Issue #380
Date posted on October 25, 2019
MORE THAN 20 MEMBERS OF THE SPIRITUAL CARE TEAM for St. Joseph’s Health System under the direction of System Manager of Spiritual Care, Gary Payne, gathered with me in the Bishops’ Board Room at the Chancery Office on Wednesday as part of the celebration of Spiritual Care Awareness Week. All health care sites were represented at the gathering. Dr. Tom Stewart, President and CEO of St. Joseph’s Health System was also present. Earlier in the week he wrote a letter in which he expressed his admiration for the work of the Spiritual Care providers in our health care institutions! Stories were shared that touched the heart. Prayers were said that touched the soul. A meal was served that nourished the body. And photos were taken to remind us of a blessed time together!
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Issue #379
Date posted on October 18, 2019
WORLD MISSION SUNDAY is celebrated this Sunday, October 20th! This year it is marked in the context of the Extraordinary Mission Month which was inaugurated by Pope Francis on October 1st. “The missionary mandate touches us personally: I am a mission, always; you are a mission, always; every baptized man and woman is a mission. People in love never stand still: they are drawn out of themselves; they are attracted and attract others in turn; they give themselves to others and build relationships that are life-giving. As far as God’s love is concerned, no one is useless or insignificant. Each of us is a mission to the world, for each of us is the fruit of God’s love!” (Excerpt from Pope Francis’ letter of June 9, 2019, Pentecost Sunday, in which he convoked the Extraordinary Mission Month.)
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Issue #378
Date posted on October 11, 2019
THE NATIONAL EVANGELIZATION TEAM (N.E.T.) has been on mission in the Diocese of Hamilton for the past two weeks. Based in Ottawa, NET Ministries sends several teams across the country to reach out to young people in creative ways. One of the teams has served in several parishes in the Diocese since September. There has been only positive feedback from the three Deaneries and two Catholic District School Boards where they have served. They conclude their time with us this weekend at St. Patrick and Most Blessed Sacrament Parishes, Hamilton. Father Tony O’Dell will cook a Thanksgiving turkey for them on Saturday evening in thanksgiving for their dedication!
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Issue #377
Date posted on October 4, 2019
POPE FRANCIS AND FOUR REFUGEES unveiled a thought provoking statue at last Sunday’s Mass for migrants and refugees at St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City. ANGELS UNAWARES was sculpted by Timothy Schmalz, a well-known artist from St. Jacob’s, Ontario. It depicts “different states of mind and emotion in a migrant’s journey,” said Mr. Schmalz. Pope Francis explained further, “I wanted this artistic work here in St. Peter’s Square to remind everyone of the evangelical challenge of hospitality.” “When I was a stranger, you welcomed me!”
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