SEPTEMBER 2023
Frassati Leadership Program – The Office of Youth Ministry will be holding a Catholic leadership program for young people in grade ten (ages 15-16). This program will equip them and encourage them to draw closer to Christ and their respective communities. The goal of this program is that young people will join us for opportunities for formation as Catholic leaders and then go back to their respective communities to turn their learning into practice. Registration for this program closes September 30th and can be found at https://hamiltondiocese.com/ .
Youth Ministers Retreat– The annual Youth Ministers’ Retreat for the Diocese of Hamilton will be held the weekend of Friday, September 22nd to Sunday, September 24th at Mount Mary Retreat Centre. The retreat is open to all those who minister to young people within the diocese. Information and registration about the retreat can be found at https://hamiltondiocese.com/ or contacting youthministry@hamiltondiocese.com.
Diocesan Marian Days – The Diocesan Marian Days continue on the first Saturday of the month (September 2 and October 7, 2023), at the Basilica of Our Lady Immaculate in Guelph. The day starts with Confessions at 9:00 a.m. followed by Holy Mass at 10:00 and a Rosary Procession at 11:00 a.m. Guided Tours of the Basilica are available during lunch from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. Holy Hour and Marian Catechesis start at 1:00 p.m. followed by the closing Benediction at 2:00 p.m. All are invited to join! Please bring a lunch. Contact the Basilica for more information: (519) 824-3951.
PARENTING TIP OF THE MONTH – As summer ends and school begins, it is time to get back to a more scheduled lifestyle. As you organize your family, remember that our priorities are what we give the most time to and what we schedule time for, so do not forget to schedule family time, prayer time and Church attendance into your schedule. Place these items on the calendar because they matter to your whole family and seeing them there raises up their importance!
MARRIAGE TIP OF THE MONTH – When asked what matters most to someone who is married, people often answer my wife/husband and children. It is important to see if your actions reflect that belief. Do you spend time together daily talking about your day and important matters? Do you plan a date night with your spouse (even if it is from home), so your children see the love you share? Do you do little tasks that need doing without being asked? Do you compliment your spouse and tell them you love them? What we do tells others what matters – be sure your spouse knows they do!
ReSTART: Moving Forward – Our 10-week program offers support to anyone seeking to heal and move forward after divorce or separation. The sessions will run from Sept. 19-Nov. 28 and take place 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 online at hamiltondiocese.com and look under Upcoming Events.
Marriage Support – Your marriage doesn’t have to feel like it is more trouble than joy, that it feels stagnant or disconnected and/or that it is causing you constant stress. The solution is Retrouvaille – a program for married couples facing difficult challenges in their relationship. Retrouvaille has one purpose: to help couples restore their marriage and rebuild a loving relationship. This is a practical program, where sharing is not required except between the couple themselves, designed to improve communication, build stronger marriages, and help couples reconnect. It also works well for couples who may be considering separation or divorce. The next Retrouvaille weekend is Oct. 20-22. For more information call 905-664-5212 or email teamrecine@gmail.com.
Grief Relief – Has someone you cared about died? Are you grieving the loss of the person’s presence in your life? Are you looking for relief from the feelings associated with the loss of this loved one? Are you wondering if your feelings are normal? You are not alone! The Diocese of Hamilton has grief programs to help. Find out more on the Diocesan website at https://hamiltondiocese.com/offices/family-ministry/grief-support, or call Teresa at 905-528-7988 ext. 2250. We have programs running in both Waterloo and Hamilton this fall.
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!
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 – September 19, October 17, November 21, and December 19, 2023. 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
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.
DIOCESAN LITURGY WORKSHOPS
The Liturgy Office offers regular liturgical formation for ministers who serve as Ministers of the Word, Extraordinary Ministers of Communion and Children’s Liturgy of the Word. The workshops are designed for new ministers and are a helpful refresher for lay ministers participating in Sunday Mass and other liturgical celebrations. Participants who complete a formation workshop receive a three-year mandate from the Bishop of Hamilton. The September 2023 liturgical formation dates are as follows for the following ministries:
Children’s Liturgy of the Word
Friday, September 15, 2023, Sacred Heart Parish, Walkerton, Ontario, 6:00 to 9:00 pm.
Ministers of the Word
Saturday, September 16, 2023, Sacred Heart Parish, Walkerton, Ontario, 9:30 am to 3:00 pm.
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
Saturday, September 23, 2023, St. Joseph Parish, Port Elgin, Ontario, 9:30 am to 3:00 pm.
Participants may register using the Diocese of Hamilton website under Upcoming Events/Workshops.