DIOCESAN WORKSHOPS & EVENTS
April & May 2024
Struggling After an Abortion?
Either your own, or someone else’s? Do you feel alone, emotional, or angry? Project Rachel is available to help. This confidential service allows people to work through their feelings on an individual basis, with a trained counsellor, to find hope and healing. Please contact us at 905-526-1999 or toll free at 1-888-385-3850.
Reel Justice Film Festival April 25th Join us from 7:00 – 9:00 pm. for the screening of Bigger Than Us. The films follows youth activist Melati Wijsen as she travels the world to meet other young activists like herself, striving to make the world a better place. Guest speaker Peter Mahfouz from Caritas Lebanon will speak to his work supporting youth initiatives in Lebanon and the strength of young people in supporting their communities. The screening and discussion will be hosted online via Zoom. Register at: https://reeljustice.hamiltondiocese.com/ 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.
Confirmation Preparation Workshops 2024 The Office for Evangelization and Catechesis is happy to offer a new Confirmation Preparation Program for the Diocese of Hamilton. We invite all those involved in Sacramental Preparation to take part in this new formation workshop in the early spring with dates available in multiple locations of the Diocese. To learn more about these offerings, register here: https://bit.ly/ConfirmationPrep2024
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. Should you wish more information, please contact Mrs. Sharon Fazari, Choir Director, at sfazari@hamiltondiocese.com.
Separated / Divorced Support Group Waterloo Life changes are never easy. After a separation or divorce, you may be feeling isolated or need of support and healing to adjust to your new life? Come together with others to realize there is a ‘second act’. Join us on the 3rd Tuesday of every month - 7:30-8:30 pm – April 16, May 21, June 18. Feel free to come early and join our Parish in prayer - 7:00pm Mass. We will meet in the Parish Centre (basement) at 7:30pm. To register: Phone 519-884-9311, or Email: parish@stmichaelw.ca
REEL JUSTICE FILM FESTIVAL Join us on May 23, 7:00 – 9:00 PM for the screening of The Biggest Little Farm. The film chronicles the eight-year quest of John and Molly Chester as they trade city living for 200 acres of barren farmland and a dream to develop a sustainable farm in harmony with nature. Guest speaker Lisa Conroy, Farm Educator from the Ignatius Jesuit Centre in Guelph will offer insight into their model of organic agriculture and the programs they provide. The screening and discussion will be hosted online via Zoom. Register at: https://reeljustice.hamiltondiocese.com/ 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.
New to Youth Ministry Networking Event The Office of Youth Ministry is hosting a networking evening for those adult leaders who are new to parish youth ministry. Join us on June 6th at St. Benedict Parish in Milton for an evening of conversation and fellowship. Registration and additional information is available on the Diocesan website: https://tinyurl.com/ymnetwork
Vacation Bible School Youth Training Day The Office of Youth Ministry will be holding a day of training for those young people who are assisting in their parish’s Vacation Bible School this summer. Join us on Saturday, May 25th at Mount Mary Retreat Centre for a day of leadership development. Parishes are requested to complete the registration form on behalf of their young people attending. Registration and additional information are available on the Diocesan website: https://tinyurl.com/vbsmay2024
Vocations Recognition Dinner 2024
The Serra Club of Hamilton invites you to gather on Wednesday, May 15, 2024 at Liuna Station to celebrate the service of our Priests, Religious Brothers and Sisters, Consecrated Virgins Living in the World and Permanent Deacons. Tickets: $90pp. Contact: serrahamilton1965@gmail.com for more details.
Young Adults Night - Saturday, June 1st - Stoney Creek Fr. Mark Morley invites all young adults (ages 20s and 30s) of our diocese to attend an evening of prayer, fellowship and praise music in support of your vocations. The Young Adults Night includes a Holy Hour (6:30pm-7:30 pm), social with food (7:30pm-8:00pm), praise night with vocations testimony (8:00pm-9:00pm), and Compline (9:00pm) on Saturday, June 1st at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church (934 Highway #8, Stoney Creek, Ontario). Sponsored by the Vocations Office of the Diocese of Hamilton: https://hamiltondiocese.com/vocations/ For more information, please contact: vocations@hamiltondiocese.com
Relics of St. Brother Andre Bessette visit Hamilton Diocese
The major reliquary of St. Andre Bessette (Brother Andre of Montreal Oratory) will visit the Diocese of Hamilton May 17-24, 2024. The relics of Brother Andre start their tour at the Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King and finish at Holy Family, Hanover. See the diocesan website, Saint Brother André in the Diocese of Hamilton (hamiltondiocese.com) for dates and times. This is a wonderful opportunity to invoke the intercession of one of our own Canadian Saints. We are truly blessed to have the relics of St. Andre Bessette visit our Diocese.
