DIOCESAN WORKSHOPS & EVENTS
June 2023
Evenings with His Excellency – Bishop Wayne Lobsinger invites everyone to join him for “Evenings with His Excellency”. This is an opportunity to learn more about our Catholic Faith based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Class is the second Friday of each month, at 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. at St. Ann Church, Ancaster. This month we will continue our look at The 10 Commandments. It is also available by livestream on St. Ann’s YouTube channel. No cost, no homework, just an opportunity to learn about our faith, all are welcome.
RESTART: Refresh, Renew Revive –Learning, support and fun for anyone who is looking for support after a separation or divorce! These get-togethers offer continual support and insights for people as they journey through the divorce/separation process and beyond. Held the 2nd & 3rd Fridays of each month, you can join in-person (700 King St. West, Hamilton), or by ZOOM. No registration required, but for ZOOM link please contact Sarah at familyministry@hamiltondiocese.com, or 905-528-7988 ext. 2249. We look forward to seeing you!
Struggling After an Abortion? Your own, or someone else’s? Do you feel alone, emotional, or angry? Project Rachel is available to help – you can heal from the pain. 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. Your call is important to us.
Young Adults Night – June 3, 2023 – Acton/Halton Hills- Fr. Mark Morley invites all young adults (ages 20s and early 30s) of our Diocese to attend a night of Adoration, Fellowship and Praise Music. Arrival and Holy Hour (6:30pm-7:30 pm), Social with Food (7:30pm-8:30pm), Praise Night and Vocation Testimony (8:00pm-9:00pm), and Compline (9:00pm) on Saturday, June 3rd at St. Joseph, Patron of Canada (64 Church Street East, Acton, Ontario). Sponsored by the Vocations Office of the Diocese of Hamilton. For more information, please contact: vocations@hamiltondiocese.com.
Young Adults Night – July 1st - Our diocesan Vocations Office invites all young adults (ages 20s & 30s) of our diocese to attend our Canada Day Young Adults Night. Arrival and Holy Hour in the church (6:30pm-7:30 pm), social with food, testimony/talk and Compline (9:00pm) in the Hall followed by Canada Day Fireworks from the Hill. Basilica of Our Lady Immaculate (28 Norfolk Street, Guelph). For more information, please contact: vocations@hamiltondiocese.com.
Grief Relief - Has someone you cared about died? Are you grieving the loss of the person’s presence in your life? The Diocesan program is full and will run again in the fall to assist those grieving to learn more about what they are feeling and how they can move forward, but you are not alone! Check out the Diocesan website to see what other programs are available to you: https://hamiltondiocese.com.
Hamilton Diocesan Marian Days – These days will be celebrated from June to October 2023 at the Basilica of Our Lady Immaculate in Guelph. The day will start with Confessions at 9:00 a.m. followed by Mass at 10:00 a.m., Rosary Procession at 11:00 a.m. and lunch at 12:00 p.m., Holy Hour and Marian Catechesis at 1:00 p.m. The day will close with Benediction at 2:00 p.m. Please bring your own lunch. Coffee and Tea will be available. Presiders will be, Bishop Matthew Ustrzycki: Saturday, June 3; Bishop Douglas Crosby: Saturday, July 1; Bishop Gerard Bergie: Saturday, August 5; Bishop Wayne Lobsinger: Saturday, September 2; Thomas Cardinal Collins: Saturday, October 7.
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 2023. 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.
World Youth Day in the Diocese of Hamilton – Did you know that 39 delegates from the Diocese will be traveling to the international celebration of World Youth Day in Portugal this summer? Led by the Holy Father, Pope Francis, these pilgrims will have the opportunity to pray alongside thousands of young people from around the world in celebration and thanksgiving for the gift of the Holy Church. We need your help! Please pray for our young people on their journey and keep up to date on our pilgrimage by following us on social media: @officeofyouthministry (Instagram) or “Diocese of Hamilton Office of Youth Ministry” (Facebook).
To Inform, Encourage and Heal – June is Indigenous History Month in Canada. We invite you take time in this season to learn more about the Catholic Church’s commitment to ongoing reconciliation efforts with Indigenous communities through a four-week learning opportunity through the VLCFF (Virtual Learning Community for Adult Faith Formation). To learn more about this study, please visit us at www.hamiltondioceselearns.com.
Did You Know? Children in our parishes benefit from the Catechetical Correspondence Program each year for ongoing religious education and preparation for the Sacraments. We need volunteers to support the program! If you are willing to accompany these children in their learning journey, please contact the parish office at 905-878-6535.
In Person Visits with The Saint John’s Bible are back! If you are interested in having The Saint John’s Bible visit your parish or school, visit our website for programming information and booking details. Virtual and hybrid programming available, too! https://hamiltondiocese.com/stjohnsbible/.
Frassati Leadership Program – Young people entering grade 10 in September are invited to register for the Frassati leadership program. This year long program is designed for young Catholic leaders who want to expand their Catholic leadership skills and grow in their relationship with Christ and their communities. For registration and more information please visit: https://hamiltondiocese.com/offices/youth-ministry/frassati.
Mount Mary Immaculate Retreat Centre – Mount Mary Immaculate Retreat Centre would like to welcome any groups or individuals looking to book a retreat experience. With a large Chapel and acres of untouched green space Mount Mary is an ideal location for anyone seeking a space for a retreat. For more information and to book your retreat please visit www.mountmary.ca.
Do No Harm Webinar Series: Decolonizing Anti-Human Trafficking Work – Held in partnership with the Collaborative Network to End Exploitation, we invite anti-human trafficking advocates to learn from experts and critically reflect on our work. Each week we will explore ways our colonial history has impacted human trafficking as it pertains to Indigenous Communities in Canada. Held Tuesdays, 1pm EST, beginning June 6, 2023. Visit https://cnee.eventbrite.ca to register
Podcast: Essential but Disposable Labour, Migrant Workers Exploited in Canada – In collaboration with the Sisters of St. Joseph Toronto and the Collaborative Network to End Exploitation, we have created a podcast which centres the voices and experiences of Migrant Workers in Canada. In a limited number of bi-weekly episodes, we join in conversation with workers, immigration specialists and frontline advocates to understand the systems and policies that compose this labour market and how our Ministries can better serve this community. You can find the podcast on Spotify or visit the CNEE website here: https://www.cnee.ca/podcast/.
“Speaking Life and Truth into Our Culture” Conference Day – The Family Ministry Office is partnering with Alliance for Life Ontario and Hamilton Right to Life to offer a one-day conference looking at some of the facts surrounding the life issues which are not often spoken or read about. Dr. Lile will speak on the known facts about the abortion pill, Alex Schadenberg will discuss the ever growing concerns regarding euthanasia, Teresa Hartnett will present on the importance of pregnancy support & abortion recovery counselling and Jakki Jeffs will look at how we speak life and truth into our culture. A day of learning for all in attendance. Join us Saturday June 17, 2023 from 9 – 4 pm. Adult Tickets: $75.00; Student Tickets: $45.00 – both include lunch and beverages throughout the day. For more information go to https://allianceforlifeontario.ca/event/2023-conference/. A Gala Dinner will take place on Friday, June 16th, 2023 where all are welcome. See the same link above for more information.
Looking for some learning, support and fun on a Friday evenings? Join our RESTART: Refresh, Renew, Revive group held the 2nd & 3rd Fridays in June (no summer sessions). 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. No registration required, but for ZOOM link please contact Sarah at familyministry@hamiltondiocese.com, or 905-528-7988 ext. 2249. We look forward to seeing you!
RESTART: Refresh, Renew Revive –Learning, support and fun for anyone who is looking for support after a separation or divorce! These get-togethers offer continual support and insights for people as they journey through the divorce/separation process and beyond. Held the 2nd & 3rd Fridays of each month, you can join in-person (700 King St. West, Hamilton), or by ZOOM. No registration required, but for ZOOM link please contact Sarah at familyministry@hamiltondiocese.com, or 905-528-7988 ext. 2249. We look forward to seeing you!
Struggling After an Abortion? Your own, or someone else’s? Do you feel alone, emotional, or angry? Project Rachel is available to help – you can heal from the pain. 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. Your call is important to us.
Young Adults Night – June 3, 2023 – Acton/Halton Hills- Fr. Mark Morley invites all young adults (ages 20s and early 30s) of our Diocese to attend a night of Adoration, Fellowship and Praise Music. Arrival and Holy Hour (6:30pm-7:30 pm), Social with Food (7:30pm-8:30pm), Praise Night and Vocation Testimony (8:00pm-9:00pm), and Compline (9:00pm) on Saturday, June 3rd at St. Joseph, Patron of Canada (64 Church Street East, Acton, Ontario). Sponsored by the Vocations Office of the Diocese of Hamilton. For more information, please contact: vocations@hamiltondiocese.com.
Young Adults Night – July 1st - Our diocesan Vocations Office invites all young adults (ages 20s & 30s) of our diocese to attend our Canada Day Young Adults Night. Arrival and Holy Hour in the church (6:30pm-7:30 pm), social with food, testimony/talk and Compline (9:00pm) in the Hall followed by Canada Day Fireworks from the Hill. Basilica of Our Lady Immaculate (28 Norfolk Street, Guelph). For more information, please contact: vocations@hamiltondiocese.com.
Grief Relief - Has someone you cared about died? Are you grieving the loss of the person’s presence in your life? The Diocesan program is full and will run again in the fall to assist those grieving to learn more about what they are feeling and how they can move forward, but you are not alone! Check out the Diocesan website to see what other programs are available to you: https://hamiltondiocese.com.
Hamilton Diocesan Marian Days – These days will be celebrated from June to October 2023 at the Basilica of Our Lady Immaculate in Guelph. The day will start with Confessions at 9:00 a.m. followed by Mass at 10:00 a.m., Rosary Procession at 11:00 a.m. and lunch at 12:00 p.m., Holy Hour and Marian Catechesis at 1:00 p.m. The day will close with Benediction at 2:00 p.m. Please bring your own lunch. Coffee and Tea will be available. Presiders will be, Bishop Matthew Ustrzycki: Saturday, June 3; Bishop Douglas Crosby: Saturday, July 1; Bishop Gerard Bergie: Saturday, August 5; Bishop Wayne Lobsinger: Saturday, September 2; Thomas Cardinal Collins: Saturday, October 7.
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 2023. 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.
World Youth Day in the Diocese of Hamilton – Did you know that 39 delegates from the Diocese will be traveling to the international celebration of World Youth Day in Portugal this summer? Led by the Holy Father, Pope Francis, these pilgrims will have the opportunity to pray alongside thousands of young people from around the world in celebration and thanksgiving for the gift of the Holy Church. We need your help! Please pray for our young people on their journey and keep up to date on our pilgrimage by following us on social media: @officeofyouthministry (Instagram) or “Diocese of Hamilton Office of Youth Ministry” (Facebook).
To Inform, Encourage and Heal – June is Indigenous History Month in Canada. We invite you take time in this season to learn more about the Catholic Church’s commitment to ongoing reconciliation efforts with Indigenous communities through a four-week learning opportunity through the VLCFF (Virtual Learning Community for Adult Faith Formation). To learn more about this study, please visit us at www.hamiltondioceselearns.com.
Did You Know? Children in our parishes benefit from the Catechetical Correspondence Program each year for ongoing religious education and preparation for the Sacraments. We need volunteers to support the program! If you are willing to accompany these children in their learning journey, please contact the parish office at 905-878-6535.
In Person Visits with The Saint John’s Bible are back! If you are interested in having The Saint John’s Bible visit your parish or school, visit our website for programming information and booking details. Virtual and hybrid programming available, too! https://hamiltondiocese.com/stjohnsbible/.
Frassati Leadership Program – Young people entering grade 10 in September are invited to register for the Frassati leadership program. This year long program is designed for young Catholic leaders who want to expand their Catholic leadership skills and grow in their relationship with Christ and their communities. For registration and more information please visit: https://hamiltondiocese.com/offices/youth-ministry/frassati.
Mount Mary Immaculate Retreat Centre – Mount Mary Immaculate Retreat Centre would like to welcome any groups or individuals looking to book a retreat experience. With a large Chapel and acres of untouched green space Mount Mary is an ideal location for anyone seeking a space for a retreat. For more information and to book your retreat please visit www.mountmary.ca.
Do No Harm Webinar Series: Decolonizing Anti-Human Trafficking Work – Held in partnership with the Collaborative Network to End Exploitation, we invite anti-human trafficking advocates to learn from experts and critically reflect on our work. Each week we will explore ways our colonial history has impacted human trafficking as it pertains to Indigenous Communities in Canada. Held Tuesdays, 1pm EST, beginning June 6, 2023. Visit https://cnee.eventbrite.ca to register
Podcast: Essential but Disposable Labour, Migrant Workers Exploited in Canada – In collaboration with the Sisters of St. Joseph Toronto and the Collaborative Network to End Exploitation, we have created a podcast which centres the voices and experiences of Migrant Workers in Canada. In a limited number of bi-weekly episodes, we join in conversation with workers, immigration specialists and frontline advocates to understand the systems and policies that compose this labour market and how our Ministries can better serve this community. You can find the podcast on Spotify or visit the CNEE website here: https://www.cnee.ca/podcast/.
“Speaking Life and Truth into Our Culture” Conference Day – The Family Ministry Office is partnering with Alliance for Life Ontario and Hamilton Right to Life to offer a one-day conference looking at some of the facts surrounding the life issues which are not often spoken or read about. Dr. Lile will speak on the known facts about the abortion pill, Alex Schadenberg will discuss the ever growing concerns regarding euthanasia, Teresa Hartnett will present on the importance of pregnancy support & abortion recovery counselling and Jakki Jeffs will look at how we speak life and truth into our culture. A day of learning for all in attendance. Join us Saturday June 17, 2023 from 9 – 4 pm. Adult Tickets: $75.00; Student Tickets: $45.00 – both include lunch and beverages throughout the day. For more information go to https://allianceforlifeontario.ca/event/2023-conference/. A Gala Dinner will take place on Friday, June 16th, 2023 where all are welcome. See the same link above for more information.
Looking for some learning, support and fun on a Friday evenings? Join our RESTART: Refresh, Renew, Revive group held the 2nd & 3rd Fridays in June (no summer sessions). 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. No registration required, but for ZOOM link please contact Sarah at familyministry@hamiltondiocese.com, or 905-528-7988 ext. 2249. We look forward to seeing you!
synod of bishops 2023
Pope Francis recently announced that the next Synod of Bishops will take place in October 2023. The Theme of the Synod is: For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission. For the first time, the meeting will be the culmination of a “three-year path” involving all of the People of God at every level of the Church. This “path” is a process rather than an event, which Pope Francis will solemnly inaugurate this October 9-10, is meant to be a manifestation of “synodality) which is a form that realizes the participation of all the people of God in mission.
The synodal path will take place in three phases. The first phase (October 2021to April 2022) begins on October 17th under the leadership of the Bishop in each Diocese. This stage is conceived as a broad consultation with the People of God in each Diocese. The second phase (September 2022 to March 2023) is the “continental” phase. This will involve the fruit of deliberations on each Continent. For example, Canada and the United States of America will collate their responses to the questions posed by the Holy See and submit them to the General Secretariat of the Synod of Bishops in Rome by March 2023. The final phase of the Synod will take place in October 2023 with the celebration of the Assembly of Bishops in Rome.
In the Diocese of Hamilton, a Committee has been established to guide the Diocesan Phase of the Synodal Process. Information will be sent to the Parishes in late October and the parishioners in the Diocese of Hamilton will have an opportunity to respond to the questions to be considered by the Synod. The actual consultation will take place beginning in November and conclude by mid-December, so that our Diocesan Report can be prepared and sent to the Ontario Assembly of Catholic Bishops to be included in the Canadian report. We pray for the success of this unique and historic synodal process:
We stand before You, Holy Spirit, as we gather together in your name.
With you alone to guide us, make yourself at home in our hearts;
Teach us the way we must go and how we are to pursue it.
We are weak and sinful; do not let us promote disorder.
Do not let ignorance lead us down the wrong path nor partiality influence our actions.
Let us find in you our unity so that we may journey together to eternal life
and not stray from the way of the truth and what is right.
All this we ask of you, who are at work in every place and time,
in the communion of the Father and the Son,
for ever and ever. Amen.
The synodal path will take place in three phases. The first phase (October 2021to April 2022) begins on October 17th under the leadership of the Bishop in each Diocese. This stage is conceived as a broad consultation with the People of God in each Diocese. The second phase (September 2022 to March 2023) is the “continental” phase. This will involve the fruit of deliberations on each Continent. For example, Canada and the United States of America will collate their responses to the questions posed by the Holy See and submit them to the General Secretariat of the Synod of Bishops in Rome by March 2023. The final phase of the Synod will take place in October 2023 with the celebration of the Assembly of Bishops in Rome.
In the Diocese of Hamilton, a Committee has been established to guide the Diocesan Phase of the Synodal Process. Information will be sent to the Parishes in late October and the parishioners in the Diocese of Hamilton will have an opportunity to respond to the questions to be considered by the Synod. The actual consultation will take place beginning in November and conclude by mid-December, so that our Diocesan Report can be prepared and sent to the Ontario Assembly of Catholic Bishops to be included in the Canadian report. We pray for the success of this unique and historic synodal process:
We stand before You, Holy Spirit, as we gather together in your name.
With you alone to guide us, make yourself at home in our hearts;
Teach us the way we must go and how we are to pursue it.
We are weak and sinful; do not let us promote disorder.
Do not let ignorance lead us down the wrong path nor partiality influence our actions.
Let us find in you our unity so that we may journey together to eternal life
and not stray from the way of the truth and what is right.
All this we ask of you, who are at work in every place and time,
in the communion of the Father and the Son,
for ever and ever. Amen.
