family. Priests are reminded of the Advent Prayer Days scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday of this week.

Nov222013

The Closing Masses for the Year of Faith will be celebrated Sunday afternoon, November 24th. Your prayers are requested for Father Robert Walz who continues his battle with cancer. Congratulations to Sister Eileen of Our Lady, OCD who marks her 50th Anniversary of profession as a Carmelite this month. Thanks to Bishop Miehm and Mr. John Oâ€™Brien for organizing and speaking at the Convocation which took place on Wednesday. The Executive Committee and Permanent Council of the CCCB meet next week in Ottawa. I leave on Monday afternoonâ€¦

Nov152013

Please note: The national collection for the Philippines, which was initiated by Archbishop Paul Andre Durocher, President of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, and is being sponsored through the Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace (D&P) is authorized to take place in the Parishes and missions of the Diocese of Hamilton. The evening of song with The Priests from Northern Ireland at Hamilton Place on Wednesday evening had a personal touch. We are thankful to John O'Brien and Dwayne Cahill of the Catholic Cemeteries for organizing a relaxing and enjoyable evening of music and song!

Nov082013

Today is already the third anniversary of my installation as Bishop of Hamilton! Thank you for your many kindnesses over those years. I feel truly blessed! Just last week, readers of the Hamilton Spectator named Holy Sepulchre Cemetery as the Platinum Award Winner in the annual â€œReaderâ€™s Choice Awards 2013â€. Tickets are still available for the Priestsâ€™ Concert which takes place next Wednesday! Women at St. Benedictâ€™s Parish in Milton signed the charter to become a Catholic Womenâ€™s League Council. The document has now been sent to the CWL National Office for approbation.

Nov012013

Thank you to Father Frank Freitas and Pam Aleman who have produced the annual Diocesan Directory. Father Tim Hingston is appointed the Ecumenical/Interfaith Officer for the Diocese. I send my congratulations to Bishop Richard Gagnon (Victoria) who was appointed Archbishop of Winnipeg earlier this week. Development and Peace sent us an update on the collection for Syria which took place during the summer months, and I request your prayers for several people whose names are mentioned in my letter.

Oct252013

The Catholic Childrenâ€™s Aid Society of Hamilton celebrates their annual Foster Parentâ€™s Recognition Dinner tonight. A profound thank you to all foster parents, and to all who serve at the CCAS-H! The Priestsâ€™ Seminar takes place next week at the Holiday Inn in Burlington. Catherine Ecker and Father Larry Leger are the main presenters at the gathering. The Jubilee Anniversaries of Priests who serve in the Diocese will be celebrated at a special Mass and Dinner during the Seminar.

Oct182013

Following a presentation by Father Sam Restivo, C.R., Provincial Superior, I have made new Clergy appointments which become effective on November 6, 2013. The Distinguished Service to Catholic Education Awards for 2013 will be presented by Bishop Daniel Miehm on November 26 at the Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King. We congratulate and thank the recipients for their outstanding service to Catholic education! Our Lady Immaculate Parish celebrates the 125th Anniversary of the Dedication of the Church this Sunday. The â€œChurch on the Hillâ€ is THE outstanding landmark in Guelph and is truly one of the significant jewels of the Diocese of Hamilton!

Oct112013

Father Stephen Crowley has shared with Parishioners at St. Johnâ€™s and Our Lady of Guadalupe Parishes in Kitchener that he is being treated for â€œnon life threatening cancerâ€. We pray for him during his treatments. The last conference for the Year of Faith is taking place on November 9 at Holy Family Croatian Parish. The theme for the day is â€œThe Faith We Shareâ€. John Allen, popular author and Vatican Commentator, is speaking at Christ the King Cathedral Basilica on October 21 at 7pm. Entry is free. Join us.

Oct042013

Our sympathy goes out to the Carmelite Sisters on the death of Sr. Marie Agnes of the Holy Trinity. May she know the reward of a good and faithful servant. The Diocesan Mass for Catholic Education was celebrated last evening at St. Pius X Parish in Brantford. We acknowledge the blessing of Catholic Education in the Diocese and throughout the Province of Ontario! Father Charlie Jordan has invited me to Regina Mundi Parish in Hamilton to preside and preach this weekend (Oct 5-6). Devereaux Cemetery in Georgetown will be officially dedicated tomorrow at a ceremony jointly celebrated by the town of Georgetown and the Diocese of Hamilton. ~ St. Francis, pray for us!

