Recent News and Events - 2020
COVID-19 UPDATE - December 23, 2020
Following the announcement by the Ontario Government that the Province of Ontario will go into a strict province-wide lockdown as of 12:01 am on December 26, ALL Public Masses in the Diocese will be cancelled until further notice. Parish churches will remain closed for the duration of this lockdown period, the only exceptions being...
Bishop Crosby's 2020 Christmas Message
Dear friends, As the Christmas feasts begin, I am pleased to send you greetings in the form of an excerpt from the 2019 Christmas homily of Pope Francis: "A charming legend relates that at the birth of Jesus the shepherds hurried to the stable with different gifts. Each brought what he had; some brought the fruits of their labour, others some precious item..."
Christmas Liturgy for Children
The Office of Liturgy and the Office for Evangelization and Catechesis are pleased to bring you a Christmas Liturgy that can be celebrated - in safety - with family in your home.
Watch: Advent Liturgy of the Word
The Diocesan Advent Liturgy of the Word was held on Thursday, December 10th, 2020 at 7 PM. Very Reverend Monsignor Murray J. Kroetsch, Vicar General of our Diocese, was the presider and there was music as well as contributions by different parishes in the Diocese during the Liturgy of the Word. Watch the playback by clicking
National Day of Prayer in Solidarity with Indigenous Peoples
The National Day of Prayer in Solidarity with Indigenous Peoples is celebrated on December 12, the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas. We invite you to read the message and prayer released by the CCCB Indigenous Council.
Journey through Advent
The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB), has a new online weekly video series created to help Canadian Catholic faithful to prepare for the celebration of the birth of Jesus - featuring His Excellency, Bishop Douglas Crosby, OMI, of the Diocese of Hamilton!
Pope's December Prayer Intention: For a life of prayer
In his prayer intention for the month of December, Pope Francis calls us to "pray that our personal relationship with Jesus Christ be nourished by the Word of God and a life of prayer."
Appointment of Auxiliary Bishop for the Diocese of Hamilton
His Grace, Archbishop Luigi Bonazzi, Apostolic Nuncio to Canada, has announced that Reverend Father Wayne Lawrence Lobsinger has been appointed Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Hamilton by His Holiness, Pope Francis.
Coping With the Holidays: Online Session
Have you lost a loved one and find yourself struggling with the thought of the upcoming Christmas season? Are you trying to figure out how you can cope? The Family Ministry Office is holding a one-hour Zoom session on Monday, November 30th at 7:00 PM, offering reflection and practical strategies for coping at Christmas.
Pope's November Prayer Intention: Artificial Intelligence
In his prayer intention for the month of November, Pope Francis calls us to "pray that the progress of robotics and artificial intelligence may always serve humankind."
In Memoriam: Reverend Francis Trzupek
We regret to inform you that Reverend Francis Trzupek, retired Priest of Hamilton Diocese, died this morning, Friday, October 23, 2020. Please pray that Reverend Francis Trzupek may rest in the peace of Christ and that his family and friends may be consoled in their faith in Christ.
Ordination to Transitional Diaconate of Patrick Ohl
On Saturday, October 3rd, 2020, during the 5 o'clock Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King, Patrick Ohl was ordained to the Transitional Diaconate. Bishop Douglas Crosby, OMI, was the principal celebrant along with concelebrating priests, including the Vice-Rector of Saint Peter's Seminary in London, Rev. Peter Keller...
Notice of Decree regarding the change of Diocesan Boundaries
Please read the attached Notice of Decree regarding the change of Diocesan Boundaries between the Diocese of Hamilton and the Archdiocese of Toronto as of October 6, 2020.
2020 Additional Clergy Appointments
The Most Reverend Douglas Crosby, OMI, Bishop of Hamilton, announces the following clergy appointments. Please pray for God's blessing upon these new appointments.
Pope's October Prayer Intention: The Laity's Mission in the Church
In his prayer intention for the month of October, Pope Francis call us to "pray that by the virtue of baptism, the laity, especially women, may participate more in areas of responsibility in the Church."
