Recent News and Events - 2022
Come Home for Christmas
Please join your Parish family for the celebration of Mass this Christmas. Whether you have been away for a short time or a long time, you will be warmly welcomed home with open arms! For Mass times and more - please click:
Advent Reflections with David Wells
The Diocese of Hamilton welcomes David Wells, world-renowned speaker and Catechist, to guide us through the season of Advent. On Christmas Eve, God comes to us, not as a hero, but as a child...
Chancery Office Closed: Friday, December 23rd
Please be advised that the Chancery Office will be closed on Friday, December 23rd, 2022, due to weather conditions.
Bishop Crosby's 2022 Christmas Message
Dear Friends, Christmas is a time of familiarity. We sing familiar songs, share familiar greetings, we pray and gather and celebrate in all those ways to which we are accustomed. Yet does this familiarity numb us to the awe-inspiring reality of the Lord's Nativity?
In Memoriam: Monsignor Raymond Modeski
We regret to inform you that Monsignor Raymond Modeski, died on Tuesday, December 13, 2022. Please pray that Msgr. Raymond Modeski may receive the reward of a good and faithful servant and that his family and friends will be consoled in their faith in Christ.
An Evening with David Wells: November 8th
Join us on November 8, 2022 from 7:00-8:30PM at the Cathedral Basilica in Hamilton as we welcome David Wells, world-renowned catechist, and educator. This event will be hosted in person and streamed live on Youtube.
November 27th: Coping with the Holidays
... when someone you love is gone. Christmas is an especially challenging holiday to cope with and the Family Ministry Office offers a special workshop on the first Sunday of Advent each year to help you cope with the season.
Our Lady of Guadalupe: In the Experience of Indigenous Peoples
Join us for a presentation on December 12th, 2022 at 7:00 PM at the Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King from the Honourable Graydon Nicholas, Chancellor of Saint Thomas University, New Brunswick, and former Lieutenant Governor of New Brunswick. A livestream will be available here:
The War in Ukraine: A Call to Prayer, Fasting, and Action
In a pastoral letter, the Ukrainian Catholic bishops of Canada invite people to pray, fast, and act in support of their brothers and sisters in Ukraine. In the appeal, they invite parishioners to donate to charitable organizations, including Aid to the Church in Need - Canada.
Extraordinary Minister of Communion Formation Workshops
The Liturgy Office is pleased to offer Extraordinary Minister of Communion ministry formation workshops this fall of 2022. The workshops take place in November in Walkerton, Cambridge, or Ancaster. To register, please visit:
Frassati Leadership Program
Calling young Catholic leaders from across the Diocese of Hamilton who are looking to draw closer to Christ and their own communities! The Frassati Leadership Program will offer opportunities for Catholic leadership formation for those in grade ten (ages 15-16). Learn more:
Diocese of Hamilton Student Awards: Nancy Mancino
Our 2022 Diocese of Hamilton Student Awards conclude with Nancy Mancino from Bishop Ryan 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.
Marian Day - October 1, 2022
Join parishioners from around the Diocese in honouring Our Blessed Lady for the last Marian Day of the year with Bishop Crosby on October 1, 2022 at the Basilica of Our Lady Immaculate in Guelph.
Memorial Mass for Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II
A Memorial Mass for Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, will be celebrated at the Basilica of Our Lady Immaculate on Monday, September 19, at 7:00pm. All are welcome.
World Youth Day 2023: Registration Due Soon!
Calling all youth ages 18-35! Come join the Diocese of Hamilton in Lisbon, Portugal for World Youth Day (WYD) 2023. WYD is a worldwide encounter with the Pope celebrated about every three years in a different country. Registration is due September 16, 2022 at 4PM. For details, please visit:
Minister of the Word Formation Workshops
The Liturgy Office is pleased to offer Minister of the Word ministry formation workshops this fall of 2022. Three workshops will be available over the course of three weekends, available in Owen Sound, Guelph, and Burlington. For more details and to register, visit:
World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation
September 1st marks the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation. Pope Francis and Archbishop Terrence Prendergast share their messages below...
