Recent News and Events - 2021
2021 Chancery Office Holiday Hours
The Chancery Office will observe the following Christmas Hours:
Bishop Crosby's 2021 Christmas Message
My dear friends, "The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light: those who lived in a land of deep darkness - on them light has shone!" Is. 9.2 The fact that we are now dealing with the Omicron variant of the pernicious COVID-19 virus is discouraging indeed. We have worked so hard to do what we can to "manage" the pandemic protocols, but the daily bad news of increased infections, after we thought we were getting ahead of things, makes it difficult to remain positive.
Celebrating the Feast of the Holy Family
The great celebration of Christmas happens over eight days. During this special time, the Church takes opportunity to acknowledge special feasts or solemnities associated with the Nativity of Jesus, including the Feast of the Holy Family. Take time to celebrate this special feast day with some time for prayer and conversation.
2021 Message of the Canadian Catholic Indigenous Council
This year, the reflection by the Council centres on the theme We are called to Healing, Forgiveness, Reconciliation. "We, the Body of Christ, are called to live in friendship and harmony with all peoples. We are brothers and sisters of our One Creator God. God gives everything to all of us. God creates and sustains the wonderful diversity of peoples, cultures, races and creeds."
In Memoriam: Reverend Robert Stainsby
We regret to inform you of the death of Reverend Robert Stainsby, former Pastor of St. Paul the Apostle Parish, Burlington. Father Stainsby died at his residence on Tuesday, November 30, 2021. In your charity, please pray for the repose of his soul, and for the consolation of his family and the many former parishioners he served in our Diocese.
CCCB Journey through Advent Video Series with Archbishop Bolen
Each week, the CCCB will release a video recording of a Bishop in Canada reflecting on the Gospel Reading for each Sunday of Advent. This year's reflections were developed in view of the Indigenous Delegation which will be travelling to Rome to meet with Pope Francis from December 17 to 20, 2021. Each reflection is based one of the five essential stages of reconciliation: examen, confession, repentance, reparation (making amends), and reconciliation. Watch the videos:
2021 Papal Honours
On Sunday, November 21st, 2021, the Feast of Christ the King, the long-awaited Papal Honours were held at the Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King. Gerald Cyprien Cardinal Lacroix, Archbishop of Quebec and Primate of Canada, conferred the Papal Honours on 1 Priest and 14 Lay Faithful of the Diocese of Hamilton.
Advent Resource for Families
The Offices for Liturgy, Youth Ministry and Evangelization and Catechesis are pleased to bring you a weekly Advent resource that can be celebrated with family in your home. On the page you will find tips, videos and a simple prayer to be prayed around your wreath each Sunday of Advent.
Livestream Link: Papal Honours, November 21st at 1:30pm
The Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King will have a livestream of the Papal Honours celebration to be held on November 21st, 2021 at 1:30pm. It can be viewed by clicking:
University Chaplaincy in the Diocese of Hamilton
In celebration of the World Day of Prayer for Youth and Young Adults, the Office for Evangelization and Catechesis is happy to provide a "look" into the life and ministry of University Chaplaincy in the Diocese of Hamilton. May we continue to pray for the good work of these centres, and pray that young adults in our Diocese continue to feel well supported and spiritually nourished in their post-secondary journeys.
Important Update on the Diocesan Synodal Process
On November 8th, the Diocese received a notice from the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) indicating a new "roadmap" for our participation in the Synodal Process initiated by Pope Francis. On October 29th, the Holy See announced that the deadline for the national phase of the consultations for the 2023 Synod of Bishops has been extended to August 15, 2022. Therefore, we are now able to extend our Diocesan consultation until March 31, 2022.
Year of the Family: Amoris Laetitia
We invite you to celebrate the beauty and joy of family with us during this year dedicated to family through our Year of Amoris Laetitia Family webpage. The year is an opportunity for us to examine, celebrate and reinvigorate all families and help them to see their essential value as the "Domestic Church."
Thanksgiving 2021
The celebration of Thanksgiving in our homes and parishes is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the bounty of God's goodness and love. The Offices for Evangelization and Catechesis, Liturgy and Youth Ministry are happy to provide this resource for prayer and celebration of Thanksgiving in the home.
