Heart to Heart: Issue #552
THE CANADIAN CONFERENCE OF CATHOLIC BISHOPS (CCCB) meets in Quebec City next week. The annual meeting of the Canadian Bishops is a time for collaboration and celebration. This year the Bishops will mark the 350th anniversary of the founding of the Catholic Church in most of North America, with the establishment of the Diocese of Quebec and the appointment of Francois de Laval as its first Bishop. Gerald Cyprien Cardinal Lacroix, Archbishop of Quebec and Primate of Canada, has prepared joyful celebrations for the weekend prior to the beginning of the CCCB Plenary. The events will include a passage through the Holy Door of the Cathedral- Basilica of Notre-Dame-De-Quebec. May it be a time of grace for the Archdiocese and for the country!
THE ANNUAL FEAST OF ST. JEROME takes place this year on October 5th, at the Academic Centre. The featured speaker for the evening is 101 year-old Sr. Marie Taylor, SSND, who will be the honoured recipient of the auspicious Chancellor John R. and Kay Sweeney Award for Catholic Leadership for her life-long dedication to Catholic education! The dinner is a major fund-raiser for student scholarships.
THE 22ND ANNUAL BISHOP’S DINNER for community needs is sponsored by the Wellington Catholic District School Board on October 10th. It is a remarkable gathering of the elected and appointed Board personnel, community leaders, clergy, and representatives from the Catholic schools! Highlights of the evening, and always emotional, are the presentations by student leaders in the Catholic High Schools in Guelph! The Silent Auction is also impressive – and the presentations of community groups that are supported each year are informative. It is a highlight among the autumn gatherings!
CELEBRATIONS OF INSTALLATION OF NEW PASTORS will take place throughout the Autumn months. On October 5th, during a Mass at St. Mary’s Church in Owen Sound, Father Paul Mathew Vellimoozhayil, will be installed as Pastor of St. Mary’s and the mission churches in the northern part of the Diocese. On October 6th, Father Gregory Merkley will be installed as Pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Stoney Creek. We pray for all our Pastors, that God will bless their ministry of service in the Diocese.
THE ASSEMBLY OF CATHOLIC BISHOPS OF ONTARIO (ACBO) meet in Toronto, October 7-9th. The Catholic Education curriculum and Family Life Program is an important responsibility of the Bishops. The Catholic Education Commission report is always high on the agenda. The Social Affairs Commission also reports on matters of concern to the Bishops – especially when they affect the lives of parishioners and the poor. Under the leadership of Bishop Gerard Bergie, Bishop of St. Catharines Diocese, the Bishops of Ontario meet in the Fall and in the Spring.
THE SISTERS OF ST. JOSEPH MISSION LEGACY AWARD recognizes individuals and groups serving in the St. Joseph’s Health System who exemplify the impressive service of the Sisters. St. Joseph’s Villa in Dundas, will celebrate such significant commitment on October 16th. Congratulations to those who will be honoured. Thank you for making the Villa a welcoming and joy-filled home for many!
HALTON ALIVE celebrates its 50th Anniversary on October 18th with a Gala Banquet at the Oakville Convention Centre. Catholic Parishes in Halton are avid supporters of the pro-life organization and its many good works. Your support is needed and always appreciated!
Our Lady of the Annunciation, pray for us!
Ex corde, +Douglas, OMI