Update on COVID-19 Protocols:
A Letter from Bishop Crosby
A letter to Parishioners from Bishop Crosby released on October 7, 2020. "Given the recent rise in numbers of those who have recently contracted the COVID-19 Virus, and what appears to be the beginning of a second wave of infections, it is opportune to remind everyone of the protocols in force in our churches in the Diocese of Hamilton..."
Ministers of the Word: Online Virtual Workshop
The Liturgy Office will host a three (3) part formation workshop via ZOOM for those interested in becoming Ministers of the Word or renewing three year mandates. The formation program will take place on three consecutive Mondays, beginning October 19th, 2020...
Fratelli tutti: Encyclical Letter of Pope Francis
"Fratelli tutti" is the third encyclical of Pope Francis, released on October 4th, 2020. The encyclical has the subtitle of "on fraternity and social friendship." It is a call to disrupt our lives and pay attention to the world.
Blessings in the Midst of Trial
Volume 8
There was never a lull at Holy Rosary in Burlington because of COVID-19! The parish found numerous ways to keep parishioners in touch with the parish and one another. During the isolation, the parish reached out to parishioners...
In Memoriam: Monsignor Victor McNamara
We regret to inform you that Monsignor Victor McNamara, retired priest of Hamilton Diocese, died on Friday, September 25, 2020 at St. Joseph Hospital, Hamilton.
Blessings in the Midst of Trial
Volume 7
The youth ministry at St. Augustine's in Dundas didn't shut down during the pandemic. It invited the parish to "Do Something Good" in the community. "Do Good" is one of the parish's youth ministry mottos and supports its "Youth With Purpose" and "Youth in Action" movements. One of those projects was to create and send "Joy Cards" to the residents and staff at St. Joseph's Villa in Dundas...
Bishop Crosby's 2020 Back to School Message
With the anxiety many are feeling as we head back into the school year, Bishop Crosby offers a prayer and his blessings for a safe return to school.
Diocese of Hamilton Student Award: Autumn Colwell
Our final recipient of the Diocese of Hamilton Student Award is Autumn Colwell from Sacred Heart High School in Walkerton.
Pope's September Prayer Intention: Respect for the Planet's Resources
In his prayer intention for the month of September, Pope Francis calls us to "pray that the planet's resources will not be plundered, but shared in a just and respectful manner. No to plundering; yes to sharing."
Message of the Holy Father Francis for the Fourth World Day of Prayer for Creation
"Each year...the first day of September is celebrated by the Christian family as the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation and the beginning of the Season of Creation...During this period, Christians worldwide renew their faith in the God of creation and join in prayer and work for the care of our common home."
Novena In Preparation for the School Year
We are called to be witnesses as we head towards the start of the school year, in a time of such uncertainty, that we can be assured that God cares for us, is with us, saves us.
Diocese of Hamilton Student Award: Josephine McNab
The latest recipient of the Diocese of Hamilton Student Award is Josephine McNab from St. Mary's High School in Owen Sound.
Diocese of Hamilton Student Award: Rhylin Brown
This week's recipient of the Diocese of Hamilton Student Award is Rhylin Brown from St. Thomas More Catholic Secondary School in Hamilton.
Memo: New Director of the From Information To Transformation Program
After four years, Cathy Horgan, the Director of the From Information to Transformation Program will be retiring. We are happy to announce that, effective October 5th, 2020, the new Director of the program will be Tamara Nugent.
Highlights from the 2020 Diocese of Hamilton Ordinations
On Friday, August 14th, 2020 and Saturday, August 15th, 2020, the Diocese of Hamilton gained two new permanent deacons and four new priests respectively.
Diocese of Hamilton Student Award: Denzel Herrero
This week's recipient of the Diocese of Hamilton Student Award is Denzel Herrero from St. Francis Xavier Catholic Secondary School in Milton.
Diocese of Hamilton Student Award: Rebecca Gunnarson
This week's recipient of the Diocese of Hamilton Student Award is Rebecca Gunnarson from Monsignor Doyle Catholic Secondary School in Cambridge.
