February Announcements
MINISTERIAL FORMATION THROUGH VLCFF The Diocese of Hamilton is proud to partner with Dayton University’s Virtual Learning Community for Adult Faith Formation (VLCFF) to offer certificate programs for ministry and enrichment for adult faith formation. We are currently taking enrollment for the Youth Ministry Certification Program and the Catechist Formation Program for the Diocese of Hamilton, which begins in September 2024. Three and five-week e-seminars are also available at a discounted rate for all adults in the Diocese looking to further their learning. For more information about our programs, and how to register, visit us at www.hamiltondioceselearns.com .
VIRTUAL LEARNING WITH THE DIOCESE OF HAMILTON: INFORMATION NIGHT The Diocese of Hamilton is proud to partner with Dayton University’s Virtual Learning Community for Adult Faith Formation (VLCFF) to offer certificate programs for ministry and enrichment for adult faith formation. Interested in learning more about our programs? Have questions about the structure, course content and fees? Join us for a brief information session hosted by the VLCFF Coordination Team for the Diocese of Hamilton on Wednesday, March 26, 2025 @ 7pm. Registration for this event can be found here: https://bit.ly/VLCFFinfo.
JUBILEE OF HOPE, 2025 The Diocese of Hamilton joins the celebration of the Global Church in this Ordinary Jubilee Year, 2025, as “Pilgrims of Hope!” We are all invited to journey through this year drawing closer to God through prayer, service and experiences of renewal. Six churches have been marked as pilgrimage sites across the Diocese, welcoming you as a visitor over the course of the Jubilee to come and pray. Resources, information and locations of the pilgrimage sites are all made available on the Diocesan Website: www.hamiltondiocese.com .
OPENING THE HOLY DOOR: SPRING BOOK CLUB The Office for Evangelization and Catechesis invites you to join us for a four-week virtual book club, exploring the new book by Joan Watson, “Opening the Holy Door.” Tuesdays from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. March 18-April 8, 2025. Together we will reflect on the beautiful images of mercy and hope found on the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, open to pilgrims and visitors throughout the Jubilee Year. Join us for this time of prayer and conversation, drawing into deeper fellowship during this Jubilee of Hope. Registration can be made here: https://hamiltondiocese.com/events/
THE REEL JUSTICE FILM FESTIVAL offers another crucial dialogue with Resilient Genius February 25, 7:00 – 9:00 PM. The film gives voice to children and youth affected by war, conflict, and political unrest. Thirteen children and youth immerse us in memories of Syria, Ethiopia, Ukraine, Rwanda, Afghanistan and Iraq, reflecting on their lives before, during, and after experiences of violence. Their raw recollections, expressions of wisdom, and transformative acts provide a powerful call to action. Film Director Joanne Hodges and Rita Balla, Director, Diocesan Office for Refugees will provide further discussion following the film. The event will be hosted online via Zoom. Register and view our full schedule at: https://hamiltondiocese.com/reel-justice-film-festival/ A partnership between the Bishop Farrell Library & Archives and Development and Peace, the Reel Justice Film Festival shines a spotlight on issues of social, political, and economic injustices.
ReSTART: Moving Forward – Our 10 week program offers education and support to anyone seeking to heal and move forward after divorce or separation. The sessions will be offered from March 24 - June 9 (no sessions April 21 & May 19) and are held at the Chancery Office at 700 King St. West in person, or you are welcome to join our zoom classroom if you are from outside the Hamilton area. Cost is $35 for materials, but no one is turned away. To register go to hamiltondiocese.com and look for the date under Upcoming Events, or contact Sarah at 905-528-7988 ext. 2249, or e-mail familyministry@hamiltondiocese.com.
LITURGICAL MINISTERS OF HOPE During Lent this year, the Liturgy Office invites all Liturgical Ministers to gather for a Lenten retreat on the theme of Liturgical Ministers of Hope. Saturday, March 22, 2025, Basilica of Our Lady Immaculate, Guelph, ON, 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or Saturday, March 29, 2025, St. Matthew Parish, Oakville, ON, 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or Saturday, April 5, 2025, Annunciation of our Lord Parish, Hamilton, ON, 10:00 to 12:30 p.m.
