November Bulletin Announcements
CURSILLO is a movement that helps us get closer to God. There will be a women’s Cursillo weekend from November 23-25, 2025, at Deemerton, Ontario. For information, contact Dan Brown at dmbrown269@gmail.com
WOMEN AT THE HEART OF JUSTICE EVENT A speaker series hosted by Canadian Jesuits International, highlighting women as essential changemakers on the quest for peace and ecological justice. Keynote by Sister Laura Vicuna Pereira Manso, Franciscan catechist and member of Brazil’s Indigenous Kariri People
Nov. 20th, 3-5 pm. at St. Jerome’s University Waterloo and Nov. 23rd, 12-1 pm. at Holy Rosary Parish Guelph. Register via the CJI website https://www.canadianjesuitsinternational.ca/fall-campaign-2025/
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.
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 during the Advent Season. 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, December 6th at Holy Cross Church (14400 Argyll Rd, Georgetown, ON). Sponsored by the Vocations Office of the Diocese of Hamilton: For more information, please contact: vocations@hamiltondiocese.com.
A WALK WITH JESUS RETREAT DAY FOR GRIEVING PARENTS The loss of a child is a most challenging event in the life of any parent. This grief is acute and challenging and never truly leaves us. The Diocese of Hamilton invites you to join us as we welcome Deacon Henry DeMena from North Carolina to join us in facilitating a retreat day for parents who have lost a child through death. Whether the loss is recent or some time ago, we invite you to join us for this day of healing and support. The retreat will be offered at the Basilica of Our Lady in Guelph from 9 am to 4 pm on Saturday, November 22nd. The $20 fee includes lunch. Registration is required so we know how many to set up for and how much lunch to order. You can register on the Diocesan home page at hamiltondiocese.com under upcoming events (look for the title of the retreat or the date), or by calling the office at 905-528-7988 ext. 2249.
PARENTING TIP OF THE MONTH #173 One of the most important components of positive mental health is a sense of belonging. Family is the first place we feel this sense and the stronger the ties the more secure we feel. Belonging comes when we play and work together and yes, pray together. These shared experiences help us bond and set the foundation for family traditions that unite us in common understandings and joys. So clean, cook and tidy together, play games, go for walks, build forts and houses from boxes and pray before meals, bed and at Mass on Sunday. This foundation of who we are and where we come from will contribute to healthy and happy children and families. (From: Teresa Hartnett, Family Ministry Office; 905-528-7988 ext. 2250)
MARRIAGE TIP OF THE MONTH #153 Relationship experts often remind us of the importance of listening, really taking in what the other is saying. While this is vital to any good relationship, it is good now and then to listen to ourselves and ask if we are really conveying what we want or should be saying. Do I compliment or complain more often? Do I speak in an aggressive manner or in a loving voice that speaks the truth to see needed change? Do I repeat what I hear my spouse saying so they know I am indeed listening, or do I move on with the facts I want to share? Listen to yourself to be sure you are in fact listening to create a more loving relationship. (From: Teresa Hartnett, Family Ministry Office; 905-528-7988 ext. 2250)
WHEN LIFE CHANGES PART ONE 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? You are not alone! The Hamilton Diocese offers a six-week grief program for your support. Part one of the program will be offered on Wednesdays from Nov. 5 to Dec. 10 from 7:00-8:30pm and will be held at the Chancery Office, at 700 King St. West.in Hamilton. To register go to hamiltondiocese.com and look at upcoming events for When Life Changes: Grief Relief (Part One) or call the Family Ministry Office at 905-528-7988 ext. 2249.
RESTART: Refresh, Renew, Revive Support Group Struggling after divorce or separation? Join us for learning, support and fun on Friday evenings. It is 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. Register here: https://sites.google.com/view/hamilton-restart/home anytime the week of the session, or contact Sarah at familyministry@hamiltondiocese.com, or 905-528-7988 ext. 2249. We look forward to seeing you!
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 parish@stmichaelw.ca 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.
REKINDLING THE LIGHT: A RETREAT DAY FOR BUSY MINISTERS The Office for Evangelization and Catechesis is very pleased to offer a full-day retreat for all adult ministry leaders on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at St. Mary of the Visitation Parish, Cambridge. Join us for a day of prayer and sharing of the graces of pastoral ministry. Registration and further details can be found here: https://hamiltondiocese.com/events/
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
THE CATECHETICAL CORRESPONDENCE PROGRAM for the Diocese of Hamilton provides ongoing religious education programs for children in grades Kindergarten through to 12. These programs are available for any children who are enrolled in public, private or homeschool settings. To learn more about our programs and for registration, visit us here: https://bit.ly/catechesiscourses .