Heart to Heart: Issue #519
THE SYNOD PARTICIPANTS at the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops have published a letter to the People of God as the event concludes. Gathered together in Rome since September 30th, the Synod ends this weekend. The letter summarizes the experience of the Synod and gives an insider’s view of what occurred over the past month. “The Church … needs to listen to the laity, women and men, all called to holiness by virtue of their baptismal vocation: to the testimony of catechists, who in many situations are the first proclaimers of the Gospel; to the simplicity and vivacity of children, the enthusiasm of youth, to their questions, and their pleas; to the dreams, the wisdom and the memory of elderly people. The Church needs to listen to families, to their educational concerns, to the Christian witness they offer in today’s world. She needs to welcome the voice of those who want to be involved in lay ministries and to participate in discernment and decision-making structures.” Read the entire letter here.
POPE FRANCIS HAS CALLED CATHOLICS TO PRAYER, Fasting and Penance for Peace today. A special gathering for prayer will take place this evening at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. The growing crisis in the Middle East and the ongoing destructive war in Ukraine enjoins us to pray for peace and the end of the death of innocents, and the suffering and horror caused by war! We pray to the Lord.
FATHER TOM ROSICA, CSB, will offer a Parish Mission at the Cathedral Basilica in Hamilton as the community prepares to celebrate its 90th anniversary later this year. The Parish Mission begins with Sunday Masses on November 5th, and it will continue with morning Masses on Monday, November 6th, and Tuesday, November 7th at 8:00 a.m., each followed with a talk by Father Rosica. It will continue with Solemn Evening Prayer on Monday, November 6th, at 7:00 p.m. and the Closing Mass on Tuesday, November 7th at 7:00 p.m., with Father Rosica preaching at each event. All are welcome to join us at the Cathedral for the Mission. Many Priests of the Diocese have responded to the invitation to join Father Rosica for lunch at the Cathedral Basilica, during which he will reflect on the recent Synod of Bishops.
ST. JOSEPH’S HEALTH SYSTEM LAUNCHED their long-awaited Strategic Plan yesterday, with a gathering of leaders from its participating institutions. The title of the plan: Reimagining Care. Redefining Teams. Under the direction of President and CEO Liz Buller, the Launch included an animated panel discussion facilitated by Carly Weeks, National Health Reporter for the Globe and Mail, followed by an inspirational and encouraging presentation by Michelle DiEmanuele, Secretary of Cabinet for the Government of Ontario. The legacy and daring of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Hamilton was highlighted throughout the launch, and the courage of system leaders over the years was featured. The future is bright!
CELEBRATIONS OF THE SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION for the 2023-2024 Pastoral Year begin next weekend with two celebrations at St. Joseph Parish, Guelph. This year, the Bishops will focus their visits at parishes in the Wellington and Waterloo Deaneries. Pastors have been delegated to Confirm in their parishes in the other Deaneries. We are grateful that our Catholic schools assist in preparing the students in Grade 7 for the Sacrament. Thanks to the Pastors and Lay Pastoral Ministers for their care and attention to the proximate preparation!
On October 24th the School Sisters of Notre Dame, marked their 190th anniversary. Their foundress, Blessed Theresa of Jesus Gerhardinger wished to educate girls in rural villages in Bavaria, Germany. In 1971 they took charge of orphan children and taught in St. Agatha, Ontario. Their emphasis on education continues in various forms as they serve in 27 countries, believing that the world can be transformed through education.
Our Lady of the Annunciation, pray for us!
Ex corde, +Douglas, OMI