DIOCESAN CHOIR The Diocesan Choir leads and supports the assembly's song at major Diocesan liturgies, such as the Chrism Mass and Ordinations, and is looking for new members. For more information, please contact Mrs. Sharon Fazari, Choir Director, at sfazari@hamiltondiocese.com.
RCIA As we approach Lent, the Diocese of Hamilton will celebrate the Rite of Election at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 9, 2025, at the Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King, Hamilton, ON, for all parishes in the Diocese. The Rite of Election closes the catechumenate period and begins the Elect's final spiritual preparation to celebrate the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil.
STRUGGLING IN YOUR MARRIAGE? FIND HOPE WITH RETROUVAILLE – Retrouvaille is a marriage program that helps couples who are struggling to restore their marriage and rebuild a loving relationship. Retrouvaille helps to improve communication, build stronger marriages and aids couples to reconnect. For more information visit www.retrouvaille.org or email 1013r@helpourmarriage.org.
ENHANCING SELF-ESTEEM - This program provides the opportunity to increase your self-awareness and to learn specific skills for building a positive self-esteem, which will assist you to feel stronger in all areas of you life. Issues covered during the course include taking responsibility for your own thoughts and feelings, positive ways to behave assertively and setting realistic goals for your future. The program will be offered from March 24 - June 9 (no sessions April 21 & May 19) and are held at the Chancery Office at 700 King St. West Hamilton. Cost is $35 for materials. To register go to hamiltondiocese.com and look for the date under Upcoming Events, or contact Sarah at 905-528-7988 ext. 2249, or e-mail familyministry@hamiltondiocese.com.
PARENTING TIP OF THE MONTH #166 Family love is one of the most complex loves to navigate. Siblings often love each other but also know clearly all the buttons to push to make other members react negatively. Children challenge parents as they age, generally trying to define and discover whom they are as an individual, and sometimes personalities just clash. These are hard moments, so work to stay connected with good moments that bring you together. Nature walks, movie nights, game nights, and brunch following Mass on the weekend – any actions that will remind everyone that family is our greatest support. Putting in the effort to plan fun moments will have lifetime benefits to all members of the family! (From: Teresa Hartnett, Family Ministry Office; 905-528-7988 ext. 2250)
MARRIAGE TIP OF THE MONTH #146 February is known as the month of love, but love needs to be part of our thinking 24/7! Love is an action word, so take some time to reflect on your contribution to your married relationship. Do you use kind words, compliment, apologize, when necessary, show love through action in what you do for your spouse, pray for your spouse daily and make the time to be together and share your day? These will all build love and keep it strong.
THE DIOCESAN WEDDING ANNIVERSARY MASS – SAVE THE DATE! Are you celebrating your 25th, 40th, 50th, 60th, or 60+ Wedding Anniversary in the year 2025? You are cordially invited to join Bishop Crosby and couples from across the Diocese of Hamilton for a Wedding Anniversary Mass on Sunday, June 1, 2025 at the Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King in Hamilton at 1:30 pm. (Space allows room for Anniversary couples only - those married 60 years or more may bring one guest if you require assistance). Registration is found under Upcoming Events on the home page at hamiltondiocese.com.
16th Annual Dynamic Women of Faith Conference – This conference will bring together Catholic women to share in hearing informative presentations, enjoy delicious food and fellowship with all those present. The event will be held on Saturday March 22, 2025 from 9:00am-4pm at the Old Mill (includes light lunch) in Toronto. For more information see Recharge Your Spirit at the Dynamic Women of Faith Conference 2025; to register go to Dynamic Women of Faith Conference 2025; to register go to Dynamic Women of Faith Conference 2025 Tickets, Sat, 22 Mar 2025 at 9:00 AM | Eventbrite.
Be Sober: Have you chosen sobriety or are you struggling with addiction? Or are you a family member of someone who does? The Sisters Poor of Jesus Christ offer an ongoing 12-step program to support you. The Be Sober meetings are held every Tuesday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the basement of St. Ann Catholic Church, 120 Sherman Avenue N. Hamilton. The evening is organized into three key components: prayer, training on the 12 steps and spirituality, and group sharing. For further information, please contact: (905) 512-8493 or e-mail: besober.skateri@ocaminho.org. All are welcome!