Recent News and Events
Bishop Crosby's Heart to Heart
IN A DECREE DATED TODAY, the Basilica of Our Lady Immaculate has been declared a designated Shrine of the Blessed Virgin Mary, effective December 8, 2019. The Decree will be read at a Mass celebrated on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which is celebrated this year on December 9, 2019.
Pope's November Prayer Intention: Dialogue and Reconciliation in the Middle East
In his prayer intention for the month of November, Pope Francis calls us to pray "that a spirit of dialogue, encounter, and reconciliation emerge in the Middle East, where diverse religious communities share their lives together."
Highlights from 2019 Annual Multicultural Mass
Many of our diocesan nationalities filled the Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King on Sunday October 6th, 2019 for the Annual Multicultural Mass.
Pope's October Prayer Intention: Missionary Spring in the Church
In his prayer intention for the month of October, Pope Francis calls us to pray "that the Holy Spirit engender a new missionary spring in the Church."
Highlights from the 12th Annual Diocesan Mass for Catholic Education
Late summer weather greeted attendants of this year's 12th Annual Diocesan Mass in Celebration of Catholic Education, which took place on Wednesday, September 18th, 2019 at the Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King.
Pope's September Prayer Intention: Protecting the Oceans
In his prayer intention for the month of September, Pope Francis calls us to pray "that politicians, scientists and economists work together to protect the world's seas and oceans."
Diocese of Hamilton Student Awards: Lindsay Adoranti
Lindsay Adoranti has promoted Catholic values at Cardinal Newman Catholic Secondary School through her diverse involvement in many organizations.
Diocese of Hamilton Student Awards: Darius Nguyen
Darius Nguyen is a student from Jean Vanier Catholic Secondary School in Milton who exemplifies the 'Catholic Graduate Expectations.' He is a self-directed responsible learner who has been on the honour roll every year and graduated as an Ontario Scholar.
Diocese of Hamilton Student Awards: Isabella Stoikos
Isabella Stoikos has been a true model of what it means to be the hands and feet of Christ at Bishop Tonnos Catholic Secondary School and in her community.
Diocese of Hamilton Student Awards: Andrew Genovese
Andrew Genovese is a remarkable young student from Corpus Christi Catholic Secondary School in Burlington who embodies Catholic leadership traits and Christian values.
Diocese of Hamilton Student Awards: Julia Cabral
Julia Cabral is a student of exemplary character both in and out of the classroom and in her commitment to the St. Jean de Brebeuf Community. An honour roll student and SHSM recipient in Food Processing, Julia has always found time to contribute to the life of the school.
Diocese of Hamilton Student Awards: Aidan Perry
Aidan Perry from Bishop Ryan Catholic Secondary School in Hamilton has served his Parish for over ten years as an altar server and has assisted with several Parish activities. He has worked at the Trillium camp for children suffering from cancer for many summers.
Diocese of Hamilton Student Awards: Jessica Dekker
Jessica Dekker is an exceptionally well-rounded student-athlete from St. Mary's Catholic Secondary School in Hamilton and is a recipient of the Diocese of Hamilton Student Awards. Jessica prides herself on giving back to the community, helping with the CWL Christmas House Tour and the Neighbor to Neighbor Christmas Hamper Program annually.
Diocese of Hamilton Award: Fabiola Alvarez
The Diocese of Hamilton award is presented to a graduating student who has attained high academic proficiency, and who exemplifies Catholic leadership qualities, Christian values, and a commitment to service in the community. This year's recipient from St. Jerome's University is Fabiola Alvarez.
Diocese of Hamilton Student Awards: Hayley Goodall
Our 2019 Diocese of Hamilton Student Awards begin with Hayley Goodall from Monsignor Doyle Catholic Secondary School, Cambridge. She most recently spent a portion of her second semester in Kenya on a ME to WE mission. She also completed the Church and Culture curriculum along with a Service Learn credit, enlightening her on how to become a well-informed global citizen...
The Second Annual Bishop's Charities Invitational Golf Tournament
The second annual Bishop's Charities Invitational Golf Tournament took place on Wednesday, June 26, 2019 at Oakville's Glen Abbey Golf Course. Presenting sponsors, Tripemco Burlington Insurance Group, alongside fellow sponsors and golfers, helped raised over $70,000 for the De Mazenod Door outreach program...
