Heart to Heart: Issue #527
SUNDAY OF THE WORD OF GOD is this Sunday, Third Sunday in Ordinary Time. In the Apostolic Letter Aperuit Illis, Pope Francis instituted the Sunday of the Word of God. “Devoting a specific Sunday of the liturgical year to the Word of God can enable the Church to experience anew how the risen Lord opens up for us the treasury of his word and enables us to proclaim its unfathomable riches before the world.” The Diocesan Office of Evangelization and Catechesis has prepared a number of resources to promote this effort. Check it out here.
THE DIOCESAN MISSIONARY COOPERATIVE PROGRAM supports missionary efforts in various dioceses throughout the world. Every year parishioners contribute generously following presentations in their parishes by missionaries themselves or their representatives about the good works needing financial and prayerful support. Frank Cappelli, who organizes the visits and manages the program, reports that, following the three years of COVID “rest”, parishioners donated almost $500K to missionary works worldwide. It was the second-largest contribution since the program began! Thanks to Mr. Cappelli for overseeing the program, to the Pastors who welcome the missionaries, and to parishioners whose generosity make such good works possible!
NATIONAL CATHOLIC HEALTH CARE WEEK IN CANADA is celebrated February 4-10, 2024. The St. Joseph’s Health System in the Diocese of Hamilton is one of the largest Catholic health systems in the country. The system, which cares for thousands every day, is the legacy of the determination and hard work of the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Hamilton. Their compassion and dedication live on in the thousands who serve in the SJHS every day. Check out resources for the special week here.
LECTURES IN CATHOLIC EXPERIENCE at St. Jerome’s University presents Dr. Jonathan Malesic, author of “The End of Burnout: Why Work Drains Us and How to Build Better Lives”. He proposes that we should ground our working lives in human dignity, compassion for workers, and a greater emphasis on leisure as a site of meaningful activity. The book was selected as best book of 2022 by Amazon and is being translated into nine languages! He will show how these ideals are manifested in the communities of Benedictine monks and religious sisters. February 29th at 7:30 p.m. Notre Dame Chapel. Save the date.
THE IGNATIUS JESUIT CENTRE – LOYOLA HOUSE in Guelph has published a long list of retreat opportunities and training in Ignatius in spirituality in its newsletter IJC VOICE. They are open for registration for sessions over the next 12-months and are already filling up! The sessions range from traditional, individually directed, silent retreats, to a host of day programs, including the goodness of food and cooking. Community garden plots are selling, and people are making their first 2024 forays through the Old Growth Forest. Benefit from the presence and proximity of such a powerful spiritual centre in our Diocese! Check out their website.
FOUR PERMANENT DEACON CANDIDATES were installed as Ministers of Lector by Bishop Wayne Lobsinger, on January 6th, at a ceremony at Mount Mary Immaculate Retreat Centre, Ancaster. This is the second of three ceremonies prior to the celebration of their Ordination into the Order of Deacons. The next step is entry into the Ministry of Acolyte, bringing them closer and closer to the altar. At the present time, 43 Deacons serve in the Diocese of Hamilton, with seven men in formation. We pray for them!
THE SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION will be celebrated at St. Margaret Mary Parish, Hamilton, next Saturday, January 27th. We pray for the young people who present themselves for this beautiful Sacrament. Thanks to the parents, sponsors, pastors, teachers and pastoral ministers who assure their preparation.
Our Lady of the Annunciation, pray for us.
Ex corde, +Douglas, OMI