Heart to Heart: Issue #563
JANUARY 26 IS SUNDAY OF THE WORD OF GOD or Bible Sunday! Instituted by Pope Francis at the conclusion of the Holy Year of Mercy, Bible Sunday is celebrated each year on the Third Sunday of Ordinary Time. The theme this year, to coincide with the Jubilee Year of Hope, is taken from Psalm 119:74: “I hope in your Word!” Our celebration of Bible Sunday is a call to listen to how the Bible speaks in our hearts and within our communities of faith. This year we celebrate Sacred Scripture as a source of hope for the faithful. The Pastoral Offices of the Diocese have prepared a wide variety of resources for youth and adults to celebrate Bible Sunday 2025. Visit our website here for more information.
FOUR MEN STUDYING TO BE PERMANENT DEACONS for the Diocese of Hamilton were installed as Instituted Acolytes last Saturday at Mount Mary Immaculate Retreat Centre. They are Paul Dobrowolski, Gustavo Ponce, Adam Walker and Ivan Zeljeznjak. Their study continues for another year in preparation for their Ordination as Permanent Deacons for the Diocese of Hamilton.
CONGRATULATIONS TO FATHER TOBY COLLINS, C.R., who will be one of the recipients of the King Charles III Coronation Medal along with 19 other distinguished recipients in the Kitchener-Waterloo area. The medal will be bestowed at a ceremony at The Centre for International Governance and Innovation, Waterloo. Well merited, Father Toby!
WE WELCOME BISHOP MATTIA LEE from the Diocese of Suwon, South Korea, and Father John Yang, Pastor of St. Paul Chung Korean Parish to the Chancery next week. The Diocese of Suwon has sent Priests to serve the Korean community in Kitchener for many years. A new Priest is assigned every three to five years. The visit is an opportunity to thank the Bishop for such a generous missionary outreach to the Diocese of Hamilton!
THE BISHOP’S DINNER FOR COMMUNITY NEEDS, sponsored by the Wellington Catholic District School Board last October, raised almost $28K through donations and sponsorships. The funds were distributed to the Children’s Foundation of Guelph and Wellington, the Canadian Mental Health Association of Waterloo and Wellington, the St. Vincent de Paul Society, and the Central Wellington Food Bank. The funds help support breakfast and nutrition programs in schools, mental health services for families, food for families facing food insecurity in Wellington County, and food vouchers and supports for families in need in Guelph. Congratulations to the Wellington Catholic District School Board! Great news as we begin the Jubilee Year of Hope!
HOLY FAMILY PARISH in New Hamburg is looking good! New lighting, some interior repairs and renovation have provided a brighter and more accessible environment for the celebration of the Eucharist. A new elevator facilitates access for elderly parishioners. The office space and parts of the residence have been updated. Congratulations to Father Bob Love whose architectural skills were put to good use in the process. Well done!
THE SERRA CLUB OF HAMILTON meets at Annunciation of Our Lord Parish for Mass and their Annual General Meeting on January 21st. It is an opportunity to review the goals of the club, most especially the promotion of vocations to the Priesthood in the Diocese of Hamilton. It also gives me the opportunity to promote the plans and projects of the Jubilee Year of Hope. New members are always welcome.
Our Lady of the Annunciation, pray for us!
Ex corde, +Douglas, OMI