May Announcements
REEL JUSTICE FILM FESTIVAL
Join us for our final screening of the season with The Condor and the Eagle, May 22, 7:00 – 9:00 PM. Four Indigenous leaders embark on a trans-continental adventure from the Canadian Boreal forests to deep into the heart of the Amazonian jungle to unite the peoples of North and South America and deepen the meaning of Climate Justice. Never-before-seen images expose the extractive mining economy and the global rise of land and water protectors across the Americas. Film followed by conversation with guest speaker Jamie Bourque-Blyan, Engagement Manger with Indigenous Climate Action. Register and view our full schedule 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.
PARENTING TIP OF THE MONTH #169
Loving guidance and care for our children is a foundational principle of our Catholic teachings on parenting. Teaching our children how to live as disciples of Jesus provides them with a firm faith foundation, but also the tools for success in life. So don’t be afraid to set boundaries, have solid expectations and provide correction when necessary. God has trusted us with his precious children to raise and the hard work of childhood will become a loving adult relationship when we parent with firm love and respect of our children. (Teresa Hartnett, Family Ministry Office; 905-528-7988 ext. 2250)
MARRIAGE TIP OF THE MONTH #149
Loving your partner is a choice you make every day and it provides you, your spouse and your children with a stable home to grow and feel safe in. We can choose to speak calmly, express our love, gratitude, hurts and desires to our spouse so they can know and understand us better. Your children are watching you, learning how to be a husband and wife and your marriage, in the Catholic tradition, is meant to be the visible sign of God’s invisible love. Making the choice to love is a daily commitment, but so many will benefit, most importantly, you and your spouse. (Teresa Hartnett, Family Ministry Office; 905-528-7988 ext. 2250)
THE DIOCESAN WEDDING ANNIVERSARY MASS – LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER!
Are you celebrating your 25th, 40th, 50th, 60th, or 60+ Wedding Anniversary in the year 2025? You are cordially invited to join Bishop Crosby and couples from across the Diocese of Hamilton for a Wedding Anniversary Mass on Sunday, June 1, 2025 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 can be found under Upcoming Events on the home page at hamiltondiocese.com, or by calling Sarah 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 a Friday evenings. 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. Join in-person (700 King St. West, Hamilton), or by ZOOM. Register for the sessions here: https://sites.google.com/view/hamilton-restart/home,or contact Sarah at familyministry@hamiltondiocese.com, or 905-528-7988 ext. 2249 if you plan to attend in person and for the zoom link if joining online. 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. A monthly informal drop-in support is available at the parish on the 2nd Wednesday of the month at 7pm in the Parish Resource Centre/Library. St. Michael’s is also offering a more detailed 6 week program, When Life Changes (Part 1), which will run on Wednesday evenings (6 consecutive weeks) from - May 14 - June 18 2025. Registration is required by early May for this program by contacting our Parish office 519-884-9311, or email parish@stmichaelw.ca.
ACT II (SEPARATED & DIVORCED SUPPORT GROUP) WATERLOO
Our Act II monthly informal support group will continue to meet on the 3rd Tuesday of every monthat7:30pm at St. Michael Parish, Waterloo. With the support of others you can begin to heal the emotional, social and spiritual devastation of divorce. Join us when you can. Visit the website (www.stmichaelw.ca/separated-and-divorced), or contact our Parish office 519-884-9311, or email parish@stmichaelw.ca for more information.
YOUTH MINISTRY CERTIFICATION PROGRAM
We are currently accepting enrollment for the Youth Ministry Certification Program, which begins in September 2025. Join us as we explore the Practical strategies for youth ministry and the accompaniment of young people in our diocesan community. To review a full course list and for more information, please visit: www.hamiltondioceselearns.com
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 2025. 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
ABOUT THE SPIRITUALITY OF CHILDHOOD
Holy Rosary Parish in Guelph is hosting the first of a two-part Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Level One Formation Course July 7-12, 2025. This retreat-like experience immerses the adult in scripture, liturgy, theology, prayer, the needs and capacities of children, and making materials the child works with to internalize the Christian message. Catechists formed in this method usually go on to work with 3–6-year-olds in a parish or school, or are involved in ministries such as RCIA, Children’s Liturgy of the Word, and preparation for the sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion. For more information: www.cgsac.ca /Courses/Level One or contact the course registrar: therese.wright8591@gmail com.
LECTURES IN CATHOLIC EXPERIENCE
St. Jerome’s University, Waterloo hosts a series of public lectures each year on a variety of important and prevalent topics within Catholic life. On Thursday, May 15, Father Greg Boyle, SJ will be speaking on the power of love through his experiences of ministry at “Homeboy Industries”. For more information on the Lectures in Catholic Experience and to explore recordings of previous lectures, you are invited to explore the St. Jerome’s Website: https://www.sju.ca/LCE