Heart to Heart: Issue #559
WORLD DAY OF THE POOR, celebrated this Sunday, November 17th, was instituted by Pope Francis in 2017 so that “throughout the world Christian communities can become an even greater sign of Christ’s charity for the least and those most in need.” With the theme, “The prayer of the poor rises up to God”, from the Book of Sirach, this World Day of the Poor encourages individuals and communities alike to reflect on how they can actively support and advocate for those on society’s margins. May this theme inspire us to live our faith more intentionally and become a living response to that prayer! In Rome, Pope Francis has invited 1300 of the poor to join him for a meal!
VIETNAMESE MARTYRS MISSION, at St. Ann Parish, in Kitchener, celebrates its parish feast at the Sunday afternoon Mass this weekend. The celebration of Mass, filled with uplifting choral music, is followed by a reception and traditional celebration in the parish hall. Father Hanh Van Tran, OMI, ensures that the Vietnamese communities in the Diocese mark the feast days of their ancestors who assured the transmission of the faith over the years!
NEXT THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, Memorial of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Bishop Wayne Lobsinger celebrates the fourth anniversary of his appointment by Pope Francis as Auxiliary Bishop of Hamilton! From the outset, Bishop Lobsinger has responded with genuine joy to the duties of his office, and he continues to serve the Diocese with generosity and compassion. Already he serves on five committees for the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, and five committees for the Assembly of Catholic Bishops of Ontario, and as National Spiritual Advisor of the Catholic Women’s League of Canada – on top of his many responsibilities in the Diocese! We thank him and wish him much happiness in his ministry!
THE INSTITUTE OF CATHOLIC EDUCATION, (I.C.E.) has published two monographs (#4 and #5), both written by Dr. Anne Walsh, reflecting on Mercy: The Language God Speaks, and on Conversion: Turning More and More Toward God in Catholic Education. Dr. Walsh wrote on two conversations, with Superintendent Lorrie Naar and Principal Norm Roberts, and with Cassandra Jack-Caldeira and Luciana Cardarelli. The conversations may be accessed on-line here.
THE HALTON CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD will celebrate the official opening and blessing of St. Cecilia Catholic Elementary School in Oakville on Tuesday, next week. The rapid increase in population in Halton has resulted in the construction of new Catholic schools in response to the increase in registrations. Pray for the children who are entrusted to the Catholic District School Boards throughout the Diocese, that they may grow in grace, wisdom and faith! There are 1,300 Catholic schools in Ontario, serving over 500,000 students! We are truly blessed!
THE NEXT YOUNG ADULT VOCATION NIGHT (for ages 20s and 30s) is scheduled for December 7th, at St. Basil Church, 50 Palace Street, Brantford, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. The evening includes a Holy Hour, a social (with food), vocational testimonies, concluding with Night Prayer.
THE SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION will be celebrated tomorrow at St. Ann Parish, Ancaster, at Blessed Sacrament Parish, Burford, next Wednesday evening, and at Regina Mundi Parish, Hamilton next Saturday, November 23rd. Please pray for the young people who preparing to be Confirmed, and for those preparing for the Sacrament. Thank you to the teachers and catechists who are working with the young people! Much appreciated.
OUR LADY OF THE ANNUNCIATION, pray for us!
Ex corde, +Douglas, OMI