Recent News and Events
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...
Bishop Crosby's Heart to Heart
THE FRANCIS IMPACT is the title of the most recent documentary on Pope Francis produced by Salt and Light Television. Sequel to its documentary The Francis Effect, it has been programmed for several showings each week on their website or on their television channel. It is a highly emotional and very informative presentation which Pope Francis himself concludes! It is too good to miss!
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
World Day for Consecrated Life:
February 2
Please pray for all those who have made commitments in the consecrated life, and be sure to thank them on their special day. May they continue to be inspired by Jesus Christ and respond generously to God's gift of their vocation.
Bishop Farrell Library:
Closed Monday, February 4th
Please be advised that the Bishop Farrell Library & Archives will be closed on Monday, February 4th, 2019. Regular hours will resume on Tuesday, February 5th.
Job Opportunities
Looking for a job? Various positions are currently available throughout the Diocese, both in the Chancery Office and within parishes.
Bible Sunday
Sunday, February 3, 2019
The theme for our second Annual Bible Sunday is Listening to God's Word at Mass. Father Michael Patella, O.S.B, a monk of St. John's Abbey, Collegeville, has been invited to speak at two special celebrations: one at St. Michael Church, Waterloo at 2 p.m., and one at the Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King, Hamilton at 7 p.m. All are welcome!
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
January 18-25, 2019
The annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity will be celebrated on the theme "Justice and only justice you shall pursue" (Deuteronomy 16:18-20). Christians around the world are invited to pray for the unity of all Christians, to reflect on scripture together, and to share fellowship. Resources can be downloaded at the Canadian Council of Churches.
Pope Francis' January Prayer Intention: Young People and the Example of Mary
Let us pray that young people, especially in Latin America, follow the example of Mary and respond to the call of the Lord to communicate the joy of the Gospel to the world.
Fourth Sunday of Advent
Gospel - Luke 1.26-38
We are called to use what we have seen, heard and shared with others to courageously say yes, just like Mary, for "nothing will be impossible with God" (Luke 1: 37-38). We invite you to read the Advent Resource on the Fourth Sunday of Advent, paired with the illumination of the Birth of Christ from The Saint John's Bible.
Bishop Crosby's 2018 Christmas Letter
ONE BLESSED NIGHT! Dear friends, As we approach Christmas, I am usually invited to a variety of special events. Andrew Miller's Christmas Cantata, The Birth of Christ, sponsored by Salt & Light Media Foundation, was held at the Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King. It was an absorbing evening of music and song...