The Fine Art of Being Happily Married - In his poem, The Art of Marriage, Wilfred A. Peterson writes, “A good marriage must be created” and creating something requires time and attention. We invite you to take the time, with your spouse, to find new and creative ways to increase your connection with each other, to discover fresh techniques for being in relationship and to deepen the love you already share. Join us on Saturday, June 1st from 9:30 – 3:00 pm at St. Catherine of Siena Parish in Hamilton. Cost is $50 per couple and includes lunch. To register on the website, go to https://hamiltondiocese.com/ and look under Upcoming Events, or contact Sarah at 905-528-7988 ext. 2249.
Diocesan Wedding Anniversary Mass May 2024 - Are you celebrating your 25th, 40th, 50th, 60th, or 60+ Wedding Anniversary in the year 2024? If you are, you are cordially invited to join couples from across the Diocese of Hamilton for a Wedding Anniversary Mass on Sunday, May 26, 2024, 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 available online at https://hamiltondiocese.com/ under Upcoming Events, or call the office at 905-528-7988 ext. 2249.
RESTART: Refresh, Renew, Revive Friday Night Support Group – Struggling after divorce or separation? Join us for learning, support and fun on Friday evenings. Held the 2nd & 3rd Fridays of each month, these get-togethers offer continual support and insights for people as they journey through the divorce/separation process and beyond. Join in-person (700 King St. West, Hamilton), or by ZOOM. Register before each session here: https://sites.google.com/view/hamilton-restart/home or contact Sarah at familyministry@hamiltondiocese.com, or call her at 905-528-7988 ext. 2249. We look forward to seeing you!
Adult Faith 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
Catholic Education Week 2024 Catholic Education Week 2024 begins on Sunday, May 5, 2024. The Catholic schools in our parish will engage in a series of events to celebrate the ongoing gift of publicly funded Catholic education. You are invited to learn about the various celebrations that are happening in your children’s school, and are welcome to attend, if possible. This year’s Catholic Education Week theme is, “We are called to love”, and is grounded in our Holy Scriptures: “If we love one another, God lives in us.” (1 John 4:12) To learn more about Catholic Education Week in the Diocese of Hamilton, visit us at https://www.hamiltondiocesecew.com/
WOMEN’S CURSILLO WEEKEND A Women’s Cursillo Weekend will be held in Deemerton from Thursday, May 30 to Sunday, June 2nd. For information or application forms, please contact Mary Ann Kirkconnell (Weekend Coordinator) rmkirkconnell@gmail.com.
Either your own, or someone else’s? Do you feel alone, emotional, or angry? Project Rachel is available to help. This confidential service allows people to work through their feelings on an individual basis, with a trained counsellor, to find hope and healing. Please contact us at 905-526-1999 or toll free at 1-888-385-3850.
Reel Justice Film Festival April 25th Join us from 7:00 – 9:00 pm. for the screening of Bigger Than Us. The films follows youth activist Melati Wijsen as she travels the world to meet other young activists like herself, striving to make the world a better place. Guest speaker Peter Mahfouz from Caritas Lebanon will speak to his work supporting youth initiatives in Lebanon and the strength of young people in supporting their communities. The screening and discussion will be hosted online via Zoom. Register at: https://reeljustice.hamiltondiocese.com/ 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.
Confirmation Preparation Workshops 2024 The Office for Evangelization and Catechesis is happy to offer a new Confirmation Preparation Program for the Diocese of Hamilton. We invite all those involved in Sacramental Preparation to take part in this new formation workshop in the early spring with dates available in multiple locations of the Diocese. To learn more about these offerings, register here: https://bit.ly/ConfirmationPrep2024
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. Should you wish more information, please contact Mrs. Sharon Fazari, Choir Director, at sfazari@hamiltondiocese.com.
Separated / Divorced Support Group Waterloo Life changes are never easy. After a separation or divorce, you may be feeling isolated or need of support and healing to adjust to your new life? Come together with others to realize there is a ‘second act’. Join us on the 3rd Tuesday of every month - 7:30-8:30 pm – April 16, May 21, June 18. Feel free to come early and join our Parish in prayer - 7:00pm Mass. We will meet in the Parish Centre (basement) at 7:30pm. To register: Phone 519-884-9311, or Email: parish@stmichaelw.ca
REEL JUSTICE FILM FESTIVAL Join us on May 23, 7:00 – 9:00 PM for the screening of The Biggest Little Farm. The film chronicles the eight-year quest of John and Molly Chester as they trade city living for 200 acres of barren farmland and a dream to develop a sustainable farm in harmony with nature. Guest speaker Lisa Conroy, Farm Educator from the Ignatius Jesuit Centre in Guelph will offer insight into their model of organic agriculture and the programs they provide. The screening and discussion will be hosted online via Zoom. Register at: https://reeljustice.hamiltondiocese.com/ 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.