Diocese of Hamilton Student Awards: Ruth Jamieson
Our next recipient of the 2022 Diocese of Hamilton Student Awards is Ruth Jamieson from Monsignor Doyle Catholic Secondary School in Cambridge. 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: Anthony Filice
Our 2022 Diocese of Hamilton Student Awards continue with Anthony Filice from St. John Henry Newman Secondary School in Stoney Creek. 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: Kaitlyn Dang
Our next recipient of the 2022 Diocese of Hamilton Student Awards is Kaitlyn Dang from St. Mary Secondary School in Kitchener. 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.
Children’s Liturgy of the Word Formation Workshops
The Offices of Evangelization and Catechesis and Liturgy are pleased to offer Children's Liturgy of the Word ministry formation workshops which will include rebuilding after COVID, overview of Children's Liturgy of the Word, leading and participating this ministry, and more. Three workshops are available:
2022 Vacation Bible School
Vacation Bible School continues taking place at Parishes across the Diocese of Hamilton this summer! We thank all Pastors, Parish Ministers and volunteers who allow for these wonderful opportunities for the young people in our Diocese to experience our Faith!
Diocese of Hamilton Student Awards: Kylie McIlveen
Our 2022 Diocese of Hamilton Student Awards continue with Kylie McIlveen from St. Thomas More 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.
Papal Visit 2022: A Recap
His Holiness, Pope Francis, completed his apostolic journey to Canada from July 24th - July 30th, 2022. On this "pilgrimage of penance", he made a series of public statements regarding Indigenous reconciliation and healing...
Diocese of Hamilton Student Awards: Grace Munaro
Our 2022 Diocese of Hamilton Student Awards continue with Grace Munaro from Bishop Macdonell in Guelph. 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.
Walking Together - Papal Visit to Canada
The Holy Father will visit Canada from July 24 to July 29, 2022. Pope Francis' historic visit to Canada will provide an opportunity for the Pope to listen and dialogue with Indigenous Peoples and to address the impact of residential schools in Canada. Drawing on the theme, "Walking Together", the Holy Father's journey of reconciliation, healing and hope includes visits...
Diocese of Hamilton Student Awards: Elena Hilson
Our 2022 Diocese of Hamilton Student Awards continue with Elena Hilson from Cathedral High 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.
Register for World Youth Day 2023 in Libson
We invite all young adults aged 18-35 who are interested in representing the Diocese of Hamilton at World Youth Day in Lisbon, Portugal, to register now! The first deposit is due in less than four weeks. For details and to register, visit:
Diocese of Hamilton Student Awards: Teagan Morassutti
Our 2022 Diocese of Hamilton Student Awards begin with Teagan Morassutti from St. Mary's High School in Owen Sound. 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.
Synod Results from the Diocese of Hamilton
Thank you to all who participated in the initial stage of the preparation for the Synod of Bishops, which will take place in Rome in October 2023 on the theme of Synodality: Communion, Participation and Mission. Over 2,000 submissions were received in the Diocese of Hamilton, including both individual and group responses. Every effort was made to include your thoughts in the Diocesan summary...
Ordination to Transitional Diaconate of John Ha, Paul Niesiobedzki, and Jonathan Reitzel
On the evening of the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, June 24, 2022, the Diocese of Hamilton welcomed three young men into the transitional diaconate. His Excellency, Bishop Lobsinger, Auxiliary Bishop of Hamilton, ordained Deacon John Ha, Deacon Paul Niesiobedzi, and Deacon Johnathan Reitzel.
2022 Diocese of Hamilton Student Awards: Mike Meleka
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 recipient from St. Jerome's University is Mike Meleka.
World Youth Day 2023: Lisbon, Portugal
Join us for our first information session for World Youth Day Lisbon 2023. Young Adults aged 18-35 in the Diocese of Hamilton are welcome! The session will be held in-person, with a virtual option, on July 6th, 2022 from 7-9:00PM, at St. Andrew Parish in Oakville. For more information, visit:
2022 Permanent Diaconate Ordinations
On Saturday, June 4, 2022, Paul Klaassen and Shawn Meaney were ordained to the Diaconate for the Diocese of Hamilton. We congratulate and warmly welcome them to their ministry for the Diocese! In front of Priests, Deacons, parishioners, family and friends, they promised obedience to Bishop Douglas Crosby and his successors. Each had hands laid upon them by Bishop Crosby and were vested in stole...
