Recent News and Events - 2023
Bishop Crosby's Heart to Heart
A SECOND INFORMATION BROCHURE on the Synod on Synodality is now available at the parish churches of our Diocese. The new brochure provides fundamental information about the Synod, its goals and processes. This is the second of three brochures prepared to inform parishioners about the Synod on Synodality which is in the preparation stage now, and taking place in Vatican City this Fall, and the Fall of 2024.
Register for the Wedding Anniversary Mass: Sunday, April 16, 2023
For couples celebrating their 25th, 40th, 50th, 60th or 60th plus Wedding Anniversary! The annual Wedding Anniversary Mass will be held on Sunday, April 16, 2023 at 1:30PM in the Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King, Hamilton. Register for the Mass:
Forward Together in Christ
Forward Together in Christ was initiated to help the Bishop of Hamilton discern the best way to move the Diocese forward after the struggles and limitations imposed by the COVID-19 Pandemic. Once a committee was established, consisting of representatives from the clergy, chancery staff and a lay pastoral minister, it was decided to gather...
Journey through Lent
As we continue to Journey through Lent, we invite you to watch the CCCB video series available on their website. This year's Lenten reflections are delivered by His Eminence Gerald Cyprien Cardinal Lacroix, Archbishop of Quebec and Primate of Canada, and the Most Reverend Brian Joseph Dunn, Archbishop of Halifax-Yarmouth.
Spring Webinar Series: The Call of the Catechist
The CCCB National Office for Evangelization and Catechesis is hosting a three-part webinar series on "The Call of the Catechist". Our Diocesan Office for Evangelization and Catechesis is pleased to follow the webinars with a series of "Catechist Coffee Times" - online gatherings of our Diocesan community dedicated to prayer and debrief of the good and important information received in these workshops...
In Memoriam: Reverend Ronald Hodara
We regret to inform you that Reverend Ronald Hodara, died on Sunday, March 5th, 2023. Please pray that Reverend Ronald Hodara may receive the reward of a good and faithful servant and that his family and friends will be consoled in their faith in Christ.
Highlights from World Youth Day 2023 Fundraiser Dinner
The World Youth Day Pilgrims were delighted to host their "Taste of Portugal Fundraising Dinner" at St. Mary's Parish in Hamilton on February 4th, 2023. The evening was a huge success and great fun for all involved. A special thank you to all our generous sponsors and attendees for your support!
Thursday, February 23, 2023: Chancery Office Closed
Due to inclement weather, the Chancery Office and Bishop Farrell Library and Archives will be closed today, Thursday, February 23rd, 2023.
Season of Lent
Journey of Penance
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, February 22nd, 2023, and continues until the beginning of the Mass of the Lord's Supper on Holy Thursday evening, on April 6th, 2023.
Holy Father's Message for Lent 2023
"Dear brothers and sisters, may the Holy Spirit inspire and sustain us this Lent in our ascent with Jesus, so that we may experience his divine splendour and thus, confirmed in faith, persevere in our journey together with him, glory of his people and light of the nations..."
31st World Day of the Sick: February 11th
The World Day of the Sick calls for prayer and closeness towards those who suffer. We invite you to read Pope Francis' message for the 31st World Day of the Sick:
"That We May Walk Together" Series of Pastoral Letters (2023)
Through a series of pastoral letters to First Nations, Inuit, Metis, and the People of God in Canada, the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) affirmed its ongoing commitment to renewing and strengthening relations with Indigenous Peoples at the national, regional, and especially the local level.
In Memoriam: Reverend Wallace Metcalf
We regret to inform you that Reverend Wallace Metcalf, died on Wednesday, February 1, 2023. Please pray that Reverend Wallace Metcalf may receive the reward of a good and faithful servant and that his family and friends will be consoled in their faith in Christ.
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity: January 18-25
"Do good; seek justice." (Isaiah 1:12-17) The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is an annual ecumenical celebration. Christians around the world are invited to pray for the unity of all Christians, to reflect on scripture together, to participate in jointly-organized ecumenical services, and to share fellowship.
#TheBibleSpeaks: Bible Sunday
In Lectionary Year A, the Church reflects deeply on the Gospel of Matthew. To help us in our exploration through this synoptic Gospel, the Diocese is pleased to provide resources for adults and grades 6-8 for Bible Sunday on January 23rd, 2023 and throughout Year A.