Bishops of Canada’s Collective National Fundraising Initiative
The Bishops of Canada, as a tangible expression of their commitment to walk with the Indigenous Peoples of this land along the pathway of hope, are making a nation-wide collective financial commitment to support healing and reconciliation initiatives for residential school survivors, their families, and their communities. Read the release from the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops:
Statement of Apology by the Catholic Bishops of Canada to the Indigenous Peoples of this Land
The Catholic Bishops of Canada, gathered in Plenary this week, took the opportunity to affirm and acknowledge to the Indigenous Peoples the suffering experienced in Canada's Indian Residential Schools in a Statement of Apology, dated September 24, 2021. Many Catholic religious communities and dioceses participated in this system, which led to the suppression of Indigenous languages, culture and spirituality...
Bishop Crosby Lends a Voice to the Vaccination Effort
"Vaccines protect my health. Vaccines protect my coworkers. Vaccines protect my parishioners. Vaccines protect us all." Bishop Douglas Crosby, OMI, is among a group of Hamilton faith leaders lending their voices to a city-wide campaign, aimed at getting more residents to roll up their sleeves and get vaccinated. Read the article from The Hamilton Spectator and see the full poster:
Catholics and the COVID-19 Vaccine
Dr. Moira McQueen, executive director of the Canadian Catholic Bioethics Institute, explains why the vaccines do not pose a moral dilemma for Catholics and why Catholics (and all people) should get vaccinated. Watch the video from The Jesuit Review:
Laudato Si': On Care for Our Common Home
The Diocese of Hamilton welcomes you and invites you to engage on every level with the Holy Father's encyclical Laudato Si'. This new website platform is meant to invite visitors to understand the important messages of Laudato Si', and use them to invoke change in their communities.
Diocese of Hamilton Student Awards: MonAvenir Catholic School Board
To help celebrate the first week of school, we are rounding up the last few recipients of the Diocese of Hamilton Student Awards. These next three are all from MonAvenir Catholic School Board; congratulations to Sabrina Ferrari, Jonah Paroyan and Alexa Badal-Badalian.
Back to School 2021: Resource and Liturgy for Families
As children prepare to return to in-person or virtual learning environments, we encourage families to take the opportunity to pray with their children and their educators in a meaningful way.
Before the hectic structure of bells and homework begins, schedule a time together as a family to celebrate a brief Liturgy of the Word and to hear how you can be praying for your children.
Transitional Deacon Ordination of Kevin Upendran
At 7 o'clock in the evening of the Feast of St. Lawrence, Tuesday, August 10th, 2021, Kevin Upendran was ordained to the Transitional Diaconate. Bishop Wayne Lobsinger was the principal celebrant along with concelebrating priests and deacons. The Mass took place at Holy Cross Parish in Georgetown.
Evenings with His Excellency
Interested in learning more about our Catholic Faith? Join Bishop Lobsinger for "Evenings with His Excellency" on the second Friday of each month at 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. in Canadian Martyrs Church, Hamilton). The first evening is Friday, September 10, 2021. If you are unable to attend in person...
Diocese of Hamilton Student Awards: Sydney Black
Congratulations to Sydney Black, a graduate from St. Mary's of Bruce-Grey Catholic District School Board, for being a recipient of the Diocese of Hamilton Student Award. The Award recognizes a student in the graduating class who has attained high academic proficiency and exemplifies Catholic leadership qualities, Christian values and a commitment to service in the community.
In Memoriam: Reverend John Redmond
We regret to inform you that Reverend John Redmond, Pastor of St. Pius X Parish, Brantford, died suddenly on August 7, 2021. In your charity, please pray for him, that he may receive the reward of a faithful servant of the Lord, and for the consolation of his family and the parishioners whom he served.
Diocese of Hamilton Student Awards: Patrick Manuel
The next recipient of the 2021 Diocese of Hamilton Student Awards is Patrick Manuel of St. Francis Xavier CSS in HCDSB. The Award recognizes a student in the graduating class who has attained high academic proficiency and exemplifies Catholic leadership qualities, Christian values and a commitment to service in the community.