2022 Additional Clergy Appointments
The Most Reverend Douglas Crosby, OMI, Bishop of Hamilton, announces the following appointments. Please pray for God's blessings upon these new appointments.
Year of the Family: Speaker Series
The Diocesan Speaker Series is the highlight of the Year of Amoris Laetitia Family. It will feature a monthly topic related to family from January through to June, held virtually on Zoom. Bishop Daniel Miehm will lead the final session on June 15th, 2022, from 7-8:30 PM, titled "Family Love: A Vocation and A Path to Holiness." For more information and to register:
Ordination to the Priesthood of Kevin Upendran
The priestly ordination of Kevin Upendran took place on May 7th, 2022 at the Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King. The Mass was presided by His Excellency, Bishop Douglas Crosby, OMI, joined by Bishop Wayne Lobsinger, Bishop Ustrzycki, and concelebrating priests. During the ceremony, Father Kevin Upendran was anointed with Sacred Chrism to be like Christ, the Anointed One, the Eternal Priest, the Good Shepherd...
Job Opportunity: Refugee Sponsorship Case Manager
The Diocese of Hamilton is looking for an impassioned social justice and human rights advocate to join our Office for Refugees at the Diocese, for the position of Refugee Sponsorship Case Manager, One-Year Contract (with the possibility of extension). For more details and to apply, visit:
Ordination to the Priesthood: Kevin Upendran
The priestly ordination of Kevin Upendran will take place at the Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King at 11:00 a.m. on May 7, 2022. We congratulate Father, and wish him God's richest blessings! All are invited to watch the livestream:
Bishop Crosby's Message for Catholic Education Week 2022
Each year, the Catholic community of Ontario engages in a week-long celebration of the unique identity and distinctive contributions of Catholic education during Catholic Education Week. This year's celebration is entitled, "Rebuild, Restore, Renew Together" and will be celebrated during the week of May 1 - May 6, 2022. We invite you to watch Bishop Crosby's message.
2022 Mass of Chrism
On Monday, April 11, 2022, 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 Bishop Emeritus Anthony Tonnos, as well as his college of Priests.
2022 Easter Message from Bishop Douglas Crosby, OMI
Dear sisters and brothers in Christ, We will soon celebrate Easter, the high point of our liturgical year. As Spring breaks in around us, we marvel at the almost magical appearance of new life pushing up through the ground and out of the branches in the trees. The birds sing as they build nests and prepare to lay eggs and welcome new life!...
Holy Week at the Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King
Join the Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King for Holy Week and Easter as we participate in Jesus' Death and Resurrection. The Mass of Chrism on Monday, April 11, 2022, will be livestreamed on the Cathedral Basilica's YouTube page.
2022 Clergy Appointments
The Most Reverend Douglas Crosby, OMI, Bishop of Hamilton, announces the following clergy appointments effective, Wednesday, June 29, 2022, at twelve o'clock noon, unless otherwise noted.
Rosary for Peace
All are welcome to join Bishop Crosby and Bishop Lobsinger at the Cathedral Basilica on Friday, March 25, 2022 at 11:00 a.m.. We will gather to pray for peace, especially in Ukraine, and, in union with Pope Francis, to consecrate Ukraine and Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. A livestream will also be available...
Job Opportunity: Stewardship and Development Coordinator
The Diocese of Hamilton is seeking a full-time (32 hours/week) Stewardship and Development Coordinator to develop, execute, and support various programs within the Office of Stewardship and Development. For details and to apply, please visit:
In Memoriam: Reverend Michael Myroniuk
We regret to inform you that Reverend Michael Myroniuk, a retired Priest of the Diocese of Hamilton died on March 17, 2022. Please pray that Father Myroniuk may receive the reward of a good and faithful servant and that his family and the parishioners he served will be consoled in their faith in Christ. The funeral arrangements follow...
