Heart to Heart: Issue #589
JUBILEE YEAR HEROES OF HOPE for October in the Diocese of Hamilton are “those who promote human life and dignity!” This include multiple “ministries of care” for the poor, sick, homeless, migrant workers, those with mental health issues, support to the Indigenous through the Reconciliation Fund and international development programs worldwide! In our parishes, this includes St. Vincent de Paul, Catholic Women’s League of Canada and Knights of Columbus. Through these organizations and many other local groups, HOPE is constantly renewed and faith shared with those in need. Compassionate care ministries remind each one of their dignity and that they are loved by God!
DILEXI TE (I have loved you!) is the first Apostolic Exhortation of Pope Leo XIV, focusing on the Church’s care for the poor. Drafted by Pope Francis before his death and now revised and issued by Pope Leo, the Exhortation is in continuity with Pope Francis’ last encyclical, Dilexit Nos (He has loved us!), on the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Pope Leo emphasizes that “love for the Lord … is one with love for the poor”. The Exhortation is divided into five chapters, and outlines God’s identification with the poor. Dilexi te is available on the Holy See’s website and can be read here.
THE SISTERS OF ST. JOSEPH OF CANADA announced the election of their new Leadership Team for the coming years. Sr. Anne Karges was elected Congregational Leader, with Sister Sue Wilson serving as the Congregational Assistant, with the three Consultants, Sister Isobel Gallotti, Sister Mary McIntyre, and Sister Nancy Wales. May the Spirit guide and strengthen them in their ministry of leadership and service! We are grateful for their presence and ministry in the Diocese of Hamilton!
CHANGES IN LEADERSHIP AT THE CANADIAN CATHOLIC BIOETHICS INSTITUTE were announced this week. The retirement of Moira McQueen was announced, with Mr. Eoin Connolly accepting to serve as Executive Director and Dr. Patricia Murphy as Program Director. The announcement was accompanied by a letter from Cardinal Francis Leo, Metropolitan Archbishop of Toronto, and Chair of the Board of Directors of CCBI. The letter and announcement can be read here.
THE MULTICULTURAL MASS celebrated last Sunday afternoon at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Waterdown, was very well attended. Different cultural groups took responsibility for various parts of the Mass, with the Eritrean community from St. Agnes Parish in Waterloo, entertaining those gathered with song and dance at a lively reception afterwards. Thank you to all who contributed to the success of the event.
THANKS TO THE WELLINGTON CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD for organizing this year’s (last evening’s) Bishop’s Dinner Supporting Community Needs in the Guelph/Eramosa area. Always a happy gathering of schools (administrators, teachers, students, with Priests and Deacons from the parishes). It provided an opportunity for the Board to showcase the Children’s Choir from St. Ignatius School, the Student Leaders from the High Schools, and several charities that benefit from the generosity of participants. Well done, once again!
ST. ANN PARISH, in Ancaster celebrates the long awaited completion of their most recent renovation of the exterior of their Church. It was a “labour of love”. The Sunday morning Mass of Thanksgiving with be just that – an expression of gratitude for a job well done by the capable craftsmen and labourers who worked hard to complete the job in a timely way! Well done indeed!
OUR LADY OF THE ANNUNCIATION, pray for us!
Ex corde, +Douglas, OMI