DIOCESAN WORKSHOPS & EVENTS
March 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.
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, May 4th from 9:30 – 3:00 pm at the Mount Mary Retreat Center in Ancaster. Cost is $50 per couple and includes lunch. To register on the website go to hamiltondiocese.com and look under Upcoming Events, or contact Sarah at 905-528-7988 ext. 2249.
Struggling Marriage? Find Hope with Retrouvaille
Does your marriage feel like it is more trouble than joy? Does it feel stagnant or disconnected? Is it causing you constant stress? The solution is Retrouvaille – a program designed to help couples restore their marriage and rebuild a loving relationship. This practical program, where sharing is not required except between the couple themselves, is designed to improve communication, build stronger marriages, and help couples reconnect. It has proven positive results for struggling couples, including those who may be considering separation or divorce. The next Retrouvaille weekend is March 8-10, 2024. For more information call 905-664-5212 or email teamrecine@gmail.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 – February 20, March 19, 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
The Pastoral Parish in the Modern World
The Office for Evangelization and Catechesis is happy to offer a three-workshop series this spring entitled, The Pastoral Parish in the Modern World. This new handbook created by David Wells and Bill Huebsch provides a comprehensive outline of the new vocabulary of pastoral ministry, and how to enact it in your local setting. This workshop series is designed for anyone who is working or volunteering in parish life including pastoral teams, parish councils, and youth ministry leaders. Registration for this workshop series is now open. You can register HERE
Ministers of Music Retreat The Liturgy Office is pleased to offer a Ministers of Music Retreat on Saturday, March 16th, 2024, at Annunciation of Our Lord Parish in Hamilton from 9:30 am to 3:00 pm. Dr. Glenn CJ Byer will lead the retreat with the theme of Near Occasions of Grace. Participants may register using the Diocese of Hamilton website under Upcoming Events/Workshops.
Ministers of the Word Workshop will be held on Saturday, April 13, 2024, St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, Waterdown, ON. 9:30 am to 3:00 pm. Participants may register using the Diocese of Hamilton website under Upcoming Events/Workshops.
Extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion Workshop will be held on Saturday, April 20, 2024, St. John the Baptist Parish, Guelph, ON. 9:30 am to 3:00 pm. Participants may register using the Diocese of Hamilton website under Upcoming Events/Workshops.
Reel Justice Film Festival March 27, 7:00 – 9:00 PM Join us for our special youth screening of Island of Lemurs, Madagascar. An insightful documentary for the whole family! Follow Dr. Patricia C. Wright’s mission to help lemurs, the highly evolved creatures who arrived on Madagascar millions of years ago as castaways but are now highly endangered. Daytime screening for D&P Schools also available. 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.
Young Adults Night Fr. Mark Morley invites all young adults (ages 20s and 30s) of our diocese to celebrate the Easter Season by attending an evening of Adoration, 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, April 6th at the Basilica of Our Lady Immaculate (28 Norfolk Street, Guelph). Sponsored by the Vocations Office of the Diocese of Hamilton. For more information, please contact: vocations@hamiltondiocese.com
Holy Week Resource for Teens The Office of Youth Ministry will be publishing, Walking the Way a Holy Week Journal for Teens. This resource has been developed for youth aged 13-16 in mind. The journal bridges the Gospel readings for each day of Holy Week to practical ways young people can live out the message. The journal also has reflections from Pope Francis’ letter, Chistus Vivit for young people to consider. The Holy Week Journal can be found here: http://tinyurl.com/yyxvxwyj
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 & 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
Vacation Bible School Workshop 2024 The Office for Evangelization and Catechesis invites all parish ministers, youth ministry leaders to join in our annual Vacation Bible School workshop in preparation for summer children’s ministry. New to VBS? Looking to learn more about recruiting youth volunteers? Want a peek at new VBS kits available this year? Come and join us for this informative virtual workshop on April 10, 2024 from 7:00-8:30pm. Registration is available on the Diocesan website: https://bit.ly/DoHVBS2024
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
Step/Blended Family: Smart Steps for Building Family – Are you a parent or stepparent adjusting to blended family life? Smart Steps offers practical insights and suggestions on how to make the relationships work well for all. The next session will be held at the Basilica of Our Lady Immaculate in Guelph, 28 Norfolk Street. TIME: 9:15AM - 3:30PM. PRICE: $50 per person (includes lunch). DATE: Saturday, April 20, 2024. Register on line at hamiltondiocese.com and look under Upcoming Events. For more information, contact the Family Ministry Office at 905-528-7988 ext. 2249.
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 take place on Mondays from April 7th to June 17th from 7-9 pm at the Chancery Office at 700 King St. West in person, or you are welcome to join our zoom classroom. Cost is $35 for materials, but no one is turned away. Registration is required so please call Sarah at 905-528-7988 ext. 2249, e-mail familyministry@hamiltondiocese.com, or register on line at hamiltondiocese.com and look under Upcoming Events. For more information call the Family Ministry Office at 905-528-7988 ext. 2249.
The Diocesan Wedding Anniversary Mass - 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 on line at hamiltondiocese.com under Upcoming Events.