A Contemporary Stained Glass Window: Blessed Carlo Acutis
The church of San Giuseppe in Molfetta, Italy, has installed the first stained glass window depicting Blessed Carlo Acutis, the 15-year-old beatified last year on October 10 by Pope Francis. His image - in jeans and sneakers - is in stark contrast to the traditional stained glass windows, and shows that holiness is closer to us than we think.
Diocese of Hamilton Student Awards: Nicole Martin
Congratulations to our next recipient of the 2021 Diocese of Hamilton Student Awards, Nicole Martin of Bishop Ryan Catholic Secondary School in HWCDSB. The Award recognizes a student in the graduating class who has attained high academic proficiency and exemplifies Catholic leadership qualities, Christian values and a commitment to service in the community.
Diocese of Hamilton Student Awards: Lucas Weber
Our next recipient of the 2021 Diocese of Hamilton Student Awards is Lucas Weber of Monsignor Doyle Catholic Secondary School in Waterloo CDSB. The Award recognizes a student in the graduating class who has attained high academic proficiency and exemplifies Catholic leadership qualities, Christian values and a commitment to service in the community.
First World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly: July 25, 2021
Earlier this year, Pope Francis instituted the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, which will take place each year on the fourth Sunday in July, close to the feast of Sts. Joachim and Anne, Jesus' grandparents. In Canada and around the world, we are invited not to forget our grandparents and elderly persons, cherishing them as essential members of the Church and society. Learn more:
Diocese of Hamilton Student Awards:
Ruby Joseph
Our 2021 Diocese of Hamilton Student Awards continue with Ruby Joseph from Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Secondary School in the Wellington-Catholic District School Board. The Award recognizes a student in the graduating class who has attained high academic proficiency and exemplifies Catholic leadership qualities, Christian values and a commitment to service in the community.
Ordination to the Priesthood of Patrick Ohl and Peter Robinson
On June 26th, 2021, the Diocese of Hamilton welcomed two new priests! Patrick Ohl and Peter Robinson were ordained to the order of presbyter in the Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King. Bishop Crosby remarked that, "This is an important and joyful day for the Diocese of Hamilton. Both Patrick and Peter have heard the call of the Lord. They knew they had to respond. And that response led them to this beautiful Cathedral Basilica today."
Diocese of Hamilton Student Awards:
Gabriella Burgio
Our 2021 Diocese of Hamilton Student Awards begin with Gabriella Burgio from St. Thomas More Catholic Secondary School in Hamilton. The Award recognizes a student in the graduating class who has attained high academic proficiency and exemplifies Catholic leadership qualities, Christian values and a commitment to service in the community.
Diocese of Hamilton Student Awards: Meaghan Hymers and Brad Bruder
The Diocese of Hamilton award is presented to graduating students who have attained high academic proficiency, and who exemplify Catholic leadership qualities, Christian values, and a commitment to service in the community. This year's recipients from St. Jerome's University are Meaghan Hymers and Brad Bruder.
Novena and Act of Entrustment to Saint Joseph
In keeping with the celebration of the "Year of Saint Joseph", the CCCB National Liturgy Office and the Office national de liturgie have composed a Novena and an Act of Entrustment to Saint Joseph. The Novena begins on June 22 and ends on June 30, and is followed by the Act of Entrustment on Thursday, 1 July 2021 (Canada Day).
Prayer for National Indigenous Peoples Day
In honour of National Indigenous Peoples Day, 21 June, the Canadian Catholic Indigenous Council has released the prayer entitled Prayer for Tolerance, Forgiveness, Reconciliation.
2021 Additional Clergy Appointments
The Most Reverend Douglas Crosby, OMI, Bishop of Hamilton, announces the following additional clergy appointments, effective June 30, 2021 unless otherwise indicated.
Year of St. Joseph
On December 8 2020, Pope Francis declared a "Year of St. Joseph" marking the 150th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Saint Joseph as the Patron Saint of the Universal Church. This year continues until December 8, 2021, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.
Statements regarding discovery at former Kamloops Indian Residential School
Following the recent discovery of children's graves at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School on the Tk'emlups te Secwepemc First Nation, the Canadian Conference for Catholic Bishops and Father Ken Thorson, Provincial of OMI Lacombe Canada Province, have released statements.
