Heart to Heart: Issue #575

Date posted on April 4, 2025

“ST. MARY’S HEALTH” was launched on April 2nd, by the St. Joseph’s Health System. It is a new and  transformational plan to carry forward and build on the legacy and long mission of the Sisters of St. Joseph to care for “the dear neighbour”.  The announcement was made by Roger Fulton, Chair of St. Joseph’s Health System, and Mike Heenan, new Interim President and CEO of St. Joseph’s Health System.  It will renew Catholic health care in the Waterloo Region and meet the changing health and social needs of the community for generations to come! St. Mary’s Health at Home is the first service of the renewed healthcare provider. St. Mary’s Health flows from a community needs assessment and advice from health and social care partners. St. Mary’s Health at Home will meet the needs of the region’s fast-growing senior population, helping them to age safely at home and enabling a smoother and more effective transition through the healthcare system. St. Mary’s General Hospital and Grand River Hospital officially became the Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN, pronounced “wren”) on April 1st. More information on St. Mary’s Health at Home is available here. Long live the Mission!

FOR HEAVEN’S SAKE, VOTE! is the title of a Guide to Catholic Social Teaching and The Federal Election, prepared by Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Toronto, and published by Novalis Publishing Inc. Sarah Guinta, from our Office of Justice and Peace has provided sample copies and the publisher’s contact information to parishes throughout the Diocese. Catholics are encouraged to prepare well to vote responsibly in the upcoming federal election!

THE 2025 LIST OF PASTORAL APPOINTMENTS OF PRIESTS will be sent today to the Priests serving in the Diocese. It will be provided to the Chancery staff and published on our website next Monday. Thank you to the Priests who responded so generously to assure our parishes are well served. Thank you to the Personnel Committee for your assistance in determining the appointments for this year. Unless otherwise indicated, the appointments are effective on Wednesday, June 25th, at noon.

KITCHENER MAYOR BERRY VRBANOVIC is sponsoring a dinner tomorrow evening in support of The Working Centre, a multi-faceted response to homelessness and poverty directed by Joe and Stephanie Mancini and their team. The dinner will raise funds for new apartments, providing safe housing for many. Their total dedication to find innovative and creative solutions to the crisis of homelessness has made Kitchener a beacon of hope! Congratulations to the Mancini family – and to the City of Kitchener for “leading the way”!

THE HALTON CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD honours students every year from every grade with Awards of Excellence. Next Wednesday’s in-person event, which begins with a Mass of Thanksgiving, will also be televised in the Halton area. The celebration draws School Board Trustees, Administrators and Teachers from all of the schools, proud parents and excited young honourees. It is always a joy-filled event. Congratulations to those being honoured – well done indeed!

THIS YEAR’S MASS OF CHRISM will be celebrated at the Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King on Monday, April 14th, beginning at 2 p.m.  It is always a well-prepared and well-attended event. Parking is at a premium! Oils will be blessed for use at Baptism and for the Sacrament of the Sick, and Sacred Chrism will be consecrated for use at the Sacrament of Confirmation, and for the Dedication of Churches and Altars. During the Mass, Priests will renew their Priestly promises. Thanks to the Cathedral staff and the Diocesan Liturgy Office staff for assuring that all is well-prepared.  See you there!

OUR LADY OF THE ANNUNCIATION, Pray for us! Ex corde, +Douglas, OMI

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