Sep272013

The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops Plenary meeting is in full swing this week. Among those elected to new roles in the CCCB, I was elected Vice-President. Please pray for our service to the Church in Canada. Contributions are approaching $160,000 from parishioners in the Diocese for assistance to refugees from Syria. Thank you to all who contributed! All Souls Parish is honouring Mrs. Rosa Odisha for 25 years of service as Parish Secretary. We join our congratulations and thanks!

Sep202013

Bishop Miehm has been in Rome for the past weeks and wrote a personal message about meeting Pope Francis. Seminarian Ian Saliba sent greetings from St. Peter's Seminary. The Bishop Farrell Library and Archives received high praise recently from Professor Robert Berard. Please pray for the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops and their Plenary Assembly which begins Monday.

Sep132013

A Vigil took place in St. Peterâ€™s Square on Saturday September 7th, where Pope Francis offered a stirring reflection: â€œOur world, in the heart and mind of God, is the â€˜house of harmony and peaceâ€™, and the space in which everyone is able to find their proper place and feel â€˜at homeâ€™, because it is â€˜goodâ€™.â€ He explained that all of humanity, made in the likeness of God, is one family â€“ all brothers and sisters.

Sep062013

Mother St. Henry Moloney passed away peacefully on September 3, and Mr. Jim Sherlock passed away following a battle with cancer. We pray for the repose of their souls and the consolation of those close to them. The "Red" Mass, which traditionally marks the opening of the Fall Assizes for Judges and Lawyers, was celebrated at the Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King on Tuesday.

Aug232013

We will thank Wilma Dunn for her service to the Diocese and to the Catholic Cemeteries at a special dinner given to honour her this evening. Mr. Michael Pautler has been appointed Executive Director of the Ontario Institute for Catholic Education (ICE). Mr. Frank Clifford (Sr.) is the Chancellor Sweeney Award recipient for 2013. Trustees of the seven Catholic School Boards present in the Diocese of Hamilton gather in the garden at Ardree tomorrow afternoon.

Jul192013

Bishop Daniel Miehm is in the throes of moving to his new home, the Sisters of Our Lady Immaculate are holding their Chapter this week, and yesterday was "Day at Summer Camp" for both Bishop Miehm and me. Seminarians will gather at St. Matthew's Parish for fellowship, and the Marriage Tribunal has been relocated into their freshly painted offices near the Chancery entrance.

Jun282013

Wednesday was moving day for many of the Priests of the Diocese. Please pray for the health of Monsignor Harvey Roach and Monsignor Joseph Sach, also for the repose of the soul of Mr. Dominic Sergi. The Congregation of the Resurrection celebrates Jubilees later today in St. Louis Parish in Waterloo. I wish them a heartfelt congratulations. The annual staff barbeque takes place today to welcome summer, and this also will be my last issue of Heart to Heart for the summer. There may be a Heart to Heart issued mid-summer if needed.

Jun212013

The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops is collaborating with the Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace in a joint emergency campaign this summer. Next Wednesday is moving day for many Pastors and Associates, and Bishop Daniel Miehm and Teresa Hartnett have been teaching at the Summer Spiritual Program for seminarians at St. Peter's in London. Everything is ready for the special Mass on Sunday afternoon marking the formal designation of Minor Basilica for the Cathedral of Christ the King.

Jun142013

A sincere thanks to Father Ron Cote for 25 years-plus of arranging the Retreat for Priests in Hamilton Diocese. Father Ray Modeski was surprised and honoured by the Halton Elementary Schools OECTA last evening. The Catholic Organization for Life and Family (COLF) has released a statement reacting to the Quebec Government Bill on end of Life Care. High School graduations are happening across the Diocese over these final weeks of June.

Jun072013

Mr. David Walter will be ordained Deacon today by Bishop Daniel Miehm at St. Clement Parish in Cambridge. Msgr. Joseph Sach, Msgr. Harvey Roach and Msgr. Edward Sheridan have been hospitalized this week - we pray for all three and other priests who are under a doctor's care at this time. The Faith We Savour is the focus of the Diocese's Year of Faith activities this summer. Bookmarks are being distributed to all parishes. We pray for the Priests who are on retreat at Mount Carmel Retreat Centre in Niagara falls next week.

May312013

Bishop Anthony Tonnos was honoured by St. Josephâ€™s Health System for his remarkable tenure as Bishop of Hamilton and his long-standing relationship to the St. Josephâ€™s Health System. Monsignor Jeffrey Steenson, Ordinary of the Personal Ordinariate of the Chair of Saint Peter, visited the parishioners of The Sodality of St. Edmund, King and Martyr earlier this week. As part of his visitation, Monsignor Steenson joined Mr. Gary Freeman from St. Edmunds and Father Bill Foote for a courtesy visit to the Diocesan Chancery.

