Issue #415
Date posted on October 23, 2020
THE SACARAMENT OF CONFIRMATION, postponed in the spring due to the COVID-19 pandemic, is being celebrated in our Parishes under strict pandemic protocols. Parish Priests have been delegated to administer the Sacrament. The celebration at St. Gregory the Great Slovenian Parish, Hamilton took place last Saturday. Everyone followed the protocols carefully – and the confirmandi will always have happy memories about the important celebration. Thanks to all who are assuring the safe and joyful celebration of Confirmation this autumn!
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Issue #414
Date posted on October 16, 2020
NEW PRIESTS AND NEW PASTORS serving in the Diocese of Hamilton will participate in orientation and formation sessions over the coming weeks. The sessions include presentations on the diocesan governance structure, screening protocols, misconduct policies and procedures, communications and privacy policies. It also provides information about the history of Catholic schools in Ontario, and ministry expectations in elementary and secondary schools and universities. The Growing In Faith, Growing in Christ catechetical program is featured. Youth ministry, sacramental preparation, diocesan policies, RCIA, and liturgical celebrations including an overview of the liturgical books available are also covered. They also learn about financial and administration policies, including working with Finance Councils and Parish Pastoral Councils, professional conduct and collaborative ministry. Marriage Preparation, marriage forms, dispensations, and the Diocesan Marriage Tribunal are part of the process. Finally, speech and language expectations are also addressed. Thanks to Monsignor Murray Kroetsch, Jim Long and other Diocesan personnel for the care and attention you give to the new Priests and Pastors who are beginning their ministry in the Diocese!
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Issue #413
Date posted on October 9, 2020
THIS IS NATIONAL CATHOLIC HEALTH CARE WEEK 2020, and it is sponsored by the Catholic Health Alliance of Canada (CHAC)! The theme of the week is AWAKEN: Revealing the Courageous Gift of Catholic Health Care. A few facts about Catholic Health Care in Canada: There are 129 Catholic health care organizations in Canada, offering 19,575 beds. Staff numbering 88,000+ serve more than 5 million people annually, with a 6 billion dollar operating budget! Catholic Health Care in Canada is inspired by the example of the Founding Sisters – visionary women who for generations advocated and cared for the most destitute people in their communities. Their ministry has become the mission of a multitude of leaders and this mission makes the Canadian health care system and Canadian society stronger! What a blessing you are for us!
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Issue #412
Date posted on October 2, 2020
THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF THE CATHOLIC WOMEN’S LEAGUE OF CANADA announced a national initiative to plant 100 trees across Canada for the celebration of the 100 year anniversary of the League. The major celebration of the anniversary, scheduled to take place at their National Convention in Montreal this summer, was cancelled because of COVID pandemic concerns. The tree planting project became their major effort. The League Council at St. Michael Parish in Waterloo, with the encouragement of enthusiastic President Shani Pregejl, committed to planting one of the 100 trees! Last Saturday, in the presence of several Past Presidents from the Parish, most of the current Parish CWL Executive, and our own Shari Guinta from the National CWL Council, a flowering pear tree was planted and blessed. Photos were taken to mark the occasion. Congratulations to the Catholic Women’s League nationally on such a significant milestone. The Diocesan Council of the League also marked their 100th anniversary this year – the planned celebration was also cancelled! A note of interest: Frances Lovering, from the Hamilton Diocesan CWL, became the second National President of the League. She is buried at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Burlington. For 100 years members of the Catholic Women’s League – the largest grass-roots organization of women in Canada – have been carrying out good works For God and Canada! We wish you many more happy years!
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