The Dr. H. Patrick and Mrs. Gayle E. Cunningham Medical Scholarship available for 2021
This scholarship will provide $10,000 in financial assistance to an eligible student who is a practicing Catholic and 1) attends a parish in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Hamilton; 2) is enrolled in a Canadian medical school; 3) intends to practice medicine in Canada.
In Memoriam: Monsignor Paul Boucher
We regret to inform you that Monsignor Paul A. Boucher died at St. Joseph Villa, Dundas on Saturday, May 22, 2021. Please pray that Monsignor Boucher may receive the reward of a good and faithful servant and that his family and the many former parishioners may be consoled in their faith in Christ risen from the dead.
Prayer for the Canonization of Blessed Louis-Zéphirin Moreau
On May 10, 1987, St. John Paul II presided in Rome over the beatification of Bishop Louis-Zephirin Moreau, 4th Bishop of the Diocese of Saint-Hyacinthe in Quebec. As we mark the 120th anniversary of his death on May 24th this year, and prepare to mark the bicentennial of his birth in 2024, we are asked to pray to ask the Lord, if it his will, that he be canonized and proclaimed a saint one day.
Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
The Institute for Catholic Education has released a Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus to be used at the beginning of June. It is an invitation to those involved in and those who care for Catholic Education in the province of Ontario to pray together. Click the link to access the Novena:
In Memoriam: Father Marijan Mihoković
We regret to inform you that Father Marijan Mihokovic, former Pastor of Holy Cross Parish in Hamilton, died on Thursday, May 13, 2021. We offer our prayers for the repose of his soul and for the consolation of his relatives and friends and all the parishioners he faithfully served during his priestly ministry.
Creative Kids Contest: On Nurturing Hope
Carrie G from Mrs. Fuciarelli's Grade 7 class at St. David Catholic Elementary School in Stoney Creek was voted First Place for the Diocese of Hamilton in the 2021 Creative Kids contest sponsored by The Hamilton Spectator. Congratulations to Carrie, and to all the students in Mrs. Fuciarelli's class for their inspiring designs!
Canadian Reporting System for Sexual Abuse or Cover-up by a Catholic Bishop
The Bishops of Canada launched a national service for reporting situations of sexual abuse committed or covered-up by a Bishop. See here to make a report:
Live-streamed and Prerecorded Masses in the Diocese of Hamilton
Parishes throughout the Diocese are providing the opportunity to watch both livestreams and prerecorded Masses. The list is organized according to Deanery - find your local parish or find a time that is convenient for you to celebrate Mass at home.
Register for your Wedding Anniversary Certificate
As the restrictions from COVID-19 continue and for the safety of all concerned, a decision has been made to cancel the annual Anniversary Mass scheduled for June of 2021. Bishop Crosby would still love to offer congratulations to all those who will be married 25, 40, 50, 60 and 60 plus years in 2021, and so we encourage couples to register for their wedding anniversary certificate here:
Now Hiring: Financial Analyst (Chancery Office)
This position provides financial and business support to the Diocese as well as supporting the Chancellor in enhancing the Company's financial reporting and forecasting processes.
Bishop Crosby's Message for Catholic Education Week 2021
During the week of May 2 to May 7, 2021, 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 Nurturing Hope. We invite you to watch Bishop Crosby's message.
Highlights and Video: Episcopal Ordination of Bishop Wayne Lobsinger
"This is the day the Lord has made! Forty-eight hours ago, we didn't know that this was the day. But this is the day. And here it is," Bishop Lobsinger remarked to those gathered. The Episcopal Ordination of the Auxiliary Bishop of Hamilton, the Most Reverend Wayne Lobsinger, took place at the Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King in Hamilton, Ontario, on April 18, 2021 at 2:00 p.m.
2021 Clergy Appointments
The Most Reverend Douglas Crosby, OMI, Bishop of Hamilton, announces the following clergy appointments effective, Wednesday, June 30, 2021, at twelve noon, unless otherwise noted. Please pray for God's blessing upon these new appointments.
A Message during the Month of Ramadan
The Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue has released a message addressed to "all Muslim brothers and sisters" to show solidarity and friendship as they start their month of Ramadan and look ahead to 'Id al-Fitr.
