DIOCESAN WORKSHOPS & EVENTS
January 2026
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 reach out to the parish office at [email protected].
Ministers of the Word The Diocese of Hamilton provides formation for Ministers of the Word to exercise a very important ministry at Mass. In this workshop, participants receive formation in Liturgy and Ministry, Techniques to Proclaim the Word of God, and an opportunity to practice. It is ideal for both parishioners new to this ministry or considering it, as well as a good refresher for experienced Ministers of the Word. There is always good participant sharing. Participation is limited to 75 people. The cost is $35 and includes lunch. Saturday, January 24, 2026, St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, Waterdown, ON, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Participants register through the Diocese of Hamilton website under Upcoming Events/Workshops.
https://hamiltondiocese.com/events/2025/12/minister-of-the-word-formation-workshop-4/
Pope Leo XIV, Apostolic Exhortation Dilexi te, “I have loved you” The Holy Father’s first apostolic exhortation was released in October. The document focuses on the powerful bond between our love of Christ and his call for us to love and care for the poor. A virtual copy of the document can be accessed on the Diocesan website.
Heartache to Healing - Grief Support Group Grief support provides companionship on the long journey through the grief process. Our support group follows the process developed by Dr. Bill Webster, an experienced leader in grief counselling. All who have suffered a loss are welcome, regardless of how much time has passed since your loss. Our monthly informal drop-in support - available at St. Michael Parish, Waterloo on the 2nd Wednesday of the month; 7 pm in the Parish Resource Centre/Library.
Act II (Separated & Divorced Support Group) Our Act II monthly informal support group that meets on the 3rd Tuesday of every month at 7:30 pm, in the Resource Centre/Library at St. Michael’s Parish Waterloo. With the support of others, you can begin to heal the emotional, social and spiritual devastation of divorce. Join us anytime you can; registration is not required. Visit our website (www.stmichaelw.ca/separated-and-divorced), or contact our Parish office 519-884-9311, or email [email protected] for more information.
Hope after an Abortion Are you struggling with an abortion decision – either your own, or someone else’s? Do you feel alone, emotional, or angry? Project Rachel is a ministry of healing for any person suffering pain or problems from an abortion experience. This confidential service allows people to work through their feelings and find hope and healing. Please contact us at 905-526-1999 or toll free at 1-888-385-3850.
Lectures in Catholic Experience: Since 1982, the Lectures in Catholic Experience have brought leading scholars, activists, religious leaders and other professionals to St. Jerome’s to offer opportunities to engage with the critical issues of our time, particularly as they intersect with faith and the life of the Church. This year’s theme is “Living Mission on the Margins.”
Each lecture is hosted in the Notre Dame Chapel on the St. Jerome’s campus and is free and open to the community to attend. Lectures can be attended in-person, streamed live online or viewed in perpetuity on YouTube. The full list of lectures for the 2025-2026 academic year can be found here: www.sju.ca/lce
Christmas Young Adults Night During the Christmas Season, 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, January 3rd at Annunciation of Our Lord (280 Limeridge Road West, Hamilton. Sponsored by the Vocations Office of the Diocese of Hamilton: https://hamiltondiocese.com/vocations/ For more information, please contact: [email protected].
Young Adults Night 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, February 7th at the St. Michael’s Church, Waterloo ON. Sponsored by the Vocations Office of the Diocese of Hamilton: https://hamiltondiocese.com/vocations/. For more information, contact: [email protected].
REEL JUSTICE FILM FESTIVAL Join the Reel Justice Film Festival January 22, 2026 7:00 – 9:00 PM for a screening of PUSH. Housing prices are skyrocketing in cities around the world. Incomes are not. PUSH examines our increasingly unliveable cities and an escalating crisis that has an effect on us all. Housing is not a commodity, it is a human right. The screening and discussion will be hosted online via Zoom. Register and view our full schedule of events 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 Have you experienced a divorce or separation? Are you looking to learn ways to cope, for support from others and to gain a feeling of moving forward? Our 10 week program offers education and support to anyone seeking to heal or simply learn more. The sessions will run Tuesdays from Feb. 17 – April 21, 2026 from 7-9 pm and are held at the Chancery Office at 700 King St. West in person. Cost is $35 for materials, but no one is turned away. Registration online can be found by going to hamiltondiocese.com and looking for the date under Upcoming Events, or by contacting Sarah at 905-528-7988 ext. 2249 or at [email protected].
ENHANCING SELF-ESTEEM This program provides the opportunity to increase awareness of yourself and to learn specific skills for building a positive self-esteem. It can help you to feel stronger in all areas of your 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 run Tuesdays from Feb. 17 – April 21 from 7-9 pm at the Chancery Office at 700 King St. West Hamilton. Cost is $35 for materials. Registration online can be found by going to hamiltondiocese.com and looking for the date under Upcoming Events, or by contacting Sarah at 905-528-7988 ext. 2249, or at [email protected].
The Diocesan Wedding Anniversary Mass - Are you celebrating your 25th, 40th, 50th, 60th, or 60+ Wedding Anniversary in the year 2026? You are cordially invited to join Bishop Dabrowski and couples from across the Diocese of Hamilton for a Wedding Anniversary Mass on Sunday, May 31, 2026 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, or call the Family Ministry Office at 905-528-7988 ext. 2249.
When Life Changes Grief Program Part One - Using Dr. Bill Webster’s grief material these programs are intended to help you to understand your grief and provide practical tips and support for helping you through. The program will be offered Feb. 18 – March 25th from 1:30 to 3:00 PM at the Chancery Office at 700 King St. West. All are welcome. To register, look for the program start date under Upcoming Events on the Diocesan home page at hamiltondiocese.com, or call the Family Ministry Office at 905-528-7988 ext. 2249.
