Recent News and Events
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.
Bishop Crosby's Heart to Heart
32 TEAMS GATHERED for the Bishop's Charities Invitational Golf Tournament on Wednesday at the iconic Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville. The weather was perfect for the tourney: sunny all day, with a slight breeze. There was added excitement when 26 year-old Joshua Santucci hit a hole-in-one on hole number three - and won $20,000!
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...
Letter to Msgr. Michel Aupetit regarding the devastating fire of Notre Dame Cathedral
His Excellency, Bishop Douglas Crosby, OMI, has sent a letter to Archbishop Michel Aupetit regarding the devastating fire of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France. It reads: "In the name of the Clergy and Parishioners of the Diocese of Hamilton (in Ontario, Canada), I offer sincerest sympathy and the promise of prayers following the devastating fire..."
Chrism Mass 2019
All are welcome to gather with Bishop Crosby in the Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King for the Mass of Chrism on Monday, April 15th, 2019 at 7 o'clock in the evening.
Holy Week at the Cathedral Basilica
All are welcome to attend celebrations at the Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King during Holy Week. Bishop Crosby, OMI, will be presiding over the celebrations.
2019 Clergy Appointments
The Most Reverend Douglas Crosby, OMI, Bishop of Hamilton, announces the following clergy appointments, effective Wednesday, June 26, 2019, unless otherwise noted.
Highlights from 2019 Rite of Election
One hundred and forty catechumens were inscribed into the Book of the Elect at ceremonies at the Basilica of Our Lady and the Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King on Sunday, March 3rd and Sunday, March 10th, 2019.
Holy Hour of Prayer for Victims of Sexual Abuse
A Holy Hour of Prayer for the healing of victims of sexual abuse, including clergy sexual abuse, will be held in Parishes throughout the Diocese on Sunday, March 17th. Lent is an appropriate time to pray for those who have suffered trauma. At the Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King, the Holy Hour will begin at 2:30 PM. Contact your local parish for details on this holy hour.
Season of Lent
Lent is a time of repentance, fasting and preparation for the coming of Easter beginning on Ash Wednesday, March 6th, 2019. It is a time of self-examination and reflection as it recalls or prepares for Baptism, and emphasizes a spirit of penance.
#RallyUp - According To Your Word
Saturday, May 25, 2019
Registration for the 2019 Diocesan Youth Rally is NOW OPEN! We invite young people in grades 7-12 to join us on May 25th, 2019 for a day of faith, fun and fellowship.
Chancery Office Closed:February 12, 2019
Due to the forecasted weather conditions and the deteriorating road conditions expected throughout the day, please be advised that the Chancery Office will be closed today.
World Day of the Sick:
February 11, 2019
In his message for the 27th World Day of the Sick, Pope Francis urges believers to promote a culture of generosity, noting that the joy of generous giving is a barometer of the health of a Christian. People around the world are encouraged to pray for the sick and those who work very hard to ease the sufferings of the sick on this day...
Pope's February Prayer Intention:
Human Trafficking
In his prayer intention for the month of February, Pope Francis calls us to pray for a generous welcome of the victims of human trafficking, of enforced prostitution, and of violence.