Heart to Heart: Issue #533
THE INDIGENOUS RECONCILIATION FUND sponsored by the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops is fully functioning. The fund has grown to over $15M, half of the $30M (over 5-year) commitment. The IRF Board has already approved 147 projects, supporting Indigenous programs across the country. Profound thanks to all who have made contributions to the fund – it helps provide a strong Catholic Church support for healing and reconciliation! Check out the IRF website for more information.
THE OFFICE OF YOUTH MINISTRY has created WALKING THE WAY: A Holy Week Journal for Young People. It is a helpful support for young people to pray during the upcoming Holy Week. The journal bridges the Gospel readings for each day of Holy Week and offers practical ways young people can live out the message. The Journal has reflections from Pope Francis’ letter to young people, Christus Vivit. WALKING THE WAY can be found here.
HEARTY CONGRATULATIONS TO KENNISHIA BOAHENE, System Equity Officer at the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board, who was recognized at last evening’s Women of Distinction Awards Gala in Hamilton as one of the 2024 Women of Distinction Award winners by the YWCA. Specifically recognized for her social justice work and youth advocacy, Kennishia is also the President of the African-Caribbean Culture Potpourri Inc.
THE SISTERS OF SOCIAL SERVICE are featured in the virtual exhibition series Stories of Migration and Belonging, developed by the City of Hamilton. The short video highlights the contributions of the Sisters to Hamilton through their retreat work, which occurred at Holy Spirit Centre (Auchmar Estate) from 1946 to 1998. The story of the Sisters of Social Service follows their path to Canada from Hungary, and their efforts to build a community of belonging through hospitality, social work, and support of newcomers to Canada. You can watch the video on the Hamilton Civic Museums website here.
IN 1964, LOYOLA HOUSE IN GUELPH first opened its doors to retreatants in search of tranquility and intimacy with God. In the following decades, it has become renowned around the world as an important and innovative home to the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius and training in the art of spiritual direction. At the heart of the Ignatius Jesuit Centre, Loyola offers a wide range of programs that seek to find God in all things. Blessed with over 600 acres of farmland, woodland and wetland, the Centre has grown into a place of learning to live in peace with Creation. A gem of the Diocese of Hamilton, the Centre welcomes you to retreats of encounter with the God of Love! Check out their website for a feast of retreats and prayerful opportunities!
SINCERE THANKS TO DEACON MILES SCHELL, long time Site Chaplain at the Grand Valley Institution for Women in Kitchener, for compassionate pastoral care over many years. We wish you well in your retirement!
PRIESTS ARE REMINDED OF THE CONVOCATION DAY on Wednesday, March 13th, at Holy Family Parish Hall, Kitchener. The day will focus on the importance of Palliative Care and the programs available to assure that parishioners are well-informed about the supports to assist them when faced with life-altering decisions. The program begins at 1 p.m. See you there.
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CATHOLIC WOMEN’S LEAGUE, at St. Joseph Parish, Fergus, who celebrate 100-years of service For God and Canada on March 14, 2024. Over those years, 25 women have served as President, “creating memories, sharing gifts, supporting members’ faith –what the CWL is all about!”
Our Lady of Good Counsel, pray for us!
Ex corde, +Douglas, OMI