Heart to Heart: Issue #530
THE RITE OF ELECTION takes place this Sunday afternoon at 1:30 p.m. at the Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King in Hamilton, and at the Basilica of Our Lady Immaculate in Guelph. The Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy of the Second Vatican Council decreed, “The catechumenate for adults, comprising several distinct steps, is to be restored and brought into use at the discretion of the local ordinary. By this means the time of the catechumenate, which is intended as a period of suitable instruction, may be sanctified by sacred rites to be celebrated at successive intervals of time” (#64). The Rite of Election closes the period of the catechumenate. At this rite, upon the testimony of sponsors and catechists and the catechumens’ affirmation of their intention to join the Church, the Church makes its “election” of these catechumens to receive the Sacraments of initiation. In the presence of the Bishop, they inscribe their names in the Book of the Elect as a pledge of fidelity. They then begin the final, intense preparation for the reception of the Sacraments at Easter. If you have never participated in the Rite of Election, you are welcome to join us at one or other venue. We pray for those who are making such a life-changing choice!
JOIN THE REEL JUSTICE FILM FESTIVAL, February 22nd, 7:00-9:00 p.m. for the screening of La Lucha Sigue (The Struggle Continues), about the fight to defend lands and Indigenous ways of life in Honduras, one of the most dangerous places in the world to be a land defender. Special guest speaker, Elvin Hernandez, Honduran human rights investigator for ERIC-Radio Progreso. Register online at Reel Justice Film Festival. Film and discussion in Spanish with English translation.
TEMI THE ROBOT, a creation of Mohawk College, made a visit to St. Joseph Lifecare Centre Brantford recently, enhancing the quality of resident’s lives and demonstrating the effectiveness of new technology in Long Term Care Homes. It also provided a little bit of fun and a buzz throughout the Centre. A short video can be viewed here.
THE ST. JOSEPH HEALTH SYSTEM will celebrate the March 19th, St. Joseph’s Feast Day, by recognizing the mission-vision-and-values driven physicians, staff and volunteers who serve the system. It will be an important celebration of the people who make the Health System the remarkable place it is – in every institution! According to Canada’s Top 40 Research Hospitals 2023, published by Research Infosource, St. Joe’s ranked 22nd overall, moving up from 24th the previous year! Something to celebrate indeed!
CELEBRATION OF THE 100th ANNIVERSARY OF ST. MARY’S HOSPITAL, KITCHENER, has begun. Updates on events being planned can be viewed here. The Ken Seiling Museum is designing an exhibit to be showcased starting October 2024. A complementary documentary has completed filming and is being edited for showing in July 2024. It is an exciting year for the hospital!
THE PRIESTS’ PRAYER DAY FOR LENT takes place next Tuesday at the Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King, Hamilton and Wednesday at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Waterloo, both beginning with coffee at 9:30. The program begins at 10. Father Matthew Durham will be the presenter. Please alert the Vocations Office of your intention to attend – it helps with lunch preparation.
THE 39TH ANNUAL CYO FUNDRAISER DINNER takes place on Thursday evening at Carmen’s Banquet Hall. It is their main fundraising event each year. The CYO benefits young people from across the Diocese. Providing outdoor camping experiences, sports opportunities and leadership training. Still time to get your tickets!
Our Lady of the Annunciation, pray for us!
Ex corde, +Douglas, OMI