May242013

The CWL holds its annual convention this weekend - we thank Rosanna Sogan for her term as president and welcome Anne Brady on beginning her two-year term. Welcome to Fr. Timothy Radcliffe, O.P., he joins us for two weeks of retreats for the Priests in the Diocese. Bishop Daniel Miehm will celebrate Mass at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery on June 1 and the Sisters of St. Joseph, Hamilton neighbourhood, celebrate the annual Mass of Thanksgiving tomorrow.

May172013

Congratulations to Linda Dayler, Director of Catholic Family Services on her special award from the YMCA. Father Peter Ciallella, C.S. and Father Mike Myroniuk are both recovering from surgery, our prayers are with them. On Saturday, our permanent diaconate program continues, focusing on Fundamental Theology. Camp Brebeuf Marketplace will take place on May 21 and the relics of St. AndrÃ© Besette will arrive at the Cathedral Basillica tomorrow.

May102013

The episcopal ordination of Bishop Daniel Miehm was a joyous event for the Diocese of Hamilton. Thank you to the many people involved. The Congregation of the Resurrection mourns the death of Fr. Hofmann, who served the diocese for 20 years. The national week for Life and Family runs from May 12-19, and the relics of St. AndrÃ© Besette will be present at St. Mary of the Purification Parish in Mount Forest as they celebrates their 150th Anniversary.

May032013

The books were moved this week to the Bishop Farrell Library and Archives, marking the beginning of the end of the program to resettle the library and archives into the old Chancery building; Welcome to Chris Adamczyk who begins his service in the Communications Office of the Diocese on Monday morning, May 6; Welcome to Father Aurimas Rudinskas, OP, who will replace Father Audrius Sarka at Our Lady of Mercy Church in Hamilton.

Apr262013

The Priest Pastoral Appointments for 2013 were announced earlier this week and published on our Diocesan website yesterday. To those who are retiring after many years of dedicated service, I express my sincere gratitude and pray for Godâ€™s blessing for the coming years. A most profound thank you to the Priests who have accepted new assignments; Bishop-elect Daniel Miehm celebrated his Final Mass as Pastor of St. Benedict Parish, Milton, earlier this week; Deacon Allen Varlaki will be ordained a Priest next Saturday, May 4, at the Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King.

Apr192013

â€œIn the wake of the terrible bombings that occurred during the Boston Marathon, I express on behalf of the Bishops and faithful of Canada our heartfelt sorrow at the loss of life and serious injury caused by this senseless act.â€ Fr. Jim Malone, Pastor of Holy Family Parish in New Hamburg, had a knee replacement on Tuesday. The surgery went well and he expects to be discharged today. The Diocesan Year of Faith Conference was a blessed opportunity for Priests and parishioners from across the Diocese to gather, to pray and to celebrate together.

Apr122013

Sacraments and Sacramentality is the theme of the Year of Faith Conference which takes place on Saturday at the Hamilton Convention Centre. Father Anthony Ciavarro is in ICU at Hamilton General Hospital for serious medical attention related to breathing difficulties. A warm welcome to Mr. Chris Adamczyk who has accepted a position as Digital and Social Media Communications Manager with the Diocese of Hamilton.

Apr052013

A gift of $80,000 was presented by the Knights of Columbus in the Hamilton area for the Bishopâ€™s Charities. New Catholics from Parishes across the Diocese will join us at the 4 p.m. Mass at the Cathedral Basilica on Sunday afternoon. Welcome to Father Giampietro Lazzarato, CS, who will serve as temporary replacement for Father Peter Ciallella at All Souls Parish.

Mar282013

Welcome to the 215 catechumens and candidates who are being welcomed into the Roman Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil on Saturday evening in Parishes throughout the Diocese. The Diocesan Conference on Sacraments and Sacramentality is scheduled to be held at the Hamilton Convention Centre on April 13. Already over 200 people have registered for this Year of Faith event.

Mar222013

217 Priests, Deacons and Seminarians have confirmed their attendance at the Chrism Mass and dinner on Monday evening. A large number of Sisters of St. Joseph from Hamilton left on a bus early Tuesday morning (March 19 â€“ Feast of St. Joseph), to travel to Peterborough with CSJ Sisters from London. Congratulations to Sr. Maria Rocha, S.J.C. who celebrated her 50th Anniversary of Religious Profession as a Sister of St. Joseph of Cluny last Saturday in the Chapel of the Bishop Tonnos Apartments at Good Shepherd Square in Hamilton.

Mar152013

The Election of Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio as Pope Francis was exciting and moving news for Catholics in Hamilton and around the world. Jesuits, Franciscans, Latin Americans, and Argentinians in particular, rejoice enthusiastically at this good news. It is now officially The Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King! Fr. James Petrie has been appointed Pastor of St. Benedictâ€™s Parish in Milton, effective April 20, 2013.

Mar082013

The Prefecture Apostolic of Bermuda Island was established in 1953, and became the Diocese of Hamilton (Bermuda) in 1967. This Sunday, Bishop Robert Kurtz, C.R. will celebrate a special 60th Anniversary Mass in his Cathedral, Father Audrius Å arka, Pastor of Our Lady of Mercy Parish in Hamilton, was formally incardinated into the Diocese of Hamilton this week, The Bruce-Grey Catholic District School Board appointed Cathy Montreuil as their new Director of Education, succeeding Bruce MacPherson at the end of April.

Mar012013

â€œHere allow me to return once again to April 19, 2005. The gravity of the decision was precisely in the fact that from that moment on I was committed always and forever by the Lordâ€, We offer our condolences to Father Anthony Azzopardi on the recent death of his only sister, Doris. We pray for her repose and his consolation. A warm welcome to Bishop Peter Hundt, who is preaching a Lenten Parish Mission at St. Johnâ€™s Parish in Guelph.

Feb222013

The Appointment of Bishop-elect Daniel Miehm as Auxiliary Bishop of Hamilton was received with joy throughout the Diocese and beyond. Father Ted Hughes was the guest speaker at the Priestsâ€™ Day of Prayer at the Cathedral on Tuesday and at Our Lady of Lourdes, Waterloo, on Wednesday. Thomas Cardinal Collins leaves this weekend for Rome and the exciting events that await him.

Feb152013

The February 11th Announcement of Pope Benedict XVIâ€™s decision to retire on February 28th at 8 p.m. was received worldwide with shock and deep sadness, St. Josephâ€™s Health System celebrated an important event yesterday, prior to the meeting of their Board of Directors, A group of students from St. Jeromeâ€™s University in Waterloo visit Peru each year.

Feb082013

Forecasts of a major snow storm caused the cancellation of the Culture of Life Conference sponsored by our Family Ministry Office which was to have taken place today, Fr. Niaz Toma and the two Chaldean Communities in our Diocese rejoice in the recent election of His Beatitude Louis Raphael I Sako, The program for first year Permanent Diaconate candidates takes place this weekend.

Feb012013

The 2013 Bishopâ€™s Charities Dinner Dance takes place next Saturday evening, February 9, at Carmenâ€™s Banquet Centre in Hamilton, Sixteen business leaders gathered at Ardree on Tuesday to reflect on the recent document published by the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace entitled The Vocation of the Business Leader, On February 16 we welcome Archbishop Barreto from Peru to the Hamilton Diocese.

Jan252013

The Week Of Prayer For Christian Unity concludes today on the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul, Deacon Philip Tremblay, C.R., who has been serving at St. Louis Parish in Waterloo, will be retiring from his service to the Parish at the end of January, Father Ted Slaman And Blessed Sacrament parishioners in Hamilton will welcome me tomorrow and Sunday at their Masses.

Jan182013

The First Year Permanent Diaconate Program meets for a weekend retreat at the Mount Carmel Retreat Centre in Niagara Falls, St. Maryâ€™s Parish in Brantford extends the welcome mat this weekend. I will join them for Mass on Saturday evening and twice on Sunday, The Lutheran Anglican Roman Catholic Interchurch Committee sent a letter to all parishioners signed by the four Bishops in November concerning the annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity which begins today.

Jan112013

Confirmation celebrations begin again for the new year this weekend. I will celebrate tonight, tomorrow morning and afternoon at Mary Mother of God Parish in Oakville, Most Reverend Joseph-Aurele Plourde, Emeritus Archbishop of Ottawa died late last week, Father Robert Hetu will be formally installed as Pastor of St. Joseph Patron of Canada Parish in Acton at Sunday Mass.

Jan042013

The New Yearâ€™s Day Levee at Christ the King Cathedral was a fine gathering of parishioners from several Parishes across the Diocese, Mary Mother of God Parish in Oakville was the first Parish I visited in the New Year, Priests of the Diocese are reminded that your Diocesan e-mail accounts have been active for several months.