In Memoriam: Reverend Jiri Macenauer
We regret to inform you that Reverend Jiri Macenauer, retired former Pastor of Saints Cyril and Methodius Parish, Hamilton, died suddenly on Thursday, July 30, 2020.
Pope's August Prayer Intention: The Maritime World
In his prayer intention for the month of August, Pope Francis calls us to "pray for all those who work and live from the sea, among them sailors, fishermen and their families."
Diocese of Hamilton Student Award: Katie Young
The latest recipient of the Diocese of Hamilton Student Award is Katie Young from Bishop Tonnos Catholic Secondary School in Hamilton.
Blessings in the Midst of Trial
Volume 6
As St. Teresa Parish in Kitchener prepared for Pentecost, nine cedars were planted along the church to symbolize the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit...
Blessings in the Midst of Trial
Volume 5
The people of St. Clement have stayed true to their small-town roots, living their faith with neighbourly acts of care.
Blessings in the Midst of Trial
Volume 4
Thanks to the One Heart, One Soul Campaign, St. Ann's has been able to move its Music Ministry into the church loft, paint the church interior, install a tile floor to replaced the 37-year-old carpet, install a new sound system in the church and pay down the parish's Diocesan loan by 30%.
Diocese of Hamilton Student Award: Rachel Huhse
This week's Diocese of Hamilton Student Award is presented to Rachel Huhse from Resurrection Catholic Secondary School in Kitchener.
Diocese of Hamilton Award:
Sebastian Lazo
Sebastian Lazo is the recipient of the Diocese of Hamilton Award for Bishop Macdonell Catholic Secondary School in Guelph.
Resources for Families During the COVID-19 Crisis
A resource guide for families to help navigate the COVID-19 pandemic.
Pope's July Prayer Intention: Our Families
In his prayer intention for the month of July, Pope Francis calls us to "that today's families may be accompanied with love, respect and guidance, and especially, that they may be protected by the State."
Blessings in the Midst of Trial
Volume 3
The Blessed Sacrament placed in the window of the Holy Rosary office in Guelph has become a "huge inspiration" to the parish and the neighbourhood, said Fr. Vernon Boyd, the parish's pastor...
Blessings in the Midst of Trial
Volume 2
The pandemic hasn't halted the good work of the Church. The Stewardship and Development Office asked for examples, and parishes provided a wealth of them. A few are here, and more are to come!
Diocese of Hamilton Student Awards:
Nora Dempsey
Our 2020 Diocese of Hamilton Student Awards begin with Nora Dempsey from St. James Catholic Secondary School in Guelph.
Blessings in the Midst of Trial
Volume 1
The COVID-19 Pandemic kept our parishes closed for three months, but it hasn't kept the good work of the Church from taking place.
Re-Opening of Churches:
Announcement from Bishop Crosby
Please read this announcement from Bishop Crosby regarding the re-opening of churches effective June 16th, 2020.
Re-Opening of Churches:
A Letter to Parishioners
A Letter to Parishioners from Bishop Crosby regarding required practices upon opening of our Churches.
Statement from the CCCB: God Created Humankind in His Image and Likeness
The CCCB have released a statement regarding the sin of racism following George Floyd's death in Minneapolis, Minnesota on May 25th, 2020.
Prayer to Address the Sin of Racism
"We cannot tolerate or turn a blind eye to racism and exclusion in any form and yet claim to defend the sacredness of every human life." - Pope Francis
Pope's June Prayer Intention: Compassion for the World
In his prayer intention for the month of June, Pope Francis calls us to "pray that all those who suffer may find their way in life, allowing themselves to be touched by the Heart of Jesus."
In Memoriam: Reverend Antonio Cunha
We regret to inform you that Reverend Antonio Cunha, former Pastor of Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Cambridge, died on Wednesday, May 20, 2020 in Cambridge.
COVID-19 Author's Reflection:
Anne Jamieson
A very pertinent message about this "great pause" during the COVID-19 pandemic and our longing for the "Bread of Life" from Novalis Publishing author Anne Jamieson.
