Heart to Heart: Issue #522
MOUNT MARY RETREAT CENTRE IN ANCASTER is sponsoring a COME HOME FOR CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL, December 3rd, from 1 to 4 p.m. The FREE event has fun and festivities for the whole family, and includes music, cocoa, cookie decorating, magic show, face painting, balloon animals, local artisans, Christmas ornament painting, a visit from Santa, and beautiful outdoor grounds for the whole family to enjoy! Donations of cash and/or non-perishable food items will be accepted for beneficiaries of Bishop’s Charities. Come celebrate with us! For more information (link).
THE GALA CELEBRATING THE 90th ANNIVERSARY of the Blessing of the Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King takes place tonight at Carmen’s Banquet Centre! It is the first event of a weekend of celebration! Back in the day, then-Bishop John McNally welcomed then-Prime Minister R.B. Bennett to the Cathedral for the celebration of the first Mass. Friends from their time in Calgary, the Bishop expressed his gratitude to the Prime Minister for his presence and generous encouragement throughout the construction! Craftsmen and workers built the Cathedral, the Priest’s residence and the Bishop’s house over five years.
HOLY FAMILY CEMETERY OFFICES on Lower Base Line Road in Milton will be blessed next Monday. The new office space replaces the trailers that served the purpose for the first few years of operation. Construction of the new crematorium is expected to begin in 2024, providing yet another important service for the community. The new cemetery will soon be providing full service to the greater Halton community. Thanks to Director of Catholic Cemeteries, Art Smith, and his team for creating another beautiful place for prayer and remembrance of loved ones!
ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST PARISH in Hamilton is recovering from the nefarious work of arsonists who brazenly set several fires in the church at midday earlier in the month. Fortunately, the fires were discovered quickly and extinguished. There was much smoke damage. Insurance providers were quickly on the scene and the clean-up continues. Father Kevin Upendran, Parish Administrator is overseeing the restoration. Parishioners have been welcomed to worship at St. Eugene Parish. All hope to be back in the church when things are cleaned up and repaired. The parish Christmas bazaar took place in the parish hall two days after the fire, and was very successful – an encouraging sign for the parish!
THE ADVENT PRAYER DAY FOR PRIESTS is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. on December 5th at the Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King, Hamilton, and December 6th at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Waterloo. Monsignor Earl Talbot will be the presenter. The prayer day provides time for private prayer and reflection, celebration of the Prayer of the Church, Eucharistic Adoration, Sacrament of Reconciliation, and fraternal sharing. Priests are reminded to send in the response forms to the invitations. It helps with meal preparation.
FATHER RAPHAEL MA, C.R. has been appointed Associate Pastor of St. Mary, Our Lady of the Seven Sorrows Parish, Kitchener, effective at noon, on Monday, January 1, 2024, Feast of Mary, Mother of God. The appointment follows presentation from Father Tim Uniac, Provincial Superior of the Congregation of the Resurrection, and his Council. Father Ma will work supportively with Father Toby Collins, C.R., Pastor of St. Mary Parish. We are grateful for their pastoral service to the parish and in the local community!
THE LITURGICAL INSTALLATION OF NEW PASTORS continues to take place in their parishes. Father Marian Gil, OMI, will be installed as Pastor of St. Stanislaus Kostka Parish, Hamilton, on Sunday, December 3rd. Father Arpee Urquico will be installed as Pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Freelton. We are grateful for the ministry of so many capable pastors in the Diocese. May their ministry be blessed!
Christ the King, have mercy on us!
Ex corde, +Douglas, OMI