Heart to Heart: Issue #583
“JOURNEY OF ENCOUNTER: Pilgrims of Hope Embracing Synodality” – sponsored by Concerned Lay Catholics begins on Sunday evening and continues through to midday on Wednesday. The synodal event takes place at St. Jerome’s University and promises to be an exciting response to the Synod on Synodality hosted by Pope Francis in Vatican City, in October of 2024 and 2025. Greg Kennedy, from the Jesuit Ignatius Centre in Guelph, will lead a retreat experience on Sunday evening, setting the tone for the gathering! May the Holy Spirit shower blessings on all who have registered for the event, including several from our Chancery Office staff! It will surely be an exciting experience for participants!
HEROES OF HOPE FOR THE MONTH OF JUNE are Ministers to Refugees and Migrants! This month we pray for refugees and migrants and highlight the many people who give hope to those who accompany them, providing safe and secure places where they can live with dignity. Through compassionate action, the Diocesan Office for Refugees coordinates sponsorship efforts, supporting parishes, religious communities and individuals in responding to the global refugee crisis. Rooted in the Church’s mission to welcome the stranger, the Office guides parish communities to sponsor refugees under the Diocese’s Sponsorship Agreement Holder (SAH) status. During the past 14 years the Diocese has positively impacted the lives of over 725 individuals and families from 9 countries! A remarkable record!
THE DIACONATE FORMATION ADMISSION COMMITTEE recently selected four men and their spouses to proceed to the propaedeutic (spiritual year) phase of the formation program. Mr. Sean Flatt from St. Augustine Parish in Dundas; Mr. Paul Giammaria from the Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King in Hamilton; Mr. Daniel Hartnett from St. Catherine of Siena Parish in Hamilton; and Mr. Francis Manyanga from St. John the Evangelist Parish in Dundalk, will begin the program in October. In May, the Committee will consider their suitability to enter the four-year candidate formation phase. We pray for God’s blessing on the aspirants!
THE DIOCESE OF HAMILTON INDIGENOUS RECONCILIATION FUND is once again accepting applications from June 1-30, 2025. The fund was established in 2021 to support indigenous led and focused initiatives across the Diocese, as an ongoing commitment to Truth and Reconciliation. Since then, the fund has distributed over $800,000 to local projects serving a wide range of Indigenous communities and agencies. To learn more about the IRF and how to apply, please visit the website here.
THE CURA PASTORUM ASSOCIATION, a priestly association to assist retired Priests in the Diocese of Hamilton, held its Annual General Meeting at St. Anthony Daniel Parish, Kitchener, earlier today. The meeting drew together Priests from the Diocese who hear reports about the disposition, recent contributions, and overall wellbeing of the fund. It also provides the opportunity to elect new members to the committee that cares for the fund. Thanks to Father David Walter and Father David Wilhelm who make helpful reports!
THE ST. VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY Annual National Assembly takes place next week at McMaster University in Hamilton. A concluding Mass will be celebrated at the Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King on Saturday evening at 5 p.m. Bishops from neighbouring Dioceses will join us for the celebration. The work of the Society continues to support people through the difficult challenges of life across Canada. We celebrate their goodness.
A CEMETERY MASS WILL BE CELEBRATED at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Burlington, beginning at 11:00 a.m. tomorrow. These celebrations are one of the benefits of choosing our Catholic Cemeteries for our loved ones, assuring that they are remembered in our prayers. All are welcome to join us!
OUR LADY OF THE ANNUNCIATION, pray for us!
Ex corde, +Douglas, OMI