Pope's May Prayer Intention: For Deacons
In his prayer intention for the month of May, Pope Francis calls us to "pray that deacons, faithful in their service to the Word and the poor, may be an invigorating symbol for the entire Church."
Bishop Crosby's Message for Catholic Education Week 2020
During the week of May 3 to May 8, 2020, 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 Igniting Hope. We invite you to watch Bishop Crosby's message.
Bishop Crosby Consecrates the Diocese to Mary, Mother of the Church
On Friday, May 1, 2020, Bishop Crosby consecrated the Diocese of Hamilton to Mary, Mother of the Church for her intercession during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Consecration of Canada to the Blessed Virgin Mary
In solidarity with a number of Episcopal Conferences throughout the world, all diocesan and eparchial Bishops have been invited to consecrate their individual dioceses and eparchies to Mary, Mother of the Church on Friday, May 1, 2020.
2020 Clergy Appointments
The Most Reverend Douglas Crosby, OMI, Bishop of Hamilton, announces the following clergy appointments effective, Wednesday, July 15, 2020, at twelve noon, unless otherwise noted.
Bishop Crosby's 2020 Easter Message
An Easter Message from His Excellency, Bishop Douglas Crosby, OMI.
In Memoriam: Reverend James Malone
We regret to inform you that Reverend James (Jim) Malone, a retired Priest of the Diocese of Hamilton and most recently resident at St. Anthony Daniel Parish, Kitchener, died on April 5, 2020 at Emmanuel House Hospice in Hamilton.
Online Masses and Resources
Please see the following list for online masses available via parishes throughout the Diocese of Hamilton.
Televised Sunday Mass
Please join His Excellency Bishop Crosby for televised Sunday mass from the Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King. Sundays at 11AM on Cable 14 and 1PM on CHCH. #PrayTogether #PrayForTheWorld
Pope's April Prayer Intention: Liberation from Addictions
In his prayer intention for the month of April, Pope Francis calls us to pray "that those suffering from addiction may be properly helped and accompanied."
Adult Faith Formation from the Comfort of Your Own Home
The Diocese of Hamilton has partnered with The Virtual Learning Community of Dayton University to be able to provide parishioners throughout the Diocese of Hamilton with affordable, high quality formation opportunities.
Highlights from 2020 Mass of Chrism
On Tuesday, March 24th, 2020, the Mass of Chrism was celebrated at the Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King in Hamilton, presided by His Excellency, Bishop Crosby, OMI.
Decree Regarding Holy Week and the Celebration of the Paschal Triduum 2020
Please read the following decree by His Excellency, Bishop Crosby, regarding Holy Week and the Celebration of the Paschal Triduum in our parishes.
An Invitation to Pray
During these Lenten days, and mindful of all who are affected by the COVID-19 Virus, we are called to be more fervent in prayer. Since we are not able to gather publicly for prayer at this time, we are encouraged to pray...
Mass at the Cathedral Basilica
March 22, 2020
"We are that man born blind. We long to see. In the midst of our darkness, the darkness of these days, of this scary time we are in, we put our trust in the one who is our light, and our life." - His Excellency, Bishop Crosby
Reflections from the Carmel of St. Joseph
"And the people stayed home. And read books, and listened, and rested, and exercised, and made art, and played games, and learned new ways of being, and were still."
Reflections from the Carmel of St. Joseph
"While the world is locking down, there are less cars, less planes, and less pollution..."
Further Directives Regarding COVID-19
Chancellor Monsignor Murray J. Kroetsch, PH, VG, provides further directives regarding COVID-19 in this open letter.
Updated Directives Regarding COVID-19
In an open letter to Priests, Parishes, and the community in the Diocese of Hamilton, Bishop Crosby addresses updated directives regarding coronavirus COVID-19, including "dispensing the faithful from the obligation to participate in the Sunday Mass (c. 87), until we are again able to assemble for the Lord's Day."
