Issue #506
THE NEW ST. PATRICK CATHOLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOL opened its doors on May 2nd, during Catholic Education Week! The process to build the new school took nearly six years from beginning to end! Mr. Pat Daly, Chair of the Hamilton Wentworth Catholic District School Board addressed the children gathered in the gym for opening day celebrations. “You are the reason we are here today and why this wonderful Catholic school building exists. You deserve this! And we could not be happier that you are in the kind of facility that you can learn in, grow in, play in and just have a wonderful, wonderful Catholic learning experience.” The new school is the third building since opening on Hunter Street in 1855. An official blessing and opening is planned for the Fall.
FOR THE PAST FIVE YEARS, ST. MARY CHURCH IN HAMILTON, the first Cathedral of the Diocese, has been undergoing a careful restoration – from top to bottom, inside and out! For all involved in the project, it has been a labour of love. Under the direction of Monsignor Edward Sheridan, the historic building has recovered its original beauty! The building will be blessed during a Mass NEXT SUNDAY, MAY 21, 2023, beginning at 11:00 a.m. The celebration marks the 163rd anniversary of its dedication by Bishop John Farrell, first Bishop of Hamilton, on May 21, 1860! All are welcome!
ST. MARY’S CHAPEL RENOVATION at St. Mary’s General Hospital in Kitchener is near completion. A special Mass of Thanksgiving and blessing of the newly renovated chapel will take place on Friday, June 2nd. Generous donations made the project possible. Delays caused by the pandemic slowed the project by a few years. The Chapel will continue to be a sacred, peaceful, prayerful and reflective place for patients, families, and staff!
SPEAKING OF ST. MARY’S GENERAL HOSPITAL, in March 2023, the hospital was named to the Newsweek World’s Best Hospital List for a second consecutive year! As an award that focuses on consistent quality, patient outcomes and innovation, this global recognition is a true testament to the care provided for patients. The hospital was also named to the Forbes Canada’s Best Employers 2023 list. St. Mary’s is one of only a dozen hospitals across Canada to make the list. Again, it is the second year that St. Mary’s received this prestigious award. Congratulations to the staff who make the hospital great!
MEMORIAL MASSES AT OUR CATHOLIC CEMETERIES begin this weekend. The Mass at Resurrection Cemetery in Ancaster begins tomorrow at 11:00 a.m. The weather promises to be favourable, so the Mass will be celebrated outdoors. Join us – it is a beautiful way to remember loved ones! Thanks to the Cemetery crew from the Catholic Cemeteries of the Diocese of Hamilton for organizing these opportunities for prayer!
THE NEW ST. CATHERINE OF SIENA CHURCH in Hamilton is looking very good. The ceiling is being painted this week. Delay in preparation and delivery of the pews has pushed back the official opening and Dedication to September 17th. It will be a happy day for Father Mark Gatto, Pastor, and Deacon Tom Vert, who is overseeing the work!
CONFIRMATIONS CONTINUE THROUGHOUT THE DIOCESE. Next week, the Sacrament will be celebrated at Notre Dame Parish, Hamilton, for students from Sts. Martyrs Canadiens, and at St. Philippe Parish in Burlington. Please pray for young people throughout the Diocese who have been anointed with the gift of the Holy Spirit!
Our Lady of the Annunciation, pray for us!
Ex corde, +Douglas, OMI