Heart to Heart: Issue #532
THE CATHOLIC YOUTH ORGANIZATION held the annual C.Y.O. Children’s Fundraiser (Having Faith in Children) last evening at Carmen’s Banquet Centre. It was a high-energy event, drawing together the community that supports their good works in our schools, at Camp Marydale and Camp Brebeuf, and in their leadership development program. The emotional highlight of the evening was the entrance of the 2024 Honorary Camper Sam Rosato and his family. Sam was surrounded by Hamilton Police – and wearing the cap of one of them – as the gathered community cheered him on! His mother and father spoke glowingly about him and the One-to-One program that makes it possible for children with special needs to experience summer camp like other children! Sam spoke for himself extolling the C.Y.O. for making it possible for him to have fun at camp! It was a memorable evening indeed!
THE SAINT JOHN’S BIBLE continues its remarkable journey in our schools throughout the Diocese. The Waterloo Catholic District School Board has had a long history of bringing students to a retreat experience at Mount Mary Immaculate Retreat Centre in Ancaster. Two docents who care for and present the Bible have joined the retreats to explain its history and do an “illumination walk through the Bible”, answering questions and helping the students to reflect on the Word of God. The beautiful Saint John’s Bible is a fine way to allow God’s Word to touch your heart and soul!
THE CARMEL OF ST. JOSEPH GUILD has published its 2024 Newsletter. The Guild supports the Carmelite Nuns at the Carmel Monastery located near St. Agatha, Ontario. The Nuns have lived in cloister there since 1952, spending their lives in work and prayer for all, and especially supporting the good works of the Diocese of Hamilton! The Guild members have opportunities to join in Novena Prayers throughout the year and benefit from Masses offered for current members, and remembrance for deceased members. Special Masses are offered: in honour of St. Joseph, March 19, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. and in honour of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, on Sunday, July 14, 2024, at 2 p.m. Interested in becoming a member? Check out the Carmel website here.
ST. MARY’S GENERAL HOSPITAL, serving the Waterloo Region, launched a new program today to help adults who no longer require hospital care to continue their recovery, healing, and rehabilitation, in the comfort of their own homes. The St. Joseph’s Home Care Hospital to Home Program is delivered by St. Mary’s Hospital in partnership with Bayshore Integrated Care Solutions. The program helps bridge patients once they are discharged from the hospital, providing care for them in their homes while other longer-term community-based services are arranged. Another valuable effort to serve the “dear neighbour”, as the Sisters of St. Joseph have taught us!
LOAVES AND LAUGHTER is a Friday night activity at St. Mary Parish in Kitchener! Father Toby Collins, CR, Pastor of St. Mary found the bread-making equipment in Harriston. The renowned Chef Amy of Tiny Homes Takeout refined the recipe and the baking methods to consistently produce a large quantity of sliced sandwich bread. Andrew Zettel, Outreach Coordinator for St. Mary Parish, encouraged community members to gather on Friday nights for Loaves and Laughter, to make bread and have a lot of fun! It is a creative and fun-filled way to build a welcoming faith community!
CONGRATULATIONS TO FATHER ED MAHONY who was honoured by the Hamilton Police Service yesterday afternoon. He has retired as Chaplain to the Force after a remarkable 13-year tenure! Fr. Mahony, your impressive pastoral concern for those who “serve and protect” is deeply appreciated!
Our Lady of the Annunciation, pray for us!
Ex corde, +Douglas, OMI