New to Youth Ministry Networking Event The Office of Youth Ministry is hosting a networking evening for those adult leaders who are new to parish youth ministry. Join us on June 6th at St. Benedict Parish in Milton for an evening of conversation and fellowship. Registration and additional information is available on the Diocesan website: https://tinyurl.com/ymnetwork
Vacation Bible School Youth Training Day The Office of Youth Ministry will be holding a day of training for those young people who are assisting in their parish’s Vacation Bible School this summer. Join us on Saturday, May 25th at Mount Mary Retreat Centre for a day of leadership development. Parishes are requested to complete the registration form on behalf of their young people attending. Registration and additional information are available on the Diocesan website: https://tinyurl.com/vbsmay2024
Vocations Recognition Dinner 2024
The Serra Club of Hamilton invites you to gather on Wednesday, May 15, 2024 at Liuna Station to celebrate the service of our Priests, Religious Brothers and Sisters, Consecrated Virgins Living in the World and Permanent Deacons. Tickets: $90pp. Contact: serrahamilton1965@gmail.com for more details.
Young Adults Night - Saturday, June 1st - Stoney Creek Fr. Mark Morley invites all young adults (ages 20s and 30s) of our diocese to attend an evening of prayer, fellowship and praise music in support of your vocations. The Young Adults Night includes a Holy Hour (6:30pm-7:30 pm), social with food (7:30pm-8:00pm), praise night with vocations testimony (8:00pm-9:00pm), and Compline (9:00pm) on Saturday, June 1st at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church (934 Highway #8, Stoney Creek, Ontario). Sponsored by the Vocations Office of the Diocese of Hamilton: https://hamiltondiocese.com/vocations/ For more information, please contact: vocations@hamiltondiocese.com
Relics of St. Brother Andre Bessette visit Hamilton Diocese
The major reliquary of St. Andre Bessette (Brother Andre of Montreal Oratory) will visit the Diocese of Hamilton May 17-24, 2024. The relics of Brother Andre start their tour at the Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King and finish at Holy Family, Hanover. See the diocesan website, Saint Brother André in the Diocese of Hamilton (hamiltondiocese.com) for dates and times. This is a wonderful opportunity to invoke the intercession of one of our own Canadian Saints. We are truly blessed to have the relics of St. Andre Bessette visit our Diocese.
The Fine Art of Being Happily Married - In his poem, The Art of Marriage, Wilfred A. Peterson writes, “A good marriage must be created” and creating something requires time and attention. We invite you to take the time, with your spouse, to find new and creative ways to increase your connection with each other, to discover fresh techniques for being in relationship and to deepen the love you already share. Join us on Saturday, June 1st from 9:30 – 3:00 pm at St. Catherine of Siena Parish in Hamilton. Cost is $50 per couple and includes lunch. To register on the website, go to https://hamiltondiocese.com/ and look under Upcoming Events, or contact Sarah at 905-528-7988 ext. 2249.
Diocesan Wedding Anniversary Mass May 2024 - Are you celebrating your 25th, 40th, 50th, 60th, or 60+ Wedding Anniversary in the year 2024? If you are, you are cordially invited to join couples from across the Diocese of Hamilton for a Wedding Anniversary Mass on Sunday, May 26, 2024, 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 available online at https://hamiltondiocese.com/ under Upcoming Events, or call the office at 905-528-7988 ext. 2249.
RESTART: Refresh, Renew, Revive Friday Night Support Group – Struggling after divorce or separation? Join us for learning, support and fun on Friday evenings. Held the 2nd & 3rd Fridays of each month, these get-togethers offer continual support and insights for people as they journey through the divorce/separation process and beyond. Join in-person (700 King St. West, Hamilton), or by ZOOM. Register before each session here: https://sites.google.com/view/hamilton-restart/home or contact Sarah at familyministry@hamiltondiocese.com, or call her at 905-528-7988 ext. 2249. We look forward to seeing you!
Adult Faith 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
Catholic Education Week 2024 Catholic Education Week 2024 begins on Sunday, May 5, 2024. The Catholic schools in our parish will engage in a series of events to celebrate the ongoing gift of publicly funded Catholic education. You are invited to learn about the various celebrations that are happening in your children’s school, and are welcome to attend, if possible. This year’s Catholic Education Week theme is, “We are called to love”, and is grounded in our Holy Scriptures: “If we love one another, God lives in us.” (1 John 4:12) To learn more about Catholic Education Week in the Diocese of Hamilton, visit us at https://www.hamiltondiocesecew.com/
WOMEN’S CURSILLO WEEKEND A Women’s Cursillo Weekend will be held in Deemerton from Thursday, May 30 to Sunday, June 2nd. For information or application forms, please contact Mary Ann Kirkconnell (Weekend Coordinator) rmkirkconnell@gmail.com.