An announcement from His Excellency Auxiliary Bishop Wayne Lobsinger - Forward Together in Christ
His Excellency, Auxiliary Bishop Wayne Lobsinger, is pleased to announce a new Diocesan initiative called "Forward Together in Christ."
Towards a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission
Pope Francis is asking each and every one of us to become involved in the synodal process leading up to the Synod of Bishops to be held in Rome in 2023. Today we begin the first phase in our Diocese. We invite you to watch the video and share your voice by filling out the survey:
2022 Lenten Pastoral Letter from Bishop Crosby, OMI
We invite you to read Bishop Douglas Crosby's lenten Pastoral Letter, titled Full of the Holy Spirit. "During the forty days of Lent, we recall the forty days that Jesus spent in the desert. Scripture tells us that when he went into the desert he was "full of the Holy Spirit." He had been baptized in the Jordan River by John and when he came out of the water the heavens opened and the Spirit descended upon him in the form of a dove..."
Season of Lent
Sow Seeds of Goodness
Lent has two major purposes: It recalls or prepares for Baptism, and emphasizes a spirit of penance. Through forty days of close attention to God's Word and of more fervent prayer, believers are prepares to celebrate the Paschal Mystery. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, March 2nd, 2022, and continues until the beginning of the Mass of the Lord's Supper on Holy Thursday evening, on April 14th, 2022.
Lent 2022 Virtual Resources
The Diocese of Hamilton is pleased to offer you an Ash Wednesday Liturgy of the Word that can be celebrated virtually in a classroom or at home. You will find tips for celebrating the Lenten season with your family, and a video with the Gospel Proclamation and Reflection by Bishop Wayne Lobsinger.
Chancery Office Closed:
Monday, February 21
The Chancery Office will be closed for Family Day on Monday, February 21 and will reopen on Tuesday, February 22, 2022. Happy Family Day!
Information on Residential Schools:
To Inform, To Encourage, To Heal
"The sad legacy of Residential Schools and the reality that Catholic entities participated in the Government policy which removed Indigenous children from their families and from their culture has once again been brought to the attention of Canadians." Read the Pastoral Letter from Bishop Douglas Crosby, and learn more about residential schools, including actions and commitments.
Pastoral Letter Regarding Indigenous Reconciliation Fund
"Dear Brothers and Sisters, After significant work at both the national and local levels, I am pleased to provide an update on the participation of the Diocese of Hamilton in the national Indigenous Reconciliation Fund. In late January 2022, the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) announced the establishment of the Indigenous Reconciliation Fund..."
In Memoriam: Reverend Lech Wycichowski, CR
We regret to inform you that Reverend Lech Wycichowski, CR, member of the Congregation of the Resurrection, died on January 26, 2022. Please pray that Father Wycichowski, CR may receive the reward of a good and faithful servant and that his family and the parishioners he served will be consoled in their faith in Christ. Funeral arrangements are:
A Day of Prayer for Peace over Ukraine
Let us join Pope Francis in prayer on Wednesday, January 26, 2022 for peace in Ukraine. The Pope has expressed his concern regarding the tensions over Ukraine, and makes "a heartfelt appeal to all people of good will to raise prayers to Almighty God that all political actions and initiatives may be at the service of human brotherhood rather than partisan interests."
Bible Sunday: January 23rd, 2022
We celebrate Bible Sunday in the Diocese of Hamilton on Sunday, January 23rd, 2022. There are a variety of digital resources (both for adults and children) for this year's celebration with specific focus on the Gospel of St. Luke (Year C). Remember: #TheBibleSpeaks #WeListen!
In Memoriam: Reverend James McSharry
We regret to inform you that Reverend James McSharry, a retired Priest of the Diocese of Hamilton died on January 8, 2022 in St. Catharines. Please pray that Father McSharry may receive the reward of a good and faithful servant and that his family and the parishioners he served will be consoled in their faith in Christ.
Modified Working Schedule for Chancery Office and Bishop Farrell Library
Beginning Wednesday, January 5th, 2022, employees of the Chancery Office of the Diocese of Hamilton and the Bishop Farrell Library and Archives will be working from home, according to the government policies put in place. Staff will have access to voicemail and email during regular business hours. Inquiries can be made directly...