BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENTS: October 2025
FRASSATI LEADERSHIP PROGRAM- Calling all those currently in Grade 10! Are you looking to grow in your faith? Do you want to explore what it means to be a Catholic leader? The Frassati Leadership Program may be for you. Join us as we reflect on the foundations of Catholic leadership and foster opportunities for you to grow in your own faith and leadership skills. Registration for this year’s cohort closes on October 24th! For more information and to register please visit: https://hamiltondiocese.com/office/pastoral-offices/youth-ministry/frassati/
NOVENA TO SAINT CARLO ACUTIS Join the Office of Youth Ministry and young people around the Diocese in praying the Novena to Saint Carlo Acutis, towards his first feast day as a canonized saint. The Novena is available to download by visiting: https://bit.ly/3WaUTQx
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/
LECTORS WORKSHOP: In this workshop, participants receive formation in Liturgy and Ministry, The cost is $35 and includes lunch. The workshop runs from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Saturday, November 1, 2025, St. Paul the Apostle Parish, Burlington. Register through the Diocese of Hamilton website under Upcoming Events/Workshops.
EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF COMMUNION WORKSHOP - In this workshop, participants receive formation in Liturgy, Eucharist and Ministry, Spiritual Preparation, Diocesan Norms and Guidelines, and an opportunity to practice. It is ideal for those who are new to this ministry and a good refresher for experienced ministers. Participants receive a mandate from the Bishop of Hamilton. The cost is $35 and includes lunch. The workshops run from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Saturday, October 18, 2025, St. Joseph Parish, Guelph, and Saturday, November 22, 2025, St. Raphael Parish, Burlington. Register through the Diocese of Hamilton website under Upcoming Events/Workshops.
CHILDREN'S LITURGY OF THE WORD WORKSHOP -Children's Liturgy of the Word is a rite which takes place during Mass and is a way to help children participate in the liturgy meaningfully. This age-appropriate liturgical experience prepares children to participate fully in Mass especially after receiving their First Communion. The cost is $35.00. It is offered on Saturday, November 8, 2025, St. Matthew Parish, Oakville, ON, 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.Participants register through the Diocese of Hamilton website under Upcoming Events/Workshops.
EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF COMMUNION TO THE SICK - Extraordinary ministers of Communion bring the Eucharist to the faithful who are ill and deprived of their rightful and accustomed place in the parish community. They represent Christ and manifest faith and charity on behalf of the whole community. It is helpful and important that EMoC receive formation regarding liturgical instructions and ministerial responsibilities. This short workshop covers the ministry of extraordinary ministers of Communion to the sick as an extension of the Parish, Liturgical Options and Applications, Pastoral Issues and Resources. Thursday, October 9, 2025, St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, ON, 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Participants register through the Diocese of Hamilton website under Upcoming Events/Workshops.
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 begins at (6:30pm and concludes with prayer at 9:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 1st at St. Basil’s Church (50 Palace Street, Brantford). Sponsored by the Vocations Office of the Diocese of Hamilton: https://hamiltondiocese.com/vocations/ For information, contact: vocations@hamiltondiocese.com.
PARENTING TIP OF THE MONTH #172 As the leaves change and the weather turns colder (and often wetter!), we tend to spend more time indoors. This is a perfect season for quality family time. Instead of everyone being on social media and playing online games, try an old-fashioned board game, working together to put a puzzle together, having a family book club, or watching a movie on TV together and pausing now and then to discuss what is going on and/or what might happen next. Interaction is the key and when we do so we build bonds and relationships. Children talk to us and tell us things when they are ready, so the more time we spend together, the greater the chance we will hear about their concerns, joys, struggles and questions about the world. And don’t forget, praying together each day and attending Mass as a family is another perfect way to bond.
MARRIAGE TIP OF THE MONTH Marriage Tip #152 October is the month in which we celebrate Thanksgiving and a perfect time to stop and think with gratitude about our relationship with our spouse. An attitude of gratitude has the proven benefit of having our brain find the good in any situation, so what better way to see the positives your spouse brings into your life than having an attitude of gratitude for them. It is easy to focus on the challenging moments but stop and contemplate what is good. Tell your spouse in person, or in a handwritten note. Think of all the moments you share, your children, your shared home, your faith – when you pause to focus on the good, there will be so much to be thankful for, and you will feel greater love for the one you love!
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. 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 Church of Our Lady Basilica in Guelph from 9 am to 4 pm on November 22nd (lunch is included). Registration is required Register at hamiltondiocese.com under upcoming events or call 905-528-7988 ext. 2249.
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. Register hamiltondiocese.com under upcoming events for When Life Changes: Grief Relief (Part One) or call 905-528-7988 ext. 2249.
STRUGGLING IN YOUR MARRIAGE? FIND HOPE WITH RETROUVAILLE – Retrouvaille is a marriage program that helps couples who are struggling to restore their marriage and rebuild a loving relationship. Retrouvaille helps to improve communication, build stronger marriages and aids couples to reconnect. Join us for our upcoming weekend Oct. 17 (evening), 18 and 19th because no marriage is beyond hope. For more information visit www.retrouvaille.org, or email 1013r@helpourmarriage.org, or call 905-664-5212.
WHEN LIFE CHANGES - PART 2 - A six-week program which includes both theory and sharing. (To join the program, you must have completed Part 1 already). The program runs Wednesday evenings from October 15th to November 19th at 7pm, at St. Michael Parish, Waterloo. Registration is required by October 3rd; do so by contacting our Parish office 519-884-9311, or email parish@stmichaelw.ca.
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.