Highlights from 2021 Mass of Chrism
On Monday, March 29th, 2021, the Mass of Chrism was celebrated at the Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King in Hamilton. The principal celebrant was His Excellency, Bishop Crosby, OMI, with concelebrants including Auxiliary Bishop-elect Wayne Lobsinger, Bishop Emeritus Anthony Tonnos, and Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus Matthew Ustryzcki. Due to restrictions related to COVID-19, the attendance was limited to Priests only.
Holy Week 2021
The Diocesan Offices for Evangelization and Catechesis, Liturgy and Youth Ministry are pleased to offer a resource for families for celebrations of Holy Week in the Home. These resources encourage prayer and conversation in the home so families can celebrate well the experience of these holy days.
Watch: Virtual Lenten Retreat
On Saturday, March 13th, 2021 , Bishop-elect Lobsinger reflected upon the music and text of hymns associated with Laetare Sunday. The retreat was held virtually via Zoom. Watch the replay:
Bishop Crosby's 2021 Easter Message
My dear friends,
"He is not here; He has been raised!"
What a breathtaking message the young man dressed in a white robe imparted to the women who had come to the tomb to anoint the body of Jesus! At that moment everything changed - for them for us! At that moment Jesus' teaching took on a new authority, a new power. Because of this event the followers of Jesus, at that time and throughout the past 2000+ years, have witnessed reassuring miracle upon miracle proving that He lives - and truly helps us to "live fully"!
Conscience Rights in Ontario: A Crucial Moment for Healthcare Professionals
Over the last several years, doctors and healthcare professionals have been fighting to have their individual conscience rights recognized by both the Federal and Provincial governments. Federally, the passing of Bill C-7 will mean expanding access to euthanasia and assisted suicide to the disabled, those with mental illness and those who have an advanced directive. Many Canadians alarmed at the implications of Bill C-7, have contacted their Member of Parliament to express their concerns...
Register Now: Ministers of Music Virtual Lenten Retreat
Registration now open! On Saturday, March 13th, 2021 from 10:00 to 11:30 AM, Bishop-elect Lobsinger will reflect upon the music and text of hymns associated with Laetare Sunday. The retreat will be held virtually via Zoom.
Ash Wednesday at Home
The Diocese of Hamilton is pleased to bring you an Ash Wednesday Liturgy that can be celebrated, in safety, with family at home. Provided are tips for celebrating the Lenten season with your family, an outline of the Liturgy of the Word, and a video with the Gospel Proclamation and Reflection by Bishop Douglas Crosby, OMI.
Answering the Call to Priesthood:
Episode 4
In the final episode of this season's 'Answering the Call to Priesthood', Father King discusses the Transitional Diaconate with Deacon Patrick Ohl.
FOR THE COMMON GOOD
On the Pandemic Sacrifices
A Pastoral Letter from Bishop Douglas Crosby, OMI - "My dear friends, The decision to close our churches and suspend public celebrations of the Mass has been a painful one for our clergy, religious, and all the lay faithful in the Diocese. While the sadness of our inability to gather to celebrate the Eucharist is profound, some of the responses to this closure - in addition to falling short of the demands of charity - betray a fundamental lack of understanding not only of why this great sacrifice is being made, but also whose example we follow in so doing..."
Statement on the Use of COVID-19 Vaccines
In response to questions regarding various vaccines which are being made available to arrest the spread of the COVID-19 Virus, the Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith provided an important statement on the vaccines, in particular, those vaccines which, in the course of their production, employed cell lines drawn from tissue obtained from two abortions that occurred in the last century.
Chancery Office and Bishop Farrell Library Closure: February 12, 2021
Following the Province-wide Shutdown announced by the Government of Ontario to help mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 virus, and to protect the health and safety of our Diocesan community, the Chancery Office staff will be working remotely until February 12, 2021.
Pope's January Prayer Intention: At the service of Human fraternity
In this new year that begins, the Holy Father proposes a new challenge to us: to be more fraternal. Let us pray that the Lord may give us the grace to live in full fellowship with our brothers and sisters of other religions and not fight each other, and praying for one another, open ourselves to all.
A Message of Hope from His Excellency, Bishop Crosby
"The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it." (John 1:5) Suffering, sickness, loss and death can make the world seem like a very dark place. Perhaps no other year in memory has seemed so dark as the year we are (most happily!) leaving behind us. Yet even in times of profound darkness, we cannot forget that there is light.