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.
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, May 4th from 9:30 – 3:00 pm at the Mount Mary Retreat Center in Ancaster. Cost is $50 per couple and includes lunch. To register on the website go to hamiltondiocese.com and look under Upcoming Events, or contact Sarah at 905-528-7988 ext. 2249.
Struggling Marriage? Find Hope with Retrouvaille
Does your marriage feel like it is more trouble than joy? Does it feel stagnant or disconnected? Is it causing you constant stress? The solution is Retrouvaille – a program designed to help couples restore their marriage and rebuild a loving relationship. This practical program, where sharing is not required except between the couple themselves, is designed to improve communication, build stronger marriages, and help couples reconnect. It has proven positive results for struggling couples, including those who may be considering separation or divorce. The next Retrouvaille weekend is March 8-10, 2024. For more information call 905-664-5212 or email teamrecine@gmail.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 – February 20, March 19, 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
The Pastoral Parish in the Modern World
The Office for Evangelization and Catechesis is happy to offer a three-workshop series this spring entitled, The Pastoral Parish in the Modern World. This new handbook created by David Wells and Bill Huebsch provides a comprehensive outline of the new vocabulary of pastoral ministry, and how to enact it in your local setting. This workshop series is designed for anyone who is working or volunteering in parish life including pastoral teams, parish councils, and youth ministry leaders. Registration for this workshop series is now open. You can register HERE
Ministers of Music Retreat The Liturgy Office is pleased to offer a Ministers of Music Retreat on Saturday, March 16th, 2024, at Annunciation of Our Lord Parish in Hamilton from 9:30 am to 3:00 pm. Dr. Glenn CJ Byer will lead the retreat with the theme of Near Occasions of Grace. Participants may register using the Diocese of Hamilton website under Upcoming Events/Workshops.
Ministers of the Word Workshop will be held on Saturday, April 13, 2024, St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, Waterdown, ON. 9:30 am to 3:00 pm. Participants may register using the Diocese of Hamilton website under Upcoming Events/Workshops.
Extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion Workshop will be held on Saturday, April 20, 2024, St. John the Baptist Parish, Guelph, ON. 9:30 am to 3:00 pm. Participants may register using the Diocese of Hamilton website under Upcoming Events/Workshops.
Reel Justice Film Festival March 27, 7:00 – 9:00 PM Join us for our special youth screening of Island of Lemurs, Madagascar. An insightful documentary for the whole family! Follow Dr. Patricia C. Wright’s mission to help lemurs, the highly evolved creatures who arrived on Madagascar millions of years ago as castaways but are now highly endangered. Daytime screening for D&P Schools also available. 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.
Young Adults Night Fr. Mark Morley invites all young adults (ages 20s and 30s) of our diocese to celebrate the Easter Season by attending an evening of Adoration, 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, April 6th at the Basilica of Our Lady Immaculate (28 Norfolk Street, Guelph). Sponsored by the Vocations Office of the Diocese of Hamilton. For more information, please contact: vocations@hamiltondiocese.com
Holy Week Resource for Teens The Office of Youth Ministry will be publishing, Walking the Way a Holy Week Journal for Teens. This resource has been developed for youth aged 13-16 in mind. The journal bridges the Gospel readings for each day of Holy Week to practical ways young people can live out the message. The journal also has reflections from Pope Francis’ letter, Chistus Vivit for young people to consider. The Holy Week Journal can be found here: http://tinyurl.com/yyxvxwyj
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 & 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
Vacation Bible School Workshop 2024 The Office for Evangelization and Catechesis invites all parish ministers, youth ministry leaders to join in our annual Vacation Bible School workshop in preparation for summer children’s ministry. New to VBS? Looking to learn more about recruiting youth volunteers? Want a peek at new VBS kits available this year? Come and join us for this informative virtual workshop on April 10, 2024 from 7:00-8:30pm. Registration is available on the Diocesan website: https://bit.ly/DoHVBS2024
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
Step/Blended Family: Smart Steps for Building Family – Are you a parent or stepparent adjusting to blended family life? Smart Steps offers practical insights and suggestions on how to make the relationships work well for all. The next session will be held at the Basilica of Our Lady Immaculate in Guelph, 28 Norfolk Street. TIME: 9:15AM - 3:30PM. PRICE: $50 per person (includes lunch). DATE: Saturday, April 20, 2024. Register on line at hamiltondiocese.com and look under Upcoming Events. For more information, contact the Family Ministry Office at 905-528-7988 ext. 2249.
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 take place on Mondays from April 7th to June 17th from 7-9 pm at the Chancery Office at 700 King St. West in person, or you are welcome to join our zoom classroom. Cost is $35 for materials, but no one is turned away. Registration is required so please call Sarah at 905-528-7988 ext. 2249, e-mail familyministry@hamiltondiocese.com, or register on line at hamiltondiocese.com and look under Upcoming Events. For more information call the Family Ministry Office at 905-528-7988 ext. 2249.
The Diocesan Wedding Anniversary Mass - 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 on line at hamiltondiocese.com under Upcoming Events.