A Letter from Bishop Crosby
Lift Up Your Hearts
His Excellency, Bishop Crosby, OMI, encourages us to lift up our hearts and spirits to the Lord in the face of COVID-19.
Chancery Office and Bishop Farrell Library Closure
Due to growing concerns regarding the spread of the Coronavirus, COVID-19, in Canada, the Chancery Office of the Diocese of Hamilton as well as the Bishop Farrell Library and Archives will remain closed from March 17th until July 2nd, 2020.
Pope Francis' Prayer to Our Lady, Health of the Sick
"The Pope offered a prayer to the Virgin Mary on Wednesday afternoon, in a video message to mark the Diocese of Rome's day of prayer and fasting for the coronavirus emergency."
2020 Permanent Deacon Pastoral Appointments
Bishop Douglas Crosby, OMI, Bishop of Hamilton, is pleased to announce the following Pastoral Appointments of Permanent Deacons effective at noon, Wednesday, April 1, 2020.
Registration Open:
Youth Ministry Training Days 2020
Training Days will comprise of a retreat morning for youth ministers and volunteer leaders, as well as opportunities for networking and professional development.
Pope's March Prayer Intention: Catholics in China
In his prayer intention for the month of March, Pope Francis calls us to pray "that the Church in China may persevere in its faithfulness to the Gospel and grow in unity."
Addressing COVID-19 Corona Virus Concerns in the Diocese
In an open letter to Priests, Parishes, and the community in the Diocese of Hamilton, Bishop Crosby addresses the concern of the spread of the coronavirus COVID-19 from various liturgical practices.
Highlights from 2020 Rite of Election
On Sunday, February 23rd and Sunday, March 1st, 2020, His Excellency, Bishop Douglas Crosby, O.M.I., D.D, presided at the Rite of Election at both the Basilica of Our Lady Immaculate in Guelph and the Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King in Hamilton.
Cancelled:
Liturgical Ministers Lenten Day of Reflection
Due to growing concerns regarding the COVID-19 virus, our Liturgical Ministers Lenten Day of Reflection days are now cancelled.
Season of Lent
Be Reconciled to God
Lent is a yearly celebration of the Church in preparation for Easter. Lent has two major purposes: It recalls or prepares for Baptism, and emphasizes a spirit of penance. Through forty days of closer attention to God's Word and of more fervent prayer, we are prepared to celebrate the Paschal Mystery.
Cancelled:
Annual Wedding Anniversary Mass 2020
The Annual Wedding Anniversary Mass has been cancelled this year in order to ensure the safety and well being of all those involved. We wish every one of our anniversary couples a very blessed and happy anniversary whenever you are celebrating in 2020!
Pope's February Prayer Intention: Hear the Cries of Migrants
In his prayer intention for the month of February, Pope Francis calls us to pray "that the cries of our migrant brothers and sisters, victims of criminal human smuggling and human trafficking, may be heard and considered."
In Memoriam: Reverend Tim Hingston
We regret to inform you that Reverend Tim Hingston, Pastor of St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, Waterdown, died yesterday, Tuesday, February 4, 2020.
In Memoriam: Reverend Anthony Azzopardi
We regret to inform you that Reverend Anthony Azzopardi, a retired priest of Hamilton Diocese, died on Thursday, January 30, 2020 in Chesley. Please pray that Reverend Anthony Azzopardi may rest in the peace of Christ and that his family and friends may be consoled in their faith in Christ.
Bible Sunday
Sunday, January 26, 2020
#TheBibleSpeaks #WeListen
"It would be beneficial if every Christian community, on one Sunday of the liturgical year, could renew its efforts to make the Sacred Scriptures better known and more widely diffused. It would be a Sunday given over entirely to the word of God, so as to appreciate the inexhaustible riches contained in that constant dialogue between the Lord and his people." - Pope Francis
Pope's January Prayer Intention: Promotion of World Peace
In his prayer intention for the month of January, Pope Francis calls us to pray "that Christians, followers of other religions, and all people of goodwill may promote together peace and justice in the world."