Highlights from 2019 Transitional Deacon Ordination
The pouring rain could not dampen the atmosphere on the evening of Thursday, June 20th, 2019 as five new transitional deacons were ordained at the Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King. We offer our congratulations to Deacons Paul Edmondstone, Robin Mendonca, Francisco Sordo, Pawel Stankiewicz and Hayden Starczala.
Highlights from 2019 Wedding Anniversary Mass
On Sunday, June 9th, 2019, 400 couples gathered together to celebrate the 32nd annual Wedding Anniversary Mass. The number of years of love and marriage represented by the couples was 18,574 years! Bishop Douglas Crosby, OMI, was the principal celebrant and signed a certificate for each couple in recognition of the event.
In Memoriam: Reverend Charles Schefter
We regret to inform you that Reverend Charles Schefter, a retired priest of Hamilton Diocese, died on Saturday, June 1, 2019 in Guelph. Please pray that Reverend Charles Schefter may rest in the peace of Christ and that his family and friends may be consoled in their faith in Christ.
2019 Wedding Anniversary Mass
The annual Diocesan Wedding Anniversary Mass takes place on Sunday, June 9th, 2019 at 1:30pm at the Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King. This is an annual Mass for couples celebrating their 25th, 40th, 50th, 60th or 60th plus Wedding Anniversary! To register:
2019 Additional Clergy Appointments
The Most Reverend Douglas Crosby, OMI, Bishop of Hamilton, announces the following clergy appointments, effective June 26, 2019 unless otherwise indicated.
Ordination to the Priesthood: Father Merkley, Father Schnurr & Father Trindade
On May 4, 2019, Father Gregory Merkley, Father John Schnurr, and Father Vivek Trindade were ordained priests for service in the Diocese of Hamilton at the Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King by Bishop Douglas Crosby, OMI! Let us pray that Jesus may be glorified in the ministry and service of these three new priests...
Diocese of Hamilton Purchases Mount Mary Immaculate Retreat Centre
The Diocese of Hamilton formally announces the purchase of Mount Mary Immaculate Retreat Centre, a property currently owned by The Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate, located in Ancaster, Ontario. The Diocese will take official possession of the property at the end of May 2019.
2019 National March for Life
The 22nd National March for Life on Parliament Hill in Ottawa takes place on Thursday, May 9th. The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) and the the Bishops of Canada have released a message for the 2019 National March for Life in communion with the Holy Father, supporting the sanctity of life.
A Child's Virtual Tour of the Cathedral
A Child's Virtual Tour of the Cathedral is a special project from the Waterloo Catholic District School Board. Staff and students from St. Anne and St. Agnes created the Virtual Tour during a visit to the Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King earlier this year. The Virtual Tour uses the latest technology and provides explanations by the students to the various points of interest in the Cathedral.
Catholic Education Week:
Living as Joyful Disciples
During the week of May 5 to May 10, school boards within our Diocese will celebrate the significant contribution that Catholic Education has made to the community, the province and to Canada. The theme for this upcoming week is Living as Joyful Disciples. We invite you to watch Bishop Crosby's message:
Highlights from 2019 Mass of Chrism
In the Diocese of Hamilton, the annual celebration of the Mass of Chrism takes place at the Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King on Monday of Holy Week. On April 15, Bishop Douglas Crosby, OMI, presided over this year's Mass of Chrism. As usual, the Cathedral Basilica was packed to overflowing with people representing the 118 parishes and 28 missions.
Permanent Diaconate Information Night
The Office of Diaconate Formation is holding an information night on the Permanent Diaconate for Catholic men on Monday, May 6th, 2019 at St. Paul the Apostle Parish in Burlington. For more details and to RSVP, please
Rite of Ordination: May 4, 2019
All are welcome on Saturday, May 4, 2019 at 11:00 A.M. to celebrate the Rite of Ordination to the Ministerial Priesthood at the Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King.
Mass for New Catholics 2019
New Catholics and their families and friends are cordially invited to join His Excellency, Bishop Douglas Crosby, for the celebration of the Eucharist on Saturday, May 11, 2019 at 5PM at the Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King...