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 reach out to the parish office at [email protected].
Ministers of the Word The Diocese of Hamilton provides formation for Ministers of the Word to exercise a very important ministry at Mass. In this workshop, participants receive formation in Liturgy and Ministry, Techniques to Proclaim the Word of God, and an opportunity to practice. It is ideal for both parishioners new to this ministry or considering it, as well as a good refresher for experienced Ministers of the Word. There is always good participant sharing. Participation is limited to 75 people. The cost is $35 and includes lunch. Saturday, January 24, 2026, St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, Waterdown, ON, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Participants register through the Diocese of Hamilton website under Upcoming Events/Workshops.
https://hamiltondiocese.com/events/2025/12/minister-of-the-word-formation-workshop-4/
Pope Leo XIV, Apostolic Exhortation Dilexi te, “I have loved you” The Holy Father’s first apostolic exhortation was released in October. The document focuses on the powerful bond between our love of Christ and his call for us to love and care for the poor. A virtual copy of the document can be accessed on the Diocesan website.
Heartache to Healing - Grief Support Group Grief support provides companionship on the long journey through the grief process. Our support group follows the process developed by Dr. Bill Webster, an experienced leader in grief counselling. All who have suffered a loss are welcome, regardless of how much time has passed since your loss. Our monthly informal drop-in support - available at St. Michael Parish, Waterloo on the 2nd Wednesday of the month; 7 pm in the Parish Resource Centre/Library.
Act II (Separated & Divorced Support Group) Our Act II monthly informal support group that meets on the 3rd Tuesday of every month at 7:30 pm, in the Resource Centre/Library at St. Michael’s Parish Waterloo. With the support of others, you can begin to heal the emotional, social and spiritual devastation of divorce. Join us anytime you can; registration is not required. Visit our website (www.stmichaelw.ca/separated-and-divorced), or contact our Parish office 519-884-9311, or email [email protected] for more information.
Hope after an Abortion Are you struggling with an abortion decision – either your own, or someone else’s? Do you feel alone, emotional, or angry? Project Rachel is a ministry of healing for any person suffering pain or problems from an abortion experience. This confidential service allows people to work through their feelings and find hope and healing. Please contact us at 905-526-1999 or toll free at 1-888-385-3850.
Lectures in Catholic Experience: Since 1982, the Lectures in Catholic Experience have brought leading scholars, activists, religious leaders and other professionals to St. Jerome’s to offer opportunities to engage with the critical issues of our time, particularly as they intersect with faith and the life of the Church. This year’s theme is “Living Mission on the Margins.”
Each lecture is hosted in the Notre Dame Chapel on the St. Jerome’s campus and is free and open to the community to attend. Lectures can be attended in-person, streamed live online or viewed in perpetuity on YouTube. The full list of lectures for the 2025-2026 academic year can be found here: www.sju.ca/lce
Christmas Young Adults Night During the Christmas Season, 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, January 3rd at Annunciation of Our Lord (280 Limeridge Road West, Hamilton. Sponsored by the Vocations Office of the Diocese of Hamilton: https://hamiltondiocese.com/vocations/ For more information, please contact: [email protected].
Young Adults Night 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, February 7th at the St. Michael’s Church, Waterloo ON. Sponsored by the Vocations Office of the Diocese of Hamilton: https://hamiltondiocese.com/vocations/. For more information, contact: [email protected].
REEL JUSTICE FILM FESTIVAL Join the Reel Justice Film Festival January 22, 2026 7:00 – 9:00 PM for a screening of PUSH. Housing prices are skyrocketing in cities around the world. Incomes are not. PUSH examines our increasingly unliveable cities and an escalating crisis that has an effect on us all. Housing is not a commodity, it is a human right. The screening and discussion will be hosted online via Zoom. Register and view our full schedule of events 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 Have you experienced a divorce or separation? Are you looking to learn ways to cope, for support from others and to gain a feeling of moving forward? Our 10 week program offers education and support to anyone seeking to heal or simply learn more. The sessions will run Tuesdays from Feb. 17 – April 21, 2026 from 7-9 pm and are held at the Chancery Office at 700 King St. West in person. Cost is $35 for materials, but no one is turned away. Registration online can be found by going to hamiltondiocese.com and looking for the date under Upcoming Events, or by contacting Sarah at 905-528-7988 ext. 2249 or at [email protected].
ENHANCING SELF-ESTEEM This program provides the opportunity to increase awareness of yourself and to learn specific skills for building a positive self-esteem. It can help you to feel stronger in all areas of your 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 run Tuesdays from Feb. 17 – April 21 from 7-9 pm at the Chancery Office at 700 King St. West Hamilton. Cost is $35 for materials. Registration online can be found by going to hamiltondiocese.com and looking for the date under Upcoming Events, or by contacting Sarah at 905-528-7988 ext. 2249, or at [email protected].
The Diocesan Wedding Anniversary Mass - Are you celebrating your 25th, 40th, 50th, 60th, or 60+ Wedding Anniversary in the year 2026? You are cordially invited to join Bishop Dabrowski and couples from across the Diocese of Hamilton for a Wedding Anniversary Mass on Sunday, May 31, 2026 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, or call the Family Ministry Office at 905-528-7988 ext. 2249.
When Life Changes Grief Program Part One - Using Dr. Bill Webster’s grief material these programs are intended to help you to understand your grief and provide practical tips and support for helping you through. The program will be offered Feb. 18 – March 25th from 1:30 to 3:00 PM at the Chancery Office at 700 King St. West. All are welcome. To register, look for the program start date under Upcoming Events on the Diocesan home page at hamiltondiocese.com, or call the Family Ministry Office at 905-528-7988 ext. 2249.