Heart to Heart - February 2016

ON FEBRUARY 29, 1856, POPE PIUS IX SIGNED A PAPAL DECREE forming the Diocese of Hamilton. On the same day, he signed a decree appointing Bishop John Farrell the first Bishop of the new Diocese. On Sunday, February 28th, the 11 a.m. Mass at the Cathedral Basilica in Hamilton will be celebrated in thanksgiving for the blessings of God over the past 160 years. Archbishop Luigi Bonazzi, Apostolic Nuncio to Canada, will preach the homily at the Mass. On Monday, at 11:45 a.m., the actual date of the Anniversary, a Mass of Thanksgiving will be celebrated, followed by a reception in McNally Hall at the Cathedral. All Masses are public events. All are welcome.

THE 2016 CATHOLIC YOUTH ORGANIZATION (CYO) CELEBRITY DINNER takes place next Thursday evening (February 25th) at the Hamilton Convention Centre. It is a time to celebrate and support the good work of the organization throughout the year, but especially during the summer months. The special focus of the evening is the “one-on-one” program offered at Camp Marydale for children with special needs. The highlight of the evening is always the presentation of the Honorary Camper. Congratulations to the CYO – may the evening be a smashing success

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THERE ARE TWO LOCATIONS FOR THE RITE OF ELECTION ON SUNDAY. 83 catechumens will “sign in” at the ceremony at the Cathedral Basilica in Hamilton, and 37 catechumens will “sign in” at the ceremony at the Basilica of Our Lady in Guelph. Both events begin at 1:30 p.m. and mark the beginning of intense preparation for the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil in Parishes throughout the Diocese. Thanks to Pastors and RCIA Teams for the care you take in ensuring the preparation of the Elect!

THE CHINESE, VIETNAMESE AND KOREAN COMMUNITIES IN THE DIOCESE celebrate Lunar New Year this weekend. The celebration, called TET in Vietnamese, begins the Year of the Monkey. The Korean Catholic community will join the Vietnamese community at Our Lady of Vietnam Parish for the colourful celebration. We send greetings and good wishes for a blessed New Year!

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