Heart to Heart: Issue #542
TOWARDS A NARRATIVE OF HOPE is the title of an international interfaith symposium on palliative care sponsored by the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Pontifical Academy for Life, and other key partners. With the objective to educate and build a culture of social responsibility in palliative care, experts from medical, ethical and pastoral contexts will focus on translating insights from the presentations and discussions into concrete action strategies. Bishop William T. McGrattan, President of the CCCB, explains the purpose and vital role of faith-based organizations and communities in promoting human dignity, compassion, and respect for patients and their families throughout the illness and dying process. Watch the video here.
THE DIOCESAN OFFICE FOR REFUGEES welcomed the Tahir family from India at Pearson International Airport, on May 2nd. Following a six-year delay due to COVID and restriction of exit permits out of India, the family of five have begun their new life in Canada with the support of St. Michael Parish in Waterloo and relatives in Cambridge. Despite their challenging journey they are adjusting well and are delighted with the assistance they have received from our Diocesan team and the Parish. Welcome newcomers!
AN EXPOSITION ON BLESSED CARLO ACUTIS is taking place these days (Thursday and Friday) at Bishop Tonnos Catholic Secondary School in Ancaster. The Exposition includes a display of a relic of the young man beatified by Pope Francis on October 10, 2020. Tina Fitzgerald, Chaplaincy Leader at Bishop Tonnos High School and a team of student leaders are overseeing the events of the two-day exposition. It is a wonderful way to promote the cause of the young “Blessed”, and to celebrate the theme of Catholic Education Week: We are called to love!
ST. ANN PARISH, HAMILTON, celebrates the 100th Anniversary (to the day) of the completed construction of the church, tomorrow, May 11th. Pastor, Father Jeff Oehring and his anniversary team have planned a celebratory dinner for parishioners and guests at the Venetian Club in Hamilton. Masses of Thanksgiving will be offered over the weekend. Congratulations to Priests and parishioners who have called the beautiful church their home! Enjoy the celebrations!
SACRED HEART CATHOLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, Hamilton, celebrates its 100th Anniversary next Thursday, beginning with a Mass of Thanksgiving at 9:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church. Current staff and students look forward to welcoming former staff and students at the Mass and at the school. Congratulations on a long and happy history of Catholic education!
THE CATHOLIC CHARISMATIC PENTECOST CONFERENCE takes place next weekend at St. Raphael Parish, Burlington. Mass will be celebrated at the Parish as an integral part of the Conference at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 18th. Given that the gathering will be on Pentecost weekend, the Holy Spirit will be praised and the gifts and fruits of the Spirit will be evident.
CONGRATULATIONS TO GARY PAYNE, retired Chaplain head for St. Joseph’s Health System. It was announced recently that the Catholic Health Alliance of Canada will honour him with the Lifetime Achievement Award at their upcoming National Conference! And to Father Matthew Durham who is receiving the Program of Distinction Award at the same Conference, for his promotion and development of Journey Home Hospices in Toronto and Windsor, providing hospice care for the homeless. The honours are truly well deserved!
Our Lady of the Annunciation, pray for us!